Scientific Research Methodology PDF

Scientific Research Methodology Introduction Introduction Research is a process through which new knowledge is discovered. The discovery and advancement of the universe of knowledge requires students and academics to conduct research in ways that promote the most effective outcome...

Scientific Research Methodology Introduction Introduction Research is a process through which new knowledge is discovered. The discovery and advancement of the universe of knowledge requires students and academics to conduct research in ways that promote the most effective outcomes. Research enables us to probe uncertainties and uncover gaps in knowledge, in order to gain greater insight into, and understanding of, the phenomena that require investigation. Conducting research requires to follow a sequence of steps. The exact sequence and steps vary somewhat with the type of research. Meaning of Research The word research is coined by two syllables: re plus search. dictionary defines: -“re” prefix meaning again, a new, or over again -“search” as a verb, meaning to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe. The simplest meaning of research is to search for facts, answers to research questions and solution for the existing problem. Research is defined as a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relationship about various phenomena. Research is a systematic investigation to find answers to a problem. Continue … According to Oates (2006), an investigation or inquiry qualifies as research, if it satisfies ‘the six Ps i.e.: purpose, paradigm, process, participants, products, and presentation’. Overview Scientific Research Methodology Introduction to Methodology of What should be prepared before Conduct and document the Research conducting the research research project 1. Definition of scientific research 1. Formulate research problem 1. Collect the research data 2. Types of scientific research (Question ) 2. Process and analyze the collected 2. Design the research study data 3. Methods, steps and criteria of scientific research 3. Sampling, simulation … 3. Present the analyzed data 4. Research ethics and misconduct 4. Writing the research proposal 4. Writing the research report What is Scientific Research? Aim of Scientific Research Fill Knowledge Gap Problem Solving Scientific Research: systematic procedure needed to answer a research question In scientific research, data are collected, analysed and interpreted in order to: 1. Answer the research (problem) question 2. Solving the problem 3. Test the hypothesis 4. Gain new knowledge Methodological Approaches The methodological approaches accentuate the development of the novel knowledge in a given area of study. In particular, research in the broad arena of digital transformation, and in the specific fields of: computer science (CS) information systems (IS) Software Engineering (SE) and cybersecurity (CY) Contemporary research on the many facets of digital transformation revolves around organization, people, and technology in their interconnection, which itself is changing, needing new approaches to study. Information technology research Conducting contemporary IT research requires the understanding of many facets of investigative philosophy. CS, IS, SE and CY disciplines are concerned with the: development of computing theories and principles and the application of computing (or information system) To solve human, business and organizational problems. Course aims: many IT students grapple with how to begin the research journey how to differentiate a developmental project from a research project and how to design the research study This course aims to guide research beginners in conducting empirical and scientific research inquiry Not only for IT many of the chapters are useful to researchers in related fields, for example, the applications of software Criteria of Good Research 1. systematic: It implies that research is structured according to a set of rules to follow certain steps in specified sequence 2. empirical: It implies that any conclusion drawn is based on hardcore evidence gathered from information collected from real- life experiences and observations 3. Valid and verifiable: It implies that research involves precise observation and accurate description. 4. logical: It implies that research is guided by the rules of reasoning and logical process of induction general to specific and deduction specific to general that plays an important role in carrying out research. Continue … 5. Develops theories and principles, which are very helpful in accurate prediction with regard to the variables under study. 6. Purpose of research should be clearly defined and common concepts that are used should be operationally defined 7. The research procedure should be precisely planned, focused, and appropriately described in order to enable other researchers to do research for further advancement. 8. Research design should be carefully planned to generate results to maintain objectivity 9. The research report should be as much frank as possible to gauge effects of the findings. Continue… 10. Data analysis in the research report should be adequate to reveal its significance and the method of analysis employed be appropriate. 11. Validity and reliability of data should be examined carefully. 12. Systematic approach: It implies that a planned and organized research saves researcher’s time and money. Each step of investigation should be so planned that it leads to the next step. 13. Objectivity: It implies that true research should attempt to find an unbiased answer to the decision- making problem 14. Reproducible: It implies that in reproducible research procedure, an equally competent researcher could duplicate, and from it deduce approximately the same results. 15. Relevancy has the task of avoiding collection of irrelevant information and saves time and money; it compares the information to be collected with researcher’s criteria for action; it enables to see whether the research is proceeding in the right direction. Objectives of Research 1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it; studies with this object in view are termed as exploratory research studies. 2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or group; studies with this object in view are known as descriptive research studies. 3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else; studies with this object in view are known as diagnostic research studies. 