Research Skills & Analysis Summary Lectures (1-3) PDF

Research Skills &Analysis LIB116 Summery Lectures (1-3) Associ. Prof. Emam Omar Physics Department Faculty of Physics New Mansoura University 14/11/2024 Data - Data are individual facts, observations, stat...

Research Skills &Analysis LIB116 Summery Lectures (1-3) Associ. Prof. Emam Omar Physics Department Faculty of Physics New Mansoura University 14/11/2024 Data - Data are individual facts, observations, statistics, characters, symbols, images, numbers, and more that are out of context, have no meaning, and are difficult to understand. They are often referred to as raw data. Research data are generally classified either as quantitative or qualitative. Quantitative data: These are data which can be counted or expressed in numerical values. Qualitative data: These are descriptive data which has no numerical values. 14/11/2024 22 Types of Data Based on their sources, they fall under two categories:  Primary data;  Secondary data Primary data (first-hand information) Primary data are originated by a researcher for the specific purpose of addressing the problem at hand. They are collected directly from the subjects being studied. Secondary data: These are data already available. They have been collected from other available sources. 14/11/2024 33 Data collection methods Data collection is an extremely important part of any research because the conclusion of a study is based on what the data detect. 1. Observation 2. Questionnaire 3. Interview 4. Surveys 5. Expérimental devices 14/11/2024 44 1- Observation Observational research (or field research) is a research technique that involves the direct observation of phenomena in their natural setting. Types of observation A. Non controlled, participant observation Observer became the member of group under study Disadvantage The researcher loses objectivity. 14/11/2024 55  1- Observation B. Non controlled non participant observation When the observer observes the group from a distance without participating in the group activities. C. Systematic controlled Observation In a controlled study, the researcher pre-determines and controls the study variables and determines the location, the time, the participants, and the tools used to complete the study. 14/11/2024 66  2- Questionnaire A questionnaire is a series of written questions a researcher presents to subjects. According to Wallace and Wallace “A questionnaire is a means of gathering information by having the respondents fill in answers to printed questions” Types of questionnaire: A. Structured (closed) questionnaire B. Unstructured (open) questionnaire 14/11/2024 77  2- Types of Questionnaire A- Structured (closed) questionnaire Closed answers are predetermined, rigid, and completely clear. B- Unstructured (open) questionnaire It are usually formulated around open questions It is used to obtain view point, opinions. 14/11/2024 88  3- Interview Interview is conservation with a purpose and, therefore, is more than an oral exchange of information. Types of Interview A. The Non directive Interview B. The Directive interview C. The Repeated interview D. The Focused interview E. The Depth Interview 14/11/2024 99  3- Types of Interview A. Non directive- unstructured Interviewer does not follow a system or a list of predetermined question. It is more flexible or open ended. B. Directive or structured interview Interviewer follow set of predetermined question or a standerdized technique. C. The Repeated interview Repeated interview is type of interview used for focusing on changes in phenomenon over time in the informants’ answers. 14/11/2024 10 10  3- Types of Interview It is useful in the attempts to trace the specific developments of a certain process. D. Focused interview The focus of the interview is limited by relevant theory and evidence. This interview guide, allowing for not expected views to also be uncovered and explored. E. The depth Interview Depth interviewing is conducting intensive individual interviews with a small number of respondents to explore their perspectives on a particular idea, program. It is a detail interview that has long process. 14/11/2024 11 11  4- Surveys A survey is a research method in which subjects respond to a series of statements or questions in a questionnaire or an interview. Surveys are directed at populations, the people who are the focus of research. Usually we study a sample, a part of a population that represents the whole. Random sampling is commonly used to be sure that the sample is actually representative of the entire 14/11/2024 12 12 population.  Information - Information is a set of data that is processed in a meaningful way according to the given requirement. It is processed, structured, or presented in a given context to make it meaningful and useful. 14/11/2024 13 13 Data Processing Data in its raw form is not useful to any organization. Data processing is the method of collecting raw data and translating it into usable information. The Data Processing Operations A. Data Collection Methods of data collections B. Data preparation (Validation) : A process of examining the collected raw data to detect errors and correct these when possible. 14/11/2024 14 14  Data Processing C. Sorting - descriptive or - numerical D. Input In this step, the sorted raw data is converted into machine readable form and fed into the processing unit. This can be in the form of data entry through a keyboard, scanner or any other input source. E. Processing (Analysisng data) I- Manual Data Analysis: This can be done if the number of data is very small. Manual data analysis is extremely time consuming. 