Research Paper
James00712212
Lecture1WhatisResearch.pptxWhat is Research in the context of Research Methods?
Professor Lo’ai Tawalbeh
Slide 1
1
Definition of Research
‘Research’ can cover a wide range of activities:
Original investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge and understanding;
The invention and generation of ideas, images, performances, artefacts including design, where these lead to new or substantially improved insights;
The use of existing knowledge in experimental development to produce new or substantially improved materials, devices, products and processes, including design and construction.
Research Assessment Exercise HEFCE
Slide 2
2
What is Research?
The process of discovery of knowledge that is new to the world at large
A systematic investigation into and study of materials, sources, etc, in order to establish facts and to reach new conclusions
The discovery of new facts or collation of old facts … by the scientific study of a subject or by a course of critical investigation
Oxford English Dictionary
To advance knowledge (e.g. a new software engineering methodology), to open up a new area (m-commerce)
To validate a theory by experiment, to build a new theory, to contradict or prove existing facts
To answer long-standing question(s), to seek new explanations for things
To apply an existing theory to a new domain
Slide 3
Broader definitions of research
“In the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge.“
(Shuttleworth 2008)
"Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyse information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue“.
(Creswell 2008)
“A 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".
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Application of ‘types’ of research
Scientific research
Engineering principles (e.g. thermodynamics)
Engineering applications (e.g. RFID, eco-power)
Computing principles (e.g. algorithmics)
Computing applications (e.g. forensics, mobile)
Research in the humanities
Engineering/technology marketing
Ergonomics
Human computer interaction
Systems design/utilisation
Practical definitions of research
Although it is essentially theoretical, research has
practical applications:
Solving a ‘real world’ problem/giving an advantage or benefit
Improving a situation, process or method
Keeping up to date with developments
Developing a technology
Finding a new way of doing things (more like PhD)
Developing an existing way (more like MSc)
Creating the potential for any of the above
Bringing together different ideas (synthesis)
Applying existing methods to new problem areas
Slide 6
What Research can be
Basic research
Investigation with no practical application in mind
(e.g. just finding out about a process or artefact)
Strategic research
Intended for some future application (e.g. providing a new theory or model or major new artefact)
Applied research
To meet immediate goals or solve a practical problem
Producing a better artefact (e.g. product development)
Finding potential technologies for existing & new applications
Slide 7
7
What Research is NOT
Routine testing and routine analysis of materials, components and processes (as distinct from the development of new analytical techniques)
The development of materials or methods that do not embody original investigation or innovative application
The application of existing skills or methods in similar situations
Where do consultancy and market research sit?
What implications are there for ET&C?
Slide 8
8
Properties of Research
Original & innovative – providing a ‘contribution’
Ethical and beneficial to the community
Impartial and unbiased – justified by citation
Rigorous and methodological
Founded in a recognised domain – related to a ‘body of knowledge’
Public and ‘transparent’ through publication?
Ethical implications of research...
What about research funding and profits?
What about weapons research?
Slide 9
9
So what has this to do with you?
An undergraduate project is a demonstration of skill and competence - you can already do this...
Designing and implementing software
Producing an ‘engineered’ artefact
BUT – any skill you learn now may be obsolete five years after you start work
The most useful skill you can learn now is to “learn to learn”
Technology awareness
Technology audit
Technology update
Steps in conducting research
Some versions have a different order...
Identification of the research problem
Stating the purpose (aim) of research
Determining a research question or hypothesis
Literature review
Data collection
Analysing the data
Interpreting and concluding from the data
Reporting on and evaluating the research
This is remarkably like the structure of a Masters
proposal and dissertation...
References
Shuttleworth, M. (2008). Experiment Resources. http://www.experiment-resources.com/definition-of-research.html. Accessed 28th August 2012.
Creswell, J. W. (2008). Educational Research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (3rd Ed.) Pearson Pub. Upper Saddle River.
