Introduction to PhD Research for Science and Engineering.pptx

Those who are planning to perform PhD specially in Science, Engineering and Technology.

1. Introduction to PhD Research for Science and Engineering Ranajit Kumar Nag PhD, M.Tech ., B.Sc. Associate Professor & Head, DTE, BUFT

2. What is research? A systematic investigation and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and to reach new conclusions . Process of collecting and gathering data and information by a scientific or logical procedure that aims to solve a particular scientific problem. An attempt to solve or gain a solution of a particular problem. Research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of our world in general and the phenomenon under study in particular. RKN 2

3. Types of Research According to Purpose Theoretical Research Applied Research Technological applied research Scientific applied research According to Depth of Scope Exploratory Research Descriptive Research Explanatory Research Correlational Research RKN 3

4. According to the Type of Data Used Qualitative Research Quantitative Research According to the Degree of Manipulation of Variables Experimental Research Non-Experimental Research Quasi-Experimental Research According to the Type of Inference Deductive Investigation Inductive Research Hypothetical-Deductive Investigation RKN 4

5. According to the Time in Which it is Carried Out Longitudinal Study (also referred to as Diachronic Research) Cross-Sectional Study (also referred to as Synchronous Research ) According to The Sources of Information Primary Research Secondary research According to How the Data is Obtained Documentary Field From Laboratory Mixed-Method: Documentary, Field and/or Laboratory RKN 5

6. Purposes of Research Review or synthesize existing knowledge Investigate existing situation or problems Provide solutions to problems Explore and analyse more general issues Construct or create new procedures or systems Explain new phenomenon Generate new knowledge RKN 6

7. Who Needs to Perform Research? Basically everyone can conduct research who has a particular interest to investigate a certain question in further detail; This can be laymen, carers , teachers, health care professionals, doctors, government, students, research centres , journalists, print and electronic media, school, hospitals, social services, political parties, consulting firms, HR department, law firms, public interest organisations, insurance and others. RKN 7

8. Steps Involved in Research Identification of problem Review literature Formulation of hypothesis (where necessary) Research design Collection of data A nalysis of data Interpretation of data Research report RKN 8

9. Tools of research 1) The library and its resources, 2) The computer and its software, 3) Techniques of measurement, 4) Statistics, 5) The human mind and 6) Language. A specific mechanism, strategy, or resource the researcher uses to collect, manipulate, or interpret data. RKN 9

10. Funding Authority Government University Research institutes Business organisations Financial corporations Industrial associations Prominent industries National and international funding body RKN 10 RKN

11. Criteria of a Good Research Validity. Reliability. Objectivity. Generalizability. Ethical Considerations . RKN 11

12. What do we like to achieve by research? Expands your knowledge G ives you the latest information Builds your credibility Helps you narrow your scope Increase dignity I ntroduces you to new ideas Teaches you to solve problem. H elps you reach people E ncourages curiosity RKN 12

13. Research Output/Research Results Scientific article. Book. Book chapter. Thesis . Conference paper. Patent Other research output . RKN 13

14. Is all research result practically applicable? RKN 14

15. W riting a Thesis Title: Good title that describe content with minimum words. (Short ,descriptive, no unnecessary words) Should not contain any abbreviations. What is a thesis? A written work resulting from original research, especially one submitted for higher degree in a university. RKN 15

16. Important Segments of a Thesis Suitable Title Abstract and Keywords Acknowledgement and Dedication (if any) Contents (Including list of figures and list of tables) Introduction Literature review Materials and Methods Results and Discussion Conclusion Future work References Appendices (if any) RKN 16

17. Abstract: Abstract should state- the purpose of the study or investigation key findings emphasize on new and important aspects of the study or observations. Should contain: why, what, where and how did you perform your work. Generally written in past tense Not more than two pages Conclusion must be clear in the last line. RKN 17

18. Acknowledgement & Dedication Contributions that need to acknowledge such as financial support, support by department chair, material support, technical help. Supervisors and other people who helped to make the work fruitful. Dedication Content: Must be clear, use separate headings for text, List of figures List of tables. Abbreviations: Arrange in alphabetical order. RKN 18

19. Introduction: Reason of the research, allow reader to understand and evaluate the intention of your study. Raise interest of the reader, hence first few lines are very important that should attract readers. Include aim of your work i.e. the specific problem that motivate you to perform this work. Background study, write what other people discovered, meaning whatever you know. Mention objectives , history, recent developments and progress you found. State major facts and means related to the subject. Should provide only limited references, no over reference. Include conclusion of the work. RKN 19

20. Literature Review An interpretation and synthesis of published work. A systematic method for identifying, evaluating and interpreting the work produced by researchers, scholars and practitioners. Literature is about telling a story or chain story created previously by others and expand it. Make a database on read literature Author, Title, date, Location of research, Sample size Research methods Main findings. Suitable software RKN 20

21. A Critical Review Should Incorporate An assessment of the strength and weakness of some of the theories A clear understanding of the topic. A citing of all key studies in the subject territory. A clear indication of how the review links to your research questions. A definite pathway to your research including methodology. RKN 21

22. Method A key part of your thesis , dissertation, or research paper, the methodology chapter explains what you did and how you did it, allowing readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of your research and your dissertation topic. It should include: The type of research you conducted . It involves studying the theories or principles behind the methods used in your field so that you can explain why you chose a particular method for your research approach . How did you collect and analyse  your data Any tools or materials you used in the research How did you mitigate or avoid research biasness Why did you chose these methods RKN 22

23. Contd ….. S etting your methodology approach Describe your methods of data collection Quantitative methods ( 3 methods that can be used to collect data): i ) Surveys ii) Experiments iii) Existing data Qualitative methods ( 3 methods that can be used to collect data): i ) Interviews or focus group i i) Participant observation Iii) Existing data Describe your methods of analysis Describe your research model Describe your sample RKN 23

24. How to Write the Discussion Chapter? Restate your research problem and research questions . Summarise your key findings. Interpret your results. Acknowledge the limitations of your study . Make recommendations for implementation and future research. Provide a concluding summary . RKN 24

25. Conclusion: Clearly state the answer to your main research question. Summarize and reflect on your research process. Make recommendations for future work on your thesis or dissertation topic. Show what new knowledge you have contributed to your field. Wrap up your thesis or dissertation. RKN 25

26. Prepare the Content of Your Presentation Give brief introduction ( 4 to 5 points) rather than paragraph. List the objectives and methodology Present the important research findings Connect your findings with past relevant literatures and emphasis the novelty of your research . Use schematics, graphs, and tables Summarize the results of your research and conclude the research outcomes. RKN 26

27. Contd …. Use hyperlinks at appropriate places for presenting huge and important data. Ensure the quality of the images. Limit your presentation slides. Check the flow and connectivity between each slide . Highlight the research gaps, constraints, and any problem you faced. Conclusion Future work Publications and patent RKN 27

28. Sample Format for PhD Viva-voce Presentation Slides Welcome & Introduce yourself Title Acknowledgement and dedication Presentation of outline Objectives of the study Introduction Gist of literature review Methodology and materials (if any) Results and discussion L imitations C onclusion Future study Publications and patent Thank you RKN 28

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