Research Methods for Engineers

(CEN4208)
Course Outline
 Introduction to research methods
 Scientific methods
 Research process
 Research Design and Data collection
 Elements of Research Proposals
 Writing of Research Report
 Presentation Skill
 Management Aspect of Research and Development
(R&D)
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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 Chapter - 1
• WHY ONE NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO CONDUCT
RESEARCH ?

• DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF RESEARCH

• OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

• MOTIVATION IN RESEARCH

• TYPES OF RESEARCH

• RESEARCH APPROACHES

• RESEARCH METHODS VS METHODOLOGY

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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
Why One Needs To Learn How to Conduct
Research?
1. The knowledge of research methodology provides training
to new researchers and enables them to do research
properly.
2. It helps them to develop disciplined thinking.
3. The knowledge of doing research would inculcate the ability
to evaluate and utilize the research findings with confidence.
4. The knowledge of research methodology equips the
researcher with tools that help him to observe things.
5. The knowledge of methodology helps the research
consumer to evaluate research and make rational decisions.
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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 Questions
What is one of the primary How does knowledge of
benefits of understanding research methodology
research methodology for new assist research consumers?
researchers? A) It enables them to play
A) It allows researchers to write video games effectively.
novels. B) It allows them to evaluate
B) It helps them develop to research and make rational
disciplined thinking. decisions.
C) It teaches them how to bake. C) It teaches them how to
D) It ensures they can only work create formulas.
in labs. D) It encourages them to
conduct field studies only.
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 Introduction
Definitions of Research
 Research in common phrasing refers to a search for
knowledge… (Pursuit of understanding and insight).
 One can also define research as a scientific and systematic
search for pertinent information on a specific topic.
 In this regard, research is an art of scientific investigation.
 The Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English lays
down the meaning of research as “a careful investigation or
inquiry specially through search for new facts in any
branch of knowledge”.
 Redman and Mory* define research as a “systematized
effort to gain new knowledge”.
* Scholars 5
CEN4204 : Research Methods for Engineers
D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson in the Encyclopedia of Social
Sciences define research as
 “the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the
purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify
knowledge.
 Research is, thus, an original contribution to the existing
stock of knowledge making for its advancement.
 It is the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observation,
comparison and experiment.
 In short, the search for knowledge through objective and
systematic method of finding solution to a problem is
research.
 The systematic approach concerning generalization and the
formulation of a theory is also research.

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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 Questions

How does the Advanced According to Redman and

Learner’s Dictionary of Mory, research is defined
Current English define as:
research? • A) A simple review of
A) A casual discussion about existing literature.
a topic. • B) An unstructured
B) A careful investigation or search for knowledge.
inquiry for new facts. • C) A systematized effort
C) A random collection of to gain new knowledge.
information. • D) An artistic
D) A subjective representation of ideas.
interpretation of events.
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 Continued
Which of the following best
What do Slesinger and describes research based
Stephenson state is the on the passage?
purpose of research? A) A search that often leads
• A) To entertain and to subjective conclusions.
amuse. B) The pursuit of truth
• B) To manipulate things, through objective and
concepts, or symbols for systematic methods.
generalizing knowledge. C) A process that
• C) To create fictional disregards existing
narratives. knowledge.
• D) To accumulate popular D) An exploration without a
opinions. defined method.
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 • According to Clifford Woody, research
comprises
 defining and redefining problems,
 formulating hypothesis or suggested
solutions;
 collecting, organizing and evaluating data;
 making deductions and reaching conclusions;
and at last
 carefully testing the conclusions to determine
whether they fit the formulating hypothesis.

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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
 The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions
through the application of scientific procedures.
 Though each research study has its own specific purpose, we may
think of research objectives as falling into a number of following
broad groupings:
1. To achieve new insights into it (studies with this object in view are
termed as exploratory or formulative research studies);
2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual,
situation or a group (known as descriptive research studies);
3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs (studies
with this object in view are known as diagnostic research studies);
4. To test a hypothesis of a relationship between variables (known as
hypothesis-testing research studies).
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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 MCQ on Research Objective
What is the primary purpose of research?

A) To gather opinions on various topics.

B) To entertain readers with stories.
C) To discover answers to questions using
scientific procedures.
D) To create fictional theories.