14/11/2024 15 15  Data Processing II- Data Analysis Using a Computer: If you want to analyse data using computer, you should be familiar with the appropriate program. In this area, knowledge of computer and statistics plays an important role. F. Data output/interpretation The output/interpretation stage is the stage at which data is finally usable to non-data scientists. G. Storage The last step of the data processing cycle is storage, where data and metadata are stored for further use. 14/11/2024 16 16 Types of Data Processing TYPE USES Data is collected and processed in batches. Used for Batch Processing large amounts of data. Real-time Processing Data is processed within seconds when the input is given. Used for small amounts of data. Eg: withdrawing money from ATM Online Processing Data is automatically fed into the CPU as soon as it becomes available. Used for continuous processing of data. Eg: barcode scanning Time-sharing Allocates computer resources and data in time slots 14/11/2024 to several users simultaneously. 17 17  Statistical analysis and its software Statistical analysis Statistical analysis is a scientific tools that helps collect and analyze large amounts of data to identify common patterns and trends to convert them into meaningful information. A- Descriptive statistical analysis 14/11/2024 18 18  Statistical analysis and its software Types of statistical analysis B- Inferential statistical analysis Inferential statistics can be defined as a field of statistics that uses analytical tools for drawing conclusions about a population by examining random samples. The goal of inferential statistics is to make generalizations about a population. Inferential statistics can be classified into hypothesis testing and regression analysis. 14/11/2024 19 19 Statistical analysis and its software C- Associative or relative analysis Associative or relative statistics seek to identify meaningful interrelationships between or among data. For instance, "Is there a relationship between salt intake and blood pressure among middle-age women?" is a problem definition suitable for analysis by associative statistics. 14/11/2024 20 20  Statistical analysis and its software Major statistical data analysis softwares in 2024 Statistical Package Microsoft Excel Matlab for Social Sciences OriginPro Minitab GraphPad Prism 14/11/2024 21 21 Database What is Database A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can easily be accessed, managed, and updated in digital form. In one view, databases can be classified according to types of content: bibliographic, full-text, numeric, and images. 14/11/2024 22 22 Database TYPES OF DATABASE Relational database Document oriented database Graph database Hypertext database Operational database Distributed database Flat file database 14/11/2024 23 23 Database RELATIONAL DATABASE A relational database is a database that has a collection of tables of data items. Data in a single table represents a relations. Tables consist of rows and columns. The columns constitute the attributes. The rows constitute tuples. 14/11/2024 24 24 Database - Row-A data set representing a single item. - Column-A labeled element of a tuple, e.g. "Address" or "Date of birth”, of multiple data item. A primary key is used to uniquely identify each row. The foreign key a column or group of columns in one table that points to the primary key of another table. 14/11/2024 25 25 Database DOCUMENT ORIENTED DATABASE A document-oriented database is a database that stores information in documents. A document database is a type of nonrelational database that is designed to store data as JSON-like documents. 14/11/2024 26 26  Database GRAPH DATABASE A graph database is a database that uses graph structures with nodes, edges, and properties to represent and store data. HYPERTEXT DATABASE Hypertext is a special type of database system, in which objects (text, pictures, music, programs, and so on) can be creatively linked to each other. When you select an object, you can see all the other objects that are linked to it. Pages often written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). 14/11/2024 27 27 Database OPERATIONAL DATABASE An operational database management system is software that is designed to allow users to easily define, modify, retrieve, and manage data in real-time. An operational database contains data about the things that go on inside an organization. DISTRIBUTED DATABASE It is a database in which portions of the database are stored on multiple computers within a network or different networks. 14/11/2024 28 28 Database FLAT FILE DATABASE A flat file database is a type of database that stores data in a single table. This is unlike a relational database, which makes use of multiple tables and relations. Flat file databases are generally in plain-text form, where each line holds only one record, , with fields separated by commas or tabs. Flat files are ideal for small amount of data. 14/11/2024 29 29  Data & Information and Knowledge - Knowledge is a combination of information, experience, and insight that helps the individual or the organization for linking to doing and implies know-how and understanding. - Information is a text that answers the questions of who, when, or where, while knowledge is a text that answers the questions of why and how. 14/11/2024 30 30  BASIS FOR INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE COMPARISON When the facts obtained Knowledge refers to the are systematically relevant and objective Meaning presented in a given information gained context it is known as through experience information Combination of Data and context Information, experience and intuition Processing Improves representation Increases awareness Transfer Easily transferable Requires learning Prediction Information alone is not Prediction is possible if sufficient to make one possess required predictions knowledge. One in other Not all information is All knowledge is 14/11/2024 knowledge. information. 31 31  Knowledge Acquiring Source There are three main types for acquiring knowledge:- Unscientific Sources of Knowledge Scientific Sources of Knowledge Divine Books 14/11/2024 32 32  Unscientific Sources of Knowledge 1- Empiricism Knowledge via empiricism involves gaining knowledge through objective observation and the experiences of your senses. The empiricist gains knowledge by seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and touching. 