Chapter-3

RESEARCH DESIGN
&
DATA COLLECTION
&
RESEARCH PROPOSAL

CEN4208 : Research Methods for 1

Engineers
 Research Design
 The formidable problem that follows the task of defining the
research problem is the preparation of the design of the research
project, popularly known as the “research design”.
 Decisions regarding what, where, when, how much, by what means
concerning a research study constitute a research design.
 A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection
and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to
the research purpose with economy in procedure.
 It is the overall plan or strategy that guide a research project from
its conception to the final analysis of data.
 As such the design includes an outline of what the researcher will
do from writing the hypothesis and its operational implications to
the final analysis of data.
2
 Research Design (cont’d)
 Research design is needed because it facilitates the smooth sailing
of the various research operations, thereby making research as
efficient as possible yielding maximal information with minimal
expenditure of effort, time and money.

 Research design stands for advance planning of the methods to be

adopted for collecting the relevant data and the techniques to be
used in their analysis, keeping in view the objective of the
research and the availability of staff, time and money.

 Preparation of the research design should be done with great care

as any error in it may upset the entire project.
3
 Research Design (cont’d)
More explicitly, the design decisions happen to be in respect of:
I. What is the study about?
II. Why is the study being made?
III. Where will the study be carried out?
IV. What type of data is required?
V. Where can the required data be found?
VI. What periods of time will the study include?
VII. What will be the sample design?
VIII. What techniques of data collection will be used?
IX. How will the data be analyzed?
X. In what style will the report be prepared?

CEN4204 : Research Methods for 4

Engineers
Example on nicely prepared research design
This study adopts a quantitative experimental research design to evaluate the
mechanical and durability performance of concrete incorporating recycled aggregate as
a partial replacement for natural coarse aggregate. The research focuses on
determining the optimal replacement ratio that balances strength, durability, and
sustainability. Laboratory-based experiments will be conducted using controlled mix
proportions with varying percentages of recycled aggregate (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%).
Standard tests—including compressive strength, split tensile strength, water
absorption, and rapid chloride penetration—will be performed in accordance with
relevant ASTM and IS codes. The independent variable is the percentage of recycled
aggregate, while dependent variables include strength and durability indicators. Data
will be collected at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days to capture performance trends
over time.
Data analysis will involve statistical techniques such as analysis of variance (ANOVA)
to assess the significance of differences among mix proportions. Regression analysis
will be used to establish relationships between recycled aggregate content and
concrete performance parameters. Reliability and validity will be ensured through
repeated trials, standardized testing procedures, and proper calibration of equipment.
The outcomes of the study are expected to provide practical recommendations for the
use of recycled aggregates in structural concrete, contributing to sustainable
construction practices and efficient waste

5
CEN4204 : Research Methods for Engineers
What is the study about?
The study is about evaluating the mechanical and durability performance of concrete made with
recycled aggregate as a partial replacement for natural coarse aggregate.
II. Why is the study being made?
The study is being conducted to determine the optimal replacement ratio of recycled aggregate
that maintains strength and durability while promoting sustainability.
III. Where will the study be carried out?
The study will be carried out in a laboratory setting.
IV. What type of data is required?
Quantitative experimental data related to strength and durability properties of concrete.
V. Where can the required data be found?
The required data will be obtained from laboratory test results of concrete specimens.
VI. What periods of time will the study include?
The study will include curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days.
VII. What will be the sample design?
Concrete samples with different recycled aggregate replacement levels (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%).
VIII. What techniques of data collection will be used?
Standard laboratory testing techniques such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, water
absorption, and rapid chloride penetration tests.
IX. How will the data be analyzed?
Data will be analyzed using statistical methods including ANOVA and regression analysis.
X. In what style will the report be prepared?
The report will be prepared in a formal technical research report style following standard civil
engineering and academic conventions.

CEN4204 : Research Methods for 6

Engineers
 Methods of Data Collection
 The task of data collection begins after a research problem has
been defined and research design/plan chalked out.
 While deciding about the method of data collection to be used for
the study, the researcher should keep in mind two types of data
viz., primary and secondary.
 The primary data are those which are collected fresh and for the
first time, and thus happen to be original in character.
 The secondary data, on the other hand, are those which have
already been collected by someone else and which have already
been passed through the statistical process.
 The researcher would have to decide which sort of data he would
be using (thus collecting) for his study and accordingly he will
have to select one or the other method of data collection.
7
 COLLECTION OF PRIMARY DATA
 We collect primary data during the course of doing experiments in an
experimental research.