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CEN4204 : Research Methods for Engineers
 MOTIVATION IN RESEARCH
• The possible motives for doing research may be either one or more
of the following:

1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential

benefits;
2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems,
i.e., concern over practical problems initiates research;
3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work;
4. Desire to be of service to society;
5. Desire to get respectability.

 However, this is not an exhaustive list of factors motivating people

to undertake research studies.
 Many more factors such as directives of government, employment
conditions, curiosity about new things, desire to understand
relationships, social thinking and awakening, and the like may as
well motivate people to perform research operations.
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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 TYPES OF RESEARCH
• Descriptive vs. Analytical

• Applied vs. Fundamental

• Quantitative vs. Qualitative

• Conceptual vs. Empirical

• Some Other Types of Research

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(i) Descriptive vs. Analytical:

 Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding

enquiries of different kinds.
 It focuses on portraying characteristics, behaviors, or
events without manipulating variables.
 To describe the "what," "where," and "when" of a situation
rather than the "why."
 The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the
state of affairs as it exists at present.
 It does not provide any reason as such why , how , when and
by whom a particular event happened. It does not consider any
facts or findings.
 It often involves the use of surveys, observations, case
studies, and available data to gather information about the
population or phenomenon being studied.
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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
What is a common What is the primary
characteristic of purpose of descriptive
descriptive research? research based on the
A) It manipulates variables passage?
to determine cause and A) To use only cross-
effect. sectional studies.
B) It focuses on the detailed B) To describe the state of
description of a affairs as it exists at
phenomenon without present.
altering it. C) To analyze the reasons
C) It exclusively uses behind certain behaviors.
qualitative data. D) To predict future trends
D) It only involves based on historical data.
longitudinal studies.
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 In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use
facts or information already available, and analyze these to make a
critical evaluation of the material.
 In contrast to Descriptive research, an analytical research answers
questions why ,how, when and by whom the incident happened. It
provides suitable reason. It is an in depth study
Example:
Context: A civil engineering firm is tasked with assessing the structural integrity of
multiple aging bridges in a metropolitan area.
Data Collection: Engineers gather existing data including past maintenance records,
load capacities, and stress tests, traffic patterns and weight load data.
Analysis: Engineers use analytical methods to evaluate the data. This may involve:
Finite element analysis (FEA), Statistical analysis and Data comparison.
Findings: The analysis may reveal specific patterns, such as certain bridges
consistently exhibiting weaknesses under heavy traffic loads or Possible deterioration
factors, such as corrosion of materials or inadequate initial design specifications, are
identified.
Conclusion: The findings help engineers recommend targeted repairs, or complete
replacements for specific bridges. They may also suggest improvements to design
standards based on the analyzed data. 16
(ii) Applied vs. Fundamental:

 Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate

problem facing by a society or an industrial/business organization,
whereas
 E.g. How to control global warming
 fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and
with the formulation of a theory. It is basic or pure research.
 It also find a solution to a problem
 E.g. A study of factors that affect human life. Is sake for Knowledge

 Research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to

pure mathematics are examples of fundamental research.
 Similarly, research studies, concerning human behavior carried on
with a view to make generalizations about human behavior, are
also examples of fundamental research,
 but research aimed at certain conclusions (say, a solution) facing
a social or business problem is an example of applied research.
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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 Context: A civil engineering firm conducts
• Example: Use of Recycled Materials
fundamental research to understand the inherent
in Concrete Production (Applied) properties of recycled materials, such as crushed
• Context: A civil engineering firm concrete and glass, for potential use in concrete
explores the use of recycled materials mixes.
(crushed concrete and glass) in Objective: To investigate how the physical and
chemical properties of recycled materials affect
concrete mixes. their suitability as aggregates in concrete.
• Objective: To assess if these Methodology:
materials can maintain concrete • Perform comprehensive laboratory analyses,
strength and durability while reducing including:
environmental impact. – Physical tests for particle size distribution
• Methodology: and shape.
– Chemical tests to assess composition and
• Conduct lab tests comparing traditional potential reactivity.
aggregates with recycled materials. – Mechanical property evaluations to
• Analyze compressive strength, determine strength characteristics.
workability, and environmental Implementation: Establish a controlled
resistance. environment to systematically test different
proportions of recycled materials in concrete
• Implementation: Apply the new mixtures.
concrete mix in a pilot roadway project. Outcome: Gather foundational knowledge about
• Outcome: Evaluate long-term how recycled materials behave compared to
performance and cost-effectiveness of traditional aggregates, contributing to the broader
understanding of their potential applications.
the new mix against traditional
concrete. 18
(iii) Quantitative vs. Qualitative:

 Quantitative research is based on the measurement of

quantity or amount.
 It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in
terms of quantity.
 It deals with numerical Data
E.g. The amount of time a Doctor takes to treat a patient
 Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with
qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or
involving quality or kind.

