basic research in it introduction BRMIT.ppt

basic research in it introduction BRMIT (2).pptx

1. Basic Research in IT Chapter 1 Introduction Research = Re + Search ‘ Re ’ means again and again and ‘ Search ’ means find out something new which is undiscovered before. Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions. Research is a process to discover new knowledge ( Search for knowledge) . It is an academic activity of search for knowledge or scientific investigation

2. Research is systematic investigation of finding new knowledge or increase current knowledge by discovering new facts to answer a question or to solve a problem. Research is simply an “ organized and systematic” way of finding answers to questions. Organized in that it is structured or organized into basic components in doing research. It is a planned procedure, not a spontaneous one. systematic – research has a definite set of procedures and steps which we will follow in order to get the most accurate results. Finding answers - the end of all research is the answer of a hypothesis or even a simple question.

3. Questions -are central point/starting of a research. Research is focused on relevant, useful, and important questions. Without a question, research has no focus, drive/motive, or purpose . A research can be undertaken for two different purposes: 1. To solve a currently existing problem (applied research) 2. To contribute to the general body of knowledge in a particular area of interest (basic/fundamental research)

4. Research compris es D efining and redefining problems F ormulating hypothesis C ollecting, organizing and analyzing data M aking interpretation and reaching conclusions C arefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulated hypothesis or not.

5. Research often makes use of various sources of knowledge:- Intuitive :- when coming up with an initial idea for a research (native) . Authoritative:- when reviewing professional literature. Logical :- when reasoning from findings to conclusions(rationality). Empirical :- when engaging in procedures that leads to these findings/with new data sets and experiments (Experimental) .

6. Research and theory What is theory? Theory is a statement or set of statements explaining one or more laws, usually including one indirect concept needed to explain the relationships between variables. If the statements concern only a single relationship between variables, we are speaking of a law. However a number of laws are tied together in a more general set of statements, which is called theory Theoretical concepts are not observed directly. They can be observed only indirectly by reference of events that are directly observed.

7. A theoretical concept is a discovery of the scientist to account laws of behavior. E.g. In physics ,no one has ever seen an electron. It is a theoretical concept invented to account for particular law of physics. Theory may enter in to a Research in the following ways : Suggesting a problem for study Providing hypothesis to be tested Selection of variables or classes of data Making research findings understandable

8. Motivations of a research Why we under take a research? To fulfill the requirement of a degree Desire to solve unsolved problems Desire to design appropriate policy Desire to contribute knowledge to the existing stock Curiosity/interest about new things. Directives of government Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work

9. Objectives of research The objectives of research is : To discover answer to questions through the application of scientific procedures To find out the truth which is hidden or which was not discovered yet. To gain familiarity with the phenomenon or to achieve new insights in to it. To portray/describe accurately the characteristics of a particular individual situation or group. To determine the frequency of the occurrences of something To test the hypothesis of the causal relation ship between variables.

10. Significant of Research Research promotes scientific thinking & creative work & makes progress possible. To understand the world than before and describe about a phenomena To optimize resource allocation To predict about something for the future A means of livelihood An outlet for new ideas & insights The development of new styles & creative work The generalizations of new theories Research is the fountain of knowledge and propose /guide solution to solve different business, governmental and social problems.

11. Types of Research There are different ways/perspectives of classifying research. It is noted that there is no clear dividing line between one method and the other. Based on Purpose: Descriptive vs. Analytical Applied vs. Fundamental: 1. Descriptive vs. Analytical Descriptive research - includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries. U undertaken with the aim of determining the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. Problem of previous knowledge exists Major Purpose:- description of the state of affairs as it exist at present. Explain to provide additional information about a topic in detail

12. Analytical research - uses facts to analyze these to make a critical evaluation. Undertaken with the aim of identifying cause and effect relationships amongst variables Desire to know how the cusal factors relate to the effects under predictions Usually refered as hypothesis-testing The purpose desire to know "why“ to explore something new (IT research is expected to be of more analytical)

13. (2 ) Applied vs. Fundamental Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organization. Developing a SW that convert word files into database format Innovating new way in doing payroll processing by a computer Developing a program that copy's files from a computer to a mobile phone (Your research is expected to be more of applied) Fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Examples:- Research relating to pure mathematics like Driving Formulas Research carried out to make generalization about human behavior

14. II. Based on Approach and method Quantitative vs. Qualitative Conceptual vs. Empirical Behavioral Vs Design research Quantitative vs Qualitative Quantitative research is based on the measurement of amount or quantity. Applicable to phenomenon that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research is concerned with quality or kind. (Your research can follow both or either )

15. 2. Conceptual vs. Empirical Conceptual research is used by philosophers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. Generally used by philosophers & thinker to develop new concepts or to re-interpret existing once. Related to some abstract idea/theory Empirical research is data-based research which can be verified by observation or experiment. Relies on experience or observation It is data based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified. Tried to prove a given hypothesis with new data (Your research is expected to be more of empirical)