 In an experiment the investigator measures the effects of an experiment

which he conducts intentionally.

 In case we do research of the descriptive type and perform surveys,

whether sample surveys or census surveys, then we can obtain primary
data either through observation or through direct communication with
respondents in one form or another or through personal interviews.

 In a survey, the investigator examines those phenomena which exist in

the universe independent of his action.
8
 Types of Experiments
Independent Variable:
Percentage of recycled aggregate used in concrete (0%, 25%,
50%, 75%)
Dependent Variables:
Compressive strength of concrete
Split tensile strength Laboratory Experiment
Water absorption Research investigation in which
investigator creates a situation with
exact conditions so as to control
Scientific investigation in which an some, and manipulate other,
investigator manipulates and variables
controls one or more independent
variables and observes the
dependent variable for variation
concomitant to the manipulation Field Experiment
of the independent variables
Research study in a realistic situation in
which one or more independent
variables are manipulated by the
experimenter under as carefully
controlled conditions as the
situation will permit

CEN4204 : Research Methods for 9

Engineers
 COLLECTION OF PRIMARY DATA (cont’d)

 There are several methods of collecting primary data, particularly in

surveys and descriptive researches. Important ones are:
I. observation method,
II. interview method,
III. through questionnaires,
IV. through schedules, and etc.

CEN4204 : Research Methods for 10

Engineers
 Observation Method
 Under the observation method, the information is sought by way of
investigator’s own direct observation without asking from the respondent.
 The main advantage of this method is that subjective bias is eliminated, if
observation is done accurately.
 Secondly, the information obtained under this method relates to what is
currently happening; it is not complicated by either the past behavior or
future intentions or attitudes.
 Thirdly, this method is independent of respondents’ willingness to respond
and as such is relatively less demanding of active cooperation on the part of
respondents as happens to be the case in the interview or the questionnaire
method.
 This method is particularly suitable in studies which deal with respondents
who are not capable of giving verbal reports of their feelings for one reason
or the other
11
 Interview Method
 The interview method of collecting data involves presentation of oral-
verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral-verbal responses.
 This method can be used through personal interviews and, if possible,
through telephone interviews.
a) Personal interviews: Personal interview method requires a person
known as the interviewer asking questions generally in a face-to-face
contact to the other person or persons.
b) Telephone interviews: This method of collecting information
consists in contacting respondents on telephone itself. It is not a very
widely used method, but plays important part in industrial surveys,
particularly in developed regions.

CEN4204 : Research Methods for 12

Engineers
 COLLECTION OF DATA THROUGH
QUESTIONNAIRES
 This method of data collection is quite popular, particularly in case
of big enquiries.
 A questionnaire consists of a number of questions printed or typed
in a definite order on a form or set of forms.
 The questionnaire is mailed to respondents who are expected to read
and understand the questions and write down the reply in the space
meant for the purpose in the questionnaire itself.
 The respondents have to answer the questions on their own.

13
COLLECTION OF DATA THROUGH SCHEDULES
 This method of data collection is very much like the collection of data
through questionnaire, with little difference which lies in the fact that
schedules (proforma containing a set of questions) are being filled in
by the enumerators who are specially appointed for the purpose.
 These enumerators along with schedules, go to respondents, put to
them the questions from the proforma in the order the questions are
listed and record the replies in the space meant for the same in the
proforma.
The main difference between Questionnaire and Schedule is…
 The questionnaire is generally sent through mail to informants to be
answered as specified in a covering letter, but otherwise without
further assistance from the sender.
 The schedule is generally filled out by the research worker or14 the
enumerator, who can interpret questions when necessary.
 SECONDARY DATA
 It can be a valuable source of information for gaining knowledge
and insight into a broad range of issues and phenomena.
 Review and analysis of secondary data can provide a cost-
effective way of addressing issues related to the subject under
investigation.
 It complements, but does not replace, primary data collection and
should be the starting place for any research.

