Research Methodology

EPH 7112

LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION

Motivation

Professor asks students to study relationship between flame flickering and music beat

15 students said ‘yes’ 5 students said ‘no’ How did it happen?

Motivation

Condition of experiment different ‘Sensor’ biased “Planning and conducting rigorous

research and development projects in science and engineering is often very challenging”

This is our motivation

Contents

Aim of Subject Learning Outcome of Subject Assessment Scheme Definition of research Introduction to academic research Contemporary research in

Engineering and Technology

Aim of Subject

The main objectives of this course are to help students: To use information systems

effectively; To write a critical review of the

relevant literature; To identify a research problem;To develop and write a research

proposal for their discipline area;

Aim of Subject

To propose and justify an appropriate research plan for the chosen research problem;

To choose and apply an appropriate experimental design to a particular research problem, if required;

To understand and apply a range of standard techniques for instrumentation and data acquisition;

To prepare a well written and concise research thesis or report

Assessment Scheme

Group assignment Preparation of research proposal Graded as “Pass” or “Fail”

Assignment

Critical Review Research Proposal Study Model Research Ethics Case Studies Technical Writing Short assignments

Reference Books

Ranjit Kumar. "Research Methodology" Longman, 1996

Lindsay D. “A Guide to Scientific Writing” Longman, 1995

Ralph Berry. “How to write a Research Paper”, Pergamon, 1986

Gerson S J and Gerson S M. “Technical Writing Process and Product”, Prentice Hall, 1992

Coley S M and Scheinberg C A, "Proposal Writing", Newbury Sage Publications, 1990

How do you view research?

A quest for knowledge and understanding

An interesting and useful experience A course for qualification A career A style of life A way to improve quality of life An ego boost

Have you done research?

Not a new processLooking for a dream jobLooking for good apartmentBuying a cheap carFinding the love of your life …

Background

Beginning of 2nd Millennium Dark Ages – Renaissance 3G Exploration – into Africa and Asia Crusaders fight for Jerusalem Can Earth possibly be flat? Research begins ….

Background

Chinese civilization Islamic civilization Indian civilization All have contributions to research too

…

Definition of Research

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com) careful or diligent search studious inquiry or examination; especially :

investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws

the collecting of information about a particular subject

Definition of research

Greenfield (1996): “Research is an art aided by skills of inquiry,experimental design,data collectionmeasurement and analysis

by interpretation, and by presentation”

Development

fundamentally more significant as a contributor to the success of a commercial organization

apply scientific, engineering or technological knowledge in a systematic manner to improve performance

organization growth and increase shareholder value

Development

Exploits technology created elsewhere Has a final product or process tied to it Has finite timescales in which to deliver Has finite costs for the end product Is targeted at tangible benefits for the

customer

R&D

Research is a process that acquires new knowledge

Development is a process that applies knowledge to create new devices or effects

R&D Problems

Research seeks truth Development seeks utility Industry can’t afford luxury of research Academics uninterested with

development Myopic views R&D is interdependent

R&D Problems

Research results cannot be reproduced

Data collection is haphazard Experiment methods are chaotic Trial and error … Lack records Reports are disorganized

Academic Research Problems

Very similar to R&D problems Research methodology is important In Science & Engineering, lack of

emphasis on research methodology Research methodology informal

training

Conclusions

Importance of Research Methodology Definition:

ResearchDevelopment