16. 3. Behavioral Vs Design research Design Science - S tudies artificial objects or phenomena designed to meet certain goals (most likely your work will fall under this category) Behavioral - Studies the decision processes and communication strategies within and between organisms in a social system. Based on time, research can be categorized as:- Cross Sectional Research :- where the research is confined to a single time period. Also called one time research Longitudinal Research :- where the research is carried out several time periods

17. The Scientific Approach / Method of Research Research conducted for the purpose of contributing towards science by the systematic collection, interpretation and evaluation of data, in a planned manner( called scientific research).  The scientific method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence. Steps of Scientific Method Problem description /Question Observation/Research Formulate a Hypothesis Experiment Collect and Analyze Results Conclusion Communicate the Results

18. Steps of Scientific Method Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation Observation/Research : Make observations and research your topic of interest. Formulate a Hypothesis : Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase Experiment : Develop and follow a procedure. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

19. 5 . Collect and Analyze Results : Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting. Include tables, graphs, and photographs. 6. Conclusion : Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure. 7. Communicate the Results : Be prepared to present the research findings to an audience. Expect questions from the audience.

20. Stages of the research process Select a topic (title) Problem Definition Literature Review Develop objective and formulate Hypothesis Design the research Execute the research Write Report

21. Component of Research Proposal The Research Topic or Title Introduction and background of the study Statement of the problem & its justification Objectives of the study Hypothesis/Research Question Scope/delimitation of the Study Literature Review Methodology of the study Significance/benefits of the study Budget Schedule and Time Schedule References Appendixes

22. The Research Topic or Title All research works begin with a topic. The topic should be explanatory of the research problem/ the study. It should be clear and understandable It should be related with your career and look for a subject that interests you. It should be concise and descriptive. It must be informative and catchy . The title may need to be revised after completion of writing of the protocol to reflect more closely the sense of the study .

23. Introduction and background of the study Brief overview of the general area. Provides reader with a broad overview of problem in context. Introduce readers about the topic area Statement of the problem & its justification “What research problem are you going to investigate?” Describe the problem & Explain the severity of the problem at hand & suggest possible solutions Explain opportunities behind the problem

24. Justify the reasons why you selected it. Formulating/defining a research problem is the core point in the entire research process. It determines: The data to be collected, The characteristic of the data which are relevant, The choice of techniques to be used, The form of the final report .

25. Objectives of the study Objectives are the goals to be achieved by conducting the research . Are statements that indicate what a researcher intends to accomplish in a more specific term. Objectives must be specific, concrete and achievable statements. Objectives should clearly fit to the statement of the problem. Objectives should be in their approximate order of importance . They may be stated as ‘general’ and ‘specific’. The general objective of the research is “what is to be accomplished by the research”, for example, to develop a model in order to investigate crimes trends by using data mining technique . The specific objectives relate to the specific research questions the investigator wants to answer through the proposed study.

26. Research Questions / Hypothesis Question - research focus to be answered( are questions that are answered by the research result and the main cause of doing a research). In cases where you don’t have hypothesis you may need to formulate research questions representing the problem in a form of question. Hypothesis - potential answer for the study An assertion about the relationship between two or more concepts. Developing research hypotheses is important since they provide the focal point of the research.

27. They indirectly determine the quality of data which is required for the analysis. Hypothesis should be specific Hypothesis should be limited to the piece of research in hand because it has to be tested. The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher and keep him on the right track. Working with hypotheses arise as a result of prior thinking about the subject. Scope/delimitation of the Study Defining the research focus/concern Limiting the research boundary: physical & Logical boundaries (for example location, population )

28. Literature review Re + view = look again at what others have done in areas that are similar, though not necessarily identical to, one’s own area of investigation. Helps to determine if there is already a solution to the problem. The existing solution might require some revision or even be discarded. Helps you identify methodological and design issues in studies similar to your own Introduces you to measurement tools others have used effectively and helps to interpret findings.

29. To gain more knowledge one can approach the problems. It can offer new ideas, perspectives, and approaches that may not have occurred to you It can inform you about other researchers who conduct work in this area – individuals whom you may wish to contact for advice or feedback It can tell sources of data that you may not know As a researcher, you should know the literature about your topic very, very well

30. How to get Literature? Library catalog – Locate books relevant to your research topic – may be general textbooks in your discipline or collections of articles written by a variety of experts in the field Online databases - Access to the literature which contain enormous collections of citations related to various subjects and disciplines. Looking at government publications Surfing the World Wide Web Using the citations and reference lists of those who have gone before you track down any references that you see cited by three or more other researchers because such references are clearly influencing current work in your field and should not be overlooked.