CEN4204 : Research Methods for 15

Engineers
 Secondary Data Sources
 Government Documents  Reference Books
 Official Statistics  Research Institutions
 Technical Reports  University Libraries
 Scholarly Journals  Library Search Engines
 Trade Journals  Computerized Databases
 Review Articles  The Internet

CEN4204 : Research Methods for 16

Engineers
 Methods of Data Analysis.
 Once the data are collected, you must analyze and interpret the
results.
 Analysis will include data summaries (e.g., calculating means and
variances) and statistical tests to verify conclusions.
 Most scientists lay out their Tables and Figures upon completion of
the data analysis before writing the Results section.
 Available data analysis methods
 Statistical methods
 Computer simulation

17
 Summary/Conclusion
 A summary is a look at the overall problem, approach to solving the
problem and what the result was of the attempted problem solving.
 if you read abstracts of scientific papers, those are summaries of the
papers, more or less.
 Summary is just brief but comprehensive description of whole story.
The aim of writing summary is describing all the discussed matters in
a brief but meaningful way.
 A conclusion has to deal more with the results and the relevance of
those results to the problem. It may also take into account any errors
or issues the researcher may have encountered that could have
skewed the results in any way, although in most papers that is
elaborated upon in the discussion.
 Conclusion is the piece of writing that describes the verdict or final
decision of an essay.
18
 Typical Parts of a Research Proposal
 Title (or Cover) Page;
 Abstract;
 Table of Contents;
 Introduction (including Statement of Problem, Purpose of
Research, and Significance of Research)
 Background (including Literature Survey)
 Description of Proposed Research (including Method or
Approach)
 Description of Relevant Institutional Resources (for sponsored
projects)
 Work Plan
 List of References
 Personnel Budget
Cen 4204 : Research Methods For
19
Engineers
 Title of the Proposal
 A good title is usually a compromise between
conciseness and explicitness.

 Although titles should be comprehensive enough to

indicate the nature of the proposed work, they should
also be brief.

 Thus it needs time to think, select and formulate

titles.

Cen 4204 : Research Methods For

20
Engineers
 Abstract
 Every proposal, even very brief ones, should have an abstract.

 Some readers read only the abstract, and most readers rely on it
initially to give them a quick overview of the proposal.

 Though it appears first, the abstract should be written last, as a

concise summary (approximately 200 words) of the proposal.

 The abstract should summarize or at least suggest the answers to

all the questions mentioned in the Introduction above.

 Thus it is the most important single element in the proposal.

21
 Abstract (cont’d)
 An abstract usually acts as a summary of work already completed
and is used by prospective readers to decide whether or not to read
the entire text.
 An abstract should represent as much as possible the quantitative
and qualitative information in the document, and also reflect its
reasoning.
 It is important that you spend some time thinking and drafting your
prospectus/research proposal or abstract since the quality of these
documents is often solely responsible for
– whether or not your paper is accepted to a conference,
– whether or not your research project is approved, and/or
– whether or not you receive funding for a research project.
 Your abstract or prospectus/research proposal is literally a "first
impression" to your reader/audience, one that you want to make
positively. Cen 4204 : Research Methods For
22
Engineers
 Abstract (cont’d)
 Typically, an informative abstract answers these questions in
100-250 words:
 What is the topic of research?

 What is the research question?

 Why is this relevant?

 How do I study the topic?

 What kind of findings do I anticipate?

 How will I interpret the findings?

 What are the implications of my research paper?

Cen 4204 : Research Methods For

23
Engineers
 Key words
What is it?
• It is making a list of the words that will help you find
the information you need about your research topic.
• They are called "key words" because they can
"unlock" the doors that will lead you to
useful information.

When will I use them?

• You will use them when searching through books
(using indexes) and through electronic sources (using
search screens in online reference sources or search
tools such as search engines or directories).
24
 Table of Contents
• Very brief proposals with few sections ordinarily do not need a
table of contents.
• Long and detailed proposals may require, in addition to a table of
contents, a list of illustrations (or figures) and a list of tables.
• If all of these are included, they should follow the order
mentioned, and each should be numbered with lower-case Roman
numerals.
• If they are brief, more than one can be put on a single page.
• The table of contents should list all major parts and divisions
(including the abstract, even though it precedes the table of
contents).
• Subdivisions usually need not be listed. Again, the convenience of
25
the reader should be the guiding consideration.
 Introduction
• The introduction of a proposal should begin with a capsule statement of
what is being proposed and then should proceed to introduce the subject to
a stranger.
• You should not assume that your reader is familiar with your subject.
• Administrators and program officers in sponsoring agencies want to get a
general idea of the proposed work before passing the proposal to reviewers
who can judge its technical merit.
• Thus the introduction should be comprehensible to an informed layman.
• It should give enough background to enable him to place your particular
research problem in a context of common knowledge and should show
how its solution will advance the field or be important for some other
work.
• Be careful not to overstate, but do not neglect to state very specifically
26
what the importance of your research is.
 Introduction (cont’d)
• In introducing the research problem, it is sometimes helpful to say what it is
not, especially, if it could easily be confused with related work.

• You may also need to explain the underlying assumption of your research or
the hypotheses you will be using.

• If the detailed exposition of the proposed research will be long or complex,

the introduction may well end by specifying the order and arrangement of the
sections.

• Such a preview helps a reviewer begin his reading with an orderly

impression of the proposal.

• The general tone of the introduction should reflect a sober self-confidence.

27
 Background
(Literature Review Section)
 This section may not be necessary if the proposal is relatively simple and if
the introduction can present the relevant background in a few sentences.

 If previous or related work must be discussed in some detail, however, or if

the literature of the subject must be reviewed, a background or literature
review section is desirable.

 A background discussion of your own previous work usually can be less

detailed than the customary "progress report."
1) to make clear what the research problem is and exactly what has been
accomplished;
2) to give evidence of your own competence in the field; and
3) to show why the previous work needs to be continued.
28
 Background (cont’d)
• Literature reviews should be selective and critical.

• Reviewers do not want to read through a voluminous working

bibliography; they want to know the especially pertinent works and
your evaluation of them.

• Discussions of work done by others should therefore lead the reader

to a clear impression of how you will be building upon what has
already been done and how your work differs from theirs.

• It is important to establish what is original in your approach, what

circumstances have changed since related work was done, or what is
unique about the time and place of the proposed research. 29
 Materials, Methods and Work Plan
• The comprehensive explanation of the proposed research is
addressed not to laymen but to other specialists in your field.

• This section, which may need several subsections, is, of course, the
heart of the proposal and is the primary concern of the technical
reviewers.

• Be realistic in designing the program of work.

• Probably the comment most frequently made by reviewers is that the

research plans should be scaled down to a more specific and more
manageable project that will permit the approach to be evaluated and
that, if successful, will form a sound basis for further work.
30
 Materials… (cont’d)
• Often it is best to begin this section with a short series of explicit
statements listing each objective, in quantitative terms if possible.

• Be explicit about any assumptions or hypotheses the research

method rests upon

• Be clear about the focus of the research.

• Be as detailed as possible about the schedule of the proposed

work.

• Be specific about the means of evaluating the data or the

conclusions.

• Be certain that the connection between the research objectives

and the research method is evident.
31
 Logistics
• Hard ware and software resources that will be
involved in the research project, and also price
listing is prepared under this topics.

• In other words this is about Budgets.

– specify how budgets should be presented and what
costs are allowable.

Cen 4204 : Research Methods For

32
Engineers
 References
• If a list of references is to be included, it is placed at the end of the text
proper and before the sections on personnel and budget.
• The style of the bibliographical item itself depends on the disciplinary
field. The main consideration is consistency; whatever style is chosen
should be followed scrupulously throughout.
• Anyways be advised to use the IEEE style. (when cited from Journals,
Books and Internet respectively)
[1] A. Ushida and L.O. Chua, “Frequency domain Analysis of non-linear
circuit drives by multitone signals”, IEEE Trans. Circuit Syst. [Link]-5,
pp.766-778, Sept.1984
[2] R.W. Hamming, Coding and information theory. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
Prentice-Hall, Inc., pp.21-49
[3] Computational, Optical, and Discharge Physics Group, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, “ Hybrid Plasma equipment model:
Inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching reactors,” December 1999,
[Link]
33
 Summary
N Classification Description Size of
o content
1 Title Research title
2 Abstract Highlight what the Research is all about, 200-500
what will be done and a brief Summary (Half a
page)
3 Introduction /or Give a concise good account of the area of 2-4 pages
Literature Review investigation, what has been done so far
and what is going to be added.
4 Objectives List general and specific objective using Max. 5
bullet points points
5 Tasks The tasks that need to be done in the 300-500
project including writing up words
6 Milestone The dates of your completion of each Max. 100
measureable task, words
7 Time Chart Graphically display the tasks and milestones Max. one
indicating period of activity and times. page
8 Resource The resource requirements must be shown Tables or
Requirement Max 100
words
9 References Identify the significance references used Min. 4 34
references