2- Trial and Error Knowledge related to practical, professional. Skilled and semi skilled professions are largely depends on the source of knowledge. For14/11/2024 example: use of computer, Smart phone, driving, etc.3333  Unscientific Sources of Knowledge 3- Tradition (local knowledge) Much social related knowledge are preserved and transmitted through traditions. Knowledge passed down through generations For example: - Tools and techniques for hunting or agriculture) - Traditional medicine. 4- Tenacity Involves hearing a piece of information so often that you begin to believe it is true, and then, despite evidence to the14/11/2024 contrary, you cling stubbornly to the belief. 34 34 Unscientific Sources of Knowledge Tenacity is something, which psychologically force the people to accept it. 5- Rationalism Knowledge gained through logical reasoning. With this approach, ideas are accurate stated and logical rules are applied to arrive at a logically sound conclusion. 6- Authority knowledge via authority means Knowledge gained from those viewed as authority figures. When we accept what a respected or famous person tells us. 14/11/2024 35 35  Scientific Sources of Knowledge Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence and is appropriate for understanding the natural world. Scientific knowledge is durable and strong but open to change. Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge 1. Objectivity Objectivity simple means the ability to see and accept facts as they are, not as one might wish them to be. 14/11/2024 36 36 Scientific Sources of Knowledge 2. Verifiability / Measureable Scientific knowledge is based on verifiable evidence so that other observers can observe, weigh or measure the same phenomena and check out observation for accuracy. 3. Reliability A measure’s precision and stability- extent to which the same result would be obtained with repeated trials. 14/11/2024 37 37  The meaning of Research Research is an investigation process to find reliable solutions to a problem for discovering new knowledge and information. The word RESEARCH is composed of two syllables, RE and SEARCH. RE meaning (again, a new, or over again). SEARCH meaning (to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe). Together they form a noun describing a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, 14/11/2024 undertaken to establish facts or principles. 3838  The types of Research Research can be classified into three classes: I. Application II. Objectives III. Enquiry mode 14/11/2024 39 39  I. APPLICATION If you examine a research from the perspective of its application, there are two broad categories: A) Pure Research Basic research (also called pure research or fundamental research). It is a systematic study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental of phenomena without specific application or product. B) Applied Research This research type focuses on applying Pure Research outcomes (Theories) into the real world situations. 14/11/2024 40 40  II. OBJECTIVES A research study can be carried out with four objectives: A) Exploratory Research (‫)البحوث االستكشافية‬ In this research problem are not clear. It is done in search of new indicator. Exploratory researches are focused on the areas that is not well understood or sufficiently done research. If some researcher starting to do a research on an area that is not yet discovered properly or not understood yet, that research is called as an Exploratory Research. 14/11/2024 41 41 II. OBJECTIVES B) Descriptive Research (‫)البحوث الوصفية‬ Descriptive research, as the names indicate, describes the characteristics of the problem, phenomenon, situation, or group under investigation. It is undertaken to provide answers to questions of who, what, where, when, and how – but not why. 14/11/2024 42 42  II. OBJECTIVES C) Correlational Research (‫)البحوث االرتباطية‬ Correlational researches can identify the relationship between two or more variables. Purpose - Determine relationships - Make predictions Example The relationship between T.V. and aggressive behavior The effect of the home environment on education 14/11/2024 43 43  II. OBJECTIVES Importance Determine the strength of the relationship between two or more variables. Determine the direction of the relationship There are two types of Correlational Research Positive correlation A positive correlation exists when one variable decreases as the other variable decreases, or one variable increases while the 14/11/2024 other increases. 44 44  II. OBJECTIVES Negative correlation An negative correlation exists when one variable decreases as the other variable increases, and vice versa. 14/11/2024 45 45  II. OBJECTIVES D) Explanatory Research (‫)البحوث التفسريه‬ Explanatory research is a research method that explores why something occurs when limited information is available. Explanatory research can also be explained as a “cause and effect” model. Note: Be careful not to confuse explanatory research with exploratory research. 14/11/2024 46 46  II. OBJECTIVES Explanatory research is conducted when the phenomenon is defined and the hypothesis is already established. This is the latter phase of the research. On the other hand, exploratory research is the initial phase where a new phenomenon is being observed and explored. 14/11/2024 47 47  III. Enquiry mode (‫)وضع االستفسار‬ Modes of Enquiry refer to the ways in which people identify and explore questions of interest. They are the systems and methods by which humans create, and construe, and information. A) Qualitative Research Unstructured approach is called qualitative. It deals with soft data, in the form impressions, words, symbols etc. Ex: hardness, happiness, sadness, love, heat, etc. 14/11/2024 48 48  III. Enquiry mode (‫)وضع االستفسار‬ B) Quantative Research Structured approach to the inquiry. it deals with hard data which is in digit form. Ex: age, income, education, temperature, height, mass. 14/11/2024 49 49