 For instance, when we are interested in investigating the

reasons for human behavior (i.e., why people think or do certain
things), we quite often talk of ‘Motivation Research’, an
important type of qualitative research.

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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 What type of research is best
What is the primary characteristic of suited for exploring patterns and
quantitative research? trends in large datasets?
A) It focuses on understanding participants' A) Qualitative research
experiences. B) Descriptive research
B) It involves non-numerical data and C) Quantitative research
thematic analysis. D) Experimental research
C) It relies on numerical data and statistical
Qualitative research is primarily
analysis.
D) It collects data through open-ended aimed at:
interviews. A) Testing a hypothesis using
numerical data.
Which of the following is an example of B) Understanding meanings
qualitative research? and experiences.
A) A survey measuring the height of C) Establishing causal
students in a school.
B) An experiment testing the relationships.
effectiveness of a new drug. D) Generalizing findings to a
C) Interviews exploring the feelings of larger population.
stakeholders about a policy change.
D) A study analyzing traffic accident
statistics.
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 (iv) Conceptual vs. Empirical:

 Conceptual research is that related to some abstract

idea(s) or theory. To give new theory, concept or topic
 It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop
new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.
 This research is conducted based by observing already
present information on a given specific topic.
 Does not involve conducting and practical experiments.

 Empirical research relies on experience or observation

alone, often without due regard for system and theory.
 It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which
are capable of being verified by observation or experiment.
 We can also call it as experimental type of research. In such a
research, the researcher must first provide himself with a
working hypothesis or guess as to the probable results.
 He then works to get enough facts (data) to prove or disprove
his hypothesis. E.g. DNA test 21
CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 Conceptual research is primarily
What characterizes conceptual concerned with:
research? A) Testing hypotheses through
A) It relies on experimentation to gather controlled experiments.
data.
B) Developing and refining theoretical
B) It focuses on developing theories and
ideas rather than collecting data. frameworks.
C) It involves statistical analysis of C) Gathering and analyzing data to
numerical data. answer specific questions.
D) It uses case studies to analyze real- D) Observing and measuring
world applications. phenomena in the natural world.
Which of the following is an example
of empirical research? Empirical research is characterized by:
A) A literature review discussing A) Its reliance on abstract theories and
various theories on emotion. models.
B) A survey collecting data on B) The collection and analysis of data
consumer preferences. from real-world observations or
C) A theoretical paper proposing a experiences.
new framework for understanding C) The absence of any data collection.
motivation. D) Theoretical discussions without
D) An analysis of philosophical practical application.
perspectives on knowledge. 22
(v) Some Other Types of Research:

 All other types of research are variations of one or more of

the above stated approaches, based on either the purpose
of research, or the time required to accomplish research, on
the environment in which research is done, or on the basis
of some other similar factor.

 From the point of view of time, we can think of research

either as one-time research(Cross-sectional) or
longitudinal research (conducting again and again).

 Research can be field-setting research or laboratory

research or simulation research, depending upon the
environment in which it is to be carried out.

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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 Research can as well be understood as clinical or
diagnostic research.
 Such research follow case-study methods or in-depth
approaches to reach the basic relations.
 Such studies usually go deep into the causes of things or
events that interest us, using very small samples and very deep
probing data gathering devices.
 Is conducted to find out the cause or reason of something
e.g. Taking blood sample to analyze disease
Research may be exploratory or it may be formalized.

 The objective of exploratory research is the development of

hypotheses rather than their testing, whereas
 formalized research studies are those with substantial structure
and with specific hypotheses to be tested.

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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
What is the primary purpose of diagnostic research in the
civil engineering profession?
A) To develop new construction materials.
B) To identify and analyze the causes of specific structural
failures or issues.
C) To predict future trends in construction technology.
D) To create theoretical models of urban development.