31. Methodology of the Study/ Research Research design and methods:  Describes how you’ll go about answering your research questions and confirming your hypothesis(es). Defining the ways/procedures to be followed Research type Data collection tools to be used Data Source Sample design/ methods Data collection procedure Data analysis tools & techniques

32. Benefits/ significance of the Research What are importance of the study Potential beneficiaries at different levels Individual level Organizational level National level Budget schedule Resources needed Money required for each activity Time Schedule Beginning time for each activity and/or study Ending time for each activity and/or study

33. Writing a Research Proposal The word Proposal suggests looking forward, to what the researcher plans to do in the future . It express your intentions and plans (Future). It should be Written in future tenses. For example, “The study will analyze……” It differs from Research Report: that presents what you have done (past). A proposal is as essential to successful research as an architect’s plans are to the construction of a building An architect plans the structural concepts of buildings, whereas a researcher plans the structural concepts of the solutions to problems.

34. A research proposal should : Offer a plan to fill a need, - So that your reader will evaluate your plan according to how well your written presentation answers questions about WHAT you are proposing, HOW you plan to do it, How long it is going to take , and HOW MUCH it is going to cost. State clearly the problem and its subproblems Articulate hypotheses or questions Defined all necessary terms Spell out delimitations carefully

35. Explain the reason for conducting the study - why it’s important Specify every anticipated detail of acquiring, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting the data. Sometimes young researchers think the proposal is merely a necessary formality and thus do not give it the serious consideration it deserves. a clear, well-written proposal is essential The organization of the thoughts is outlined by the proper use of headings and subheadings

36. In professional writing, headings and subheadings are the single most commonly used strategy to express the writer’s overall organizational scheme. The most important headings are in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS and centred on the page. These are headings of the largest units of writing; for instance, they may be the titles of the various chapters in a proposal or research report The next important headings are in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS and left justified on the page The next headings are in Capital and Lowercase Letters

37. Example of Structural Outline THE REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE 4.1 UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF REVIEW 4.1.1 The Purpose of the Review 4.1.2 How to Begin 4.1.2.1 Go to the indexes and abstracts 4.1.2.2 Database access 4.1.2.3 Go to the library 4.1.3 How to Write the Section 4.1.3.1 Get the proper 4.1.3.2 Have a plan 4.2 POINTS OF DEPARTURE 4.2.1 Abstract 4.2.2 Indexes 4.3 FOR FURTHER READING

38. Chapter 2 FORMULATION OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM Describe the problem & Explain the severity of the problem at hand & suggest possible solutions

39. Selection of a general topic Selecting a good topic may not be easy task and it is your first challenge. When deciding on a topic, there are a few things that will considered: Choose a topic that will be interesting and enable you to read and understand the literature. Preliminary reading will help you to determine your interest. Review as much literature as possible to avoid duplication.

40. Ensure that the topic is manageable(narrow) and that material is available. If your topic is too broad it may be hard to find information that is focused and relevant; if your topic is too narrow it may be hard to find any information at all . The eventual successful completion of a research will depend on the selection of appropriate topic. Commonly begin with a fairly general topic and refine it by research to a more specific one.. Research and read more about your topic.

41. Literature Review and the exploratory study As defined earlier “Literature review” Re + view = look again at what others have done in areas that are similar, though not necessarily identical to, one’s own area of investigation. The more one knows, the more knowledgeably one can approach the problems. What is the purpose of literature review? To determine if there is already a solution to the problem. Existing solutions do not always explain new conditions. The existing solution might require some revision or even be discarded.

42. Some benefits of Literature review : It can tell methods of dealing with problematic situations that may be similar to difficulties you are facing. It can help you to interpret your findings and, ultimately to tie your work to those who have preceded you. It can help you to compare your research results from previous findings to similar topics. To avoid duplicate work on the same area/ topic. Increase confidence on your work To know what others have done in the area.

43. Helps to understand the methods, techniques and tools that other researchers use in the area. In a good literature review, the researcher doesn’t merely report the related literature report that what other people have done and said Rather he or she also critically evaluates , organizes , and synthesizes what others have done. Evaluate their methods and conclusions.

44. Specification of objectives and hypotheses Research objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem and summaries what you hope will be achieved by the study. The general objective of your study states what you expect to achieve from the study in general terms.  Specific objectives break down the general objective into smaller, logically connected parts that systematically address the various aspects of the problem. Specific objectives  describe the result of the research but not the process of the research.

45. Specific objectives are detailed objectives  that describe what will be researched during the study, whereas the general objective is a much broader statement about what the study aims to achieve overall . Your objectives should be stated using action verbs that are specific enough to be measured, for example: to compare, to calculate, to assess, to determine, to verify, to describe, to explain, etc. Avoid the use of vague non-active verbs such as: to appreciate, to understand, to believe, to study, etc., because it is difficult to evaluate whether they have been achieved.

46. Concepts and variables In simple terms, a variable represents a measurable attribute that changes or varies across the experiment. Variables can be categorized in to dependent and independent variables. The independent variable is the variable the experimenter changes or controls and is assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable. The dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in an experiment, and is 'dependent' on the independent variable. In an experiment, the researcher is looking for the possible effect on the dependent variable that might be caused by changing the independent variable.

47. Chapter 3 The Research Process