Research Methodology PDF, Spring 2024, Isra University

Research Methodology (4037124/4037130) Hashem Almashaqbeh Isra University Spring 2024 Course Overview Textbooks: Research Methods for Construction Richard Fellows & Anita Liu Research Methods for Engineers David V. Thiel Course Overview Grading: Homework and assignments (25 %) Project “ Research pap...

Research Methodology (4037124/4037130) Hashem Almashaqbeh Isra University Spring 2024 Course Overview Textbooks: Research Methods for Construction Richard Fellows & Anita Liu Research Methods for Engineers David V. Thiel Course Overview Grading: Homework and assignments (25 %) Project “ Research paper ” (25 %) Midterm Exam (10%) Final Exam (40 %) Homework Homework will be assigned during the lecture. Homework typically due one week after assigned Brief Contents Research Methodology 1 Introduction to engineering research 2 Literature search and review 3 Developing a research plan “Topic for Study” 4 Data Collection 5 Data Analysis 6 Reporting the Results “Reports and Presentations” 7 The path forward “Publication” The concept of research Chambers English Dictionary defines research as: a careful search investigation systematic investigation towards increasing the sum of knowledge. The Concise Oxford Dictionary (1995): the systematic investigation into and study of materials, sources and so on in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions Research is also defined as search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem of developing a foundational theories. A learning process Research is a learning process…perhaps the only learning process. Commonly, teaching is believed to be the passing on of knowledge Classifications of research (Application) Pure and applied research Pure or ‘blue sky’ research such as the discovery of theories, laws of nature and so on, whilst at the other, applied research is directed to end uses and practical applications Pure research focuses on answering basic questions such as, "how do gases behave?" Applied research would be involved in the process of developing specific preparation for a gas in order for it to be produced and delivered efficiently and economically. Examples of "Pure" Research A lot of "pure" research is of the "what is this?" or "how does it work?" variety. The early history of chemistry contains many examples. The ancient Greek philosophers debated the composition of matter (earth? air? fire? water? all of the above?). They did not intend to apply the knowledge gained from exploring the matter. Instead, they choose to focus on understanding the nature of matter. Classifications of research (Application) In general, no new science principles are discovered, but existing knowledge is used to develop a new product. A good example of this type of research is the application of x-rays in medicine. In the later part of the 1800s, Wilhelm Röentgen discovered how to produce x-rays by using a cathode ray. He noted that this new ray could go through the body. Immediately, Röentgen believed that x-rays would be very helpful in diagnosing and determining disease and injury in the body. Classifications of research (Data) 1. Quantitative 2. Qualitative Quantitative research is a systematic investigation that uses numerical data and statistical methods to understand phenomena. It aims to quantify the relationship between variables and make generalizable conclusions. Qualitative research used to understand and interpret phenomena in their natural settings. Unlike quantitative research, which focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative research emphasizes exploring and understanding the complexities, meanings, and perspectives inherent in human experiences. Objective Measurement Large Sample Sizes Structured Data Collection surveys, experiments, or observations Statistical Analysis Exploratory and Descriptive Subjective Understanding Small Sample Sizes Data Collection Techniques interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis. Data Analysis Qualitative data analysis involves systematic and iterative processes of coding, categorizing, and interpreting data to identify patterns, themes, and relationships. Classifications of research (Data) Quantitative approaches adopt ‘scientific method’ in which initial study of theory and literature yields precise aims and objectives. (tend to be explanatory) Qualitative research: an exploration of the subject is undertaken, sometimes without prior formulations – the object may be to gain understanding (tends to be exploratory) Ontology, Epistemology, and Paradigm In research, ontology, epistemology, and paradigm are three fundamental concepts that shape the researcher's approach to understanding the nature of reality, the nature of knowledge, and the overall framework guiding the research process. Ontology: Ontology refers to the researcher's beliefs about the nature of reality and existence. It addresses questions about what exists, what kinds of things exist, and how those things relate to each other. In simpler terms, ontology asks: "What is the nature of reality?" Epistemology: Epistemology refers to the researcher's beliefs about the nature of knowledge and how knowledge is acquired, justified, and validated. Epistemology Ontology What is reality ?? Multiple realities How can I know reality ?? "How do we know what we know?" Knowledge can be measured One single reality/truth Reality need to be interpreted Reality is negotiated/debated Should be examined using best tools Ontology, Epistemology, and Paradigm Paradigm: Paradigm refers to the overall framework or worldview that guides the research process. It encompasses the researcher's ontological and epistemological assumptions, as well as their methodological preferences. Methodology Approach In simpler terms, paradigm asks: "What is the overarching framework guiding our research?" Epistemology One single reality/truth Knowledge can be measured Epistemology Multiple realities Positivism Interpretivism /Constructivism Paradigm Reality need to be interpreted Epistemology Reality is negotiated/debated Should be examined using best tools Pragmatism Major types or schools of epistemology ?? H.W Interpretivism /Constructivism Share the same ontology but their epistemology is different !!!! Other paradigms :Critical Theory, Post-positivism, Feminist !! H.W Methodology and Methods !!! Methodology is a systematic and theoretical approach to collect and evaluate data throughout the research process. It allows researchers to validate a study’s rigor to acquire new information. The purpose of research methodology is to prove the credibility, validity, and reliability of a chosen research method. Methods consist of all techniques, strategies, and tools employed by a researcher to complete the experiment and find solution to the research problem. In short it can be said that research methods aim at finding solutions to research problems. On the other hand research methodology aims at the employment of the correct procedures to find out solutions. It is thus interesting to note that research methodology paves the way for research methods to be conducted properly. Research methodology is the beginning whereas research methods are the end of any scientific or nonscientific research. Methodology and Methods !!! Methodology: Methodology refers to the overarching framework or strategy guiding the research process. It encompasses the theoretical perspective, principles, and assumptions that inform the research design and approach. Methodology outlines the rationale behind the choice of research