What is the primary goal of exploratory research in the context of

soil stabilization in civil engineering?
A) To implement standardized procedures for soil testing.
B) To investigate new techniques and materials for improving
soil stability.
C) To evaluate the long-term performance of existing soil
stabilization methods.
D) To compare the costs of soil stabilization with other
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construction practices.
 Historical research is that which utilizes historical sources like
documents, remains, etc.
 To study events or ideas of the past, including the philosophy of
persons and groups at any remote point of time.
 Research can also be classified as conclusion-oriented and
decision-oriented.
 While doing conclusion oriented research, a researcher is free
to pick up a problem, redesign the enquiry as he proceeds and
is prepared to conceptualize as he wishes.
 Decision-oriented research is always for the need of a
decision maker and the researcher in this case is not free to
embark upon research according to his own inclination.

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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
Example on conclusion Example on decision
oriented: A study on oriented: A study
analyzing historical data to evaluating different soil
understand the impact of stabilization methods to
soil types on construction recommend the best
stability.
technique for a specific
It aims to draw conclusions construction project.
about the relationships
without immediate The goal is to provide a
applications. practical solution for a
current issue.
Focus: Conclusion-oriented research is about generating insights,
while decision-oriented research is about guiding actions.

Purpose: The former seeks to enhance understanding; the latter

seeks to inform and guide specific decisions.
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 Research Approaches
 The above description of the types of research brings to light the
fact that there are two basic approaches to research, viz.,
quantitative approach and the qualitative approach.
 The quantitative approach involves the generation of data in
quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous quantitative
analysis in a formal and rigid fashion.
 This approach can be further sub-classified into experimental and
simulation approaches to research.
 Qualitative approach to research is concerned with subjective
assessment of attitudes, opinions and behavior. Research in
such a situation is a function of researcher’s insights and
impressions.
 Such an approach to research generates results either in non-
quantitative form or in the form which are not subjected to
rigorous quantitative analysis.
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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
Research Methods Vs Methodology
 Research methods or techniques, refer to the methods the
researchers use in performing research operations.

 A distinction is also made between research techniques and

research methods.

 Research techniques refer to the behavior of instruments we

use in performing research operations such as making
observations, recording data, techniques of processing data and
the like.

 Research methods refer to the behavior of instruments used in

selecting and constructing research technique.
 one can say that methods are more general. It is the methods
that generate techniques. However, in practice, the two terms are
taken as interchangeable and when we talk of research methods
we do, by implication, include research techniques within their
compass. 29
CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 Research Methods Vs Methodology(cont’d)
 Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the
research problem.

 In it we study the various steps that are generally adopted by a

researcher in studying his/her research problem along with the
logic behind them.

 So, It is necessary for the researcher to know not only the

research methods/techniques but also the methodology

 Researchers not only need to know how to develop certain

indices or tests, how to apply particular research techniques,
but they also need to know which of these methods or
techniques, are relevant and which are not, and what would
they mean and indicate and why.
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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 Research Methods Vs Methodology(cont’d)
 The scope of research methodology is wider than that of research
methods.

 Thus, when we talk of research methodology we not only talk of

the research methods but also consider the logic behind the
methods we use in the context of our research study and explain
why we are using a particular method or technique and why we
are not using others. i.e.,
 Why a research study has been undertaken,
 how the research problem has been defined,
 in what way and why the hypothesis has been formulated,
 what data have been collected and what particular method has
been adopted,
 why particular technique of analyzing data has been used.

 And a host of similar other questions are usually answered when

we talk of research methodology concerning a research problem
or study. 31
CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers
 Which technique is primarily used for observing and recording
the physical properties of soil before stabilization?
A) Interviews
B) Field tests
C) Literature reviews
D) Observational studies
Which research method is best In the context of stabilizing soil,
suited for testing the what does the research
effectiveness of different soil methodology refer to?
stabilization materials in A) The specific data collected
controlled conditions? during the study
A) Qualitative analysis B) The overall strategy for
conducting research, including
B) Experimental method design and analysis
C) Descriptive method C) The results produced by the
D) Longitudinal study research
D) The historical context of soil
stabilization 32
 Thanking you

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CEN4208 : Research Methods for Engineers