4. To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables; such studies are known as hypothesis- testing research studies or experimental studies. 5. Exploration: It implies that an understanding of an area of concern in very general terms. For example, we wish to know how to go about doing more effective research on violence on women. 6. Description: It implies that an understanding of what is going on. For example, we wish to know the attitudes of potential clients toward the use of washing machine. Continue… 7. Explanation: It implies that an understanding of how things happen. It involves an under-standing of cause- and- effect relationships between the events. For example, we wish to know whether a group of people who have gone through a certain program have higher self- esteem than a control group. 8. Prediction: It implies that an understanding of what is likely to happen in the future. If we can explain, we may be able to predict. For Example, if one group had higher self- esteem, is it likely to happen with another group? 9. Intelligent intervention: It implies that an understanding of what or how in order to help more effectively and efficiently. 10. Awareness: It implies that an understanding of the world, often gained by a failure to describe or explain The Concept of Research Research Concept Scientific Scientific Ethics Paradigm Philosophy Scientific Paradigm Research refers to a scientific in other words , systematic way of investigating a problem in order to obtain a deep understanding of the research problem for the benefit of society In some cases, there may not be any immediate plan to use the research findings or the knowledge created. In practice, research can be summarized as a purposeful search for an answer to a specific question, which needs an answer. Although an invention may not necessarily be the outcome of such research. Scientific Philosophy Information Technology research is conducted when it involves a well-organized method of gathering and analyzing data and interpreting and presenting findings in order to improve and advance Information Technology in solving organizational and business problems. With the advent of the Internet, Information Technology research is growing in the areas of: agricultural production, business, development of cities, education, health services, manufacturing and mining, indeed in almost all economic sectors and social dimensions. Information Technology research must use a variety of scientific methodologies to explore, experiment, analyse and report research outcomes, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods methodologies. We will discuss this further in a later chapter We will discuss this further in a later chapter. Ethics and Avoiding Plagiarism Researchers must be concerned with three main considerations in scholarly production: 1. plagiarism 2. Copyright 3. and ethics Plagiarism refers to the: 1. ‘Theft of ideas. 2. misappropriation of intellectual property 3. substantial unattributed textual copying of another’s work Types of Research Basic/Fundamental/Theoretical Research - This type of research is carried out purely for the acquisition of knowledge with or without any intended application of the results. - the findings may eventually become relevant and usable Applied/Practice-Oriented/Trade-Oriented Research - This type of research is carried out mainly for providing answers to real-world problems or to address developmental interests - it can be linked to directed research and development (R&D) Continue... These research can be applied in the production of goods and services for: 1. Increasing output (capacity, yield, etc.) 2. Improving quality (product, lives, produce, etc.) 3. Improving function (mechanisms, functionalities, etc.) 4. Cost reduction (systems, processes, deployments, etc.) note that there can never be an end to something new Because of the complex nature of the world and its creative models that are usually beyond our initial imagination. Research Attributes Research engagement in Information Technology must have the following attributes: 1. Research design should be based on the established philosophical stances that are scientifically valid relative to the field of study 2. The design should employ research techniques and methodological approaches that have proven dependable and reliable and that are directly relevant to the nature of the research problem 3. Research design should be structured to avoid unscientific hypothesis formulation, subjectivism and bias. 4. The analytical discussion should avoid speculation and present well reasoned analytical arguments. Continue.. 5. The research should be monitored and take place in a controlled environment (quantitative research) or within a relatively limited scope (quantitative and qualitative research). 6. The research should adopt rigorous and structured procedures. 7. Research should be logical and systematic. 8. The final research output and the research manuscript should have a valid, verifiable conclusion. 9. In some cases, the research manuscript should present an empirical conclusion. Qualities of Research The outcome of research depends on the attributes stated in the previous section. The implication is that these attributes are vital to turning out Information Technology research of good quality, which usually will lead to the following outcomes: 1. A reasonably thorough review and critical assessment of existing works 2. Significance for a particular audience, or knowledge community, or practitioner community 3. Technical soundness 4. Contribution to the body of knowledge through originality and novelty Research Cycle research cycle is an unending process of discovery and knowledge creation, as shown in the example for a quantitative research study What Is Not Academic Research? Not all academic projects can qualify as research In Information Technology projects carried out may not necessarily qualify to be classified as a research work, if the research lacks the attributes of research design discussed above. Some examples of activities that would not normally be classified as research include: 1. Materials testing (as is the case in engineering or sciences) 2. Components identification 3. Feasibility studies 4. Software design and development by expert developers/programmers, unless accompanied by detailed written design and analysis of the purpose or context of application 5. General-purpose data collection for documentation purposes Thus, an idea or undertaking is not regarded as research if it lacks philosophical and methodological research design Philosophical Research Design It is important to note that where research lacks a rigorous methodological design, it cannot lead to structured findings that have either qualitative or quantitative attributes. Consequently, in the absence of qualitative or quantitative design, there may be no evidence to support data collection and analysis. Some Types of Research Applicable in Information Technology Research Descriptive Research Descriptive research is designed to describe something A descriptive study must collect data for a definite purpose for a maximum profit but this type of research offers only limited analysis and a set of simplistic recommendations and does not engage in theory building. The value of descriptive research lies in the data. This is useful, for example, in the case of describing a phenomenon for the first time or one that is not well known. Example, for a newly launched product, the characteristics of users are described as the degree to which product use varies with Income, Age, Sex, and Other characteristics. Exploratory Research Exploratory research seeks to investigate an unfamiliar problem Exploratory research is a methodology approach that investigates research questions that have not previously been studied in depth. where only limited data and limited theory have been published on the subject Exploratory research is designed to provide a background, to familiarize Where both data and theory are important outputs. Researchers are looking for ideas and not for conclusions. Technology example: A software developer wants to develop a new app, but is unsure about the features that users would find most useful. The developer conducts exploratory research by conducting surveys and focus groups to identify user preferences and needs. Applied Research Applied research is a type of scientific inquiry that focuses on developing practical solutions to real-world problems. It involves the use of existing knowledge, theories, and techniques to address specific problems or challenges in a particular field or industry. Applied research is often conducted in collaboration with industry or government partners, who provide funding and expertise to support the research. The results of applied research are typically intended to be directly applicable to the real world, and may involve the development of new products, technologies, or processes. Example: Autonomous Vehicles: The development of autonomous vehicles involves applied research in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, and robotics. Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Uber are conducting extensive research to improve their autonomous vehicle technology. Cybersecurity: Applied research is being conducted to improve cybersecurity measures and protect against cyber threats. This includes research on encryption, network security, and data protection. Experimental Research Experimental research is designed to assess the effect of one particular variable on a phenomenon, by keeping the other variables constant or controlled. Experiments are used to study causal relationships. You manipulate one or more independent variables and measure their effect on one or more dependent variables. To obtain more conclusive evidence of cause- and- effect relationships between them. Example in marketing research: A study that investigates the impact of a new advertising campaign on consumer behavior. Participants are randomly assigned to either a group that is exposed to the new campaign or a group that is not. Their behavior, such as purchasing or product awareness, is measured and compared between the two groups. Theoretical Research Theoretical research (or basic research) is undertaken for the purpose of examining and exploring ideas, in cases where existing theory is weak or incomplete or requires further work and extension. It is not aimed at offering solutions to a problem in the short term but can contribute to the work of researchers who are problem-solvers is scientific research that aims to increase knowledge and understanding about the natural world without necessarily having any practical or immediate applications. It is driven by curiosity and the desire to explore new frontiers of knowledge rather than by the need to solve a specific problem or to develop a new product Simulation: Simulation involves creating a computer model of a particular phenomenon to study its behavior and predict its future outcomes. Simulation can be used to study complex systems that are difficult to study in the real world. Economic growth: Basic research can stimulate economic growth by creating new industries and markets based on scientific discoveries and technological advancements. Technology advancements: Basic research in fields such as computer science, physics, and engineering has led to advancements in technology, such as the development of the internet, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Quality in Research Writing Once research results have been determined the next concern is documentation The quality of academic writing is a critical success factor for IT research. In an effective written research report, or dissertation, or thesis, a combination of written text, tables and figures, graphs, diagrams and other visualizations can be used. In the 2020s, visualization software enables the researcher to draw highly complex diagrams to showcase the power of the ideas generated by research. Ideas for quality of scholarly writing Understanding emerging trends while identifying a research problem that has wide interest Use of the Internet as an effective research tool: Conducting an extensive literature search from top scholarly publishers such as Elsevier, IEEE Springer, IGI Global and others. Providing sufficient theoretical motivation using authoritative sources (e.g. journal articles, industry research papers, others) Having a good idea of the frontiers of knowledge of the particular field in which the research is situated Attending and presenting papers at seminars, webinars, symposiums, and conferences related to your research field Engaging in discussions with experts in the field Leveraging the supervision process to promote quality improvements Information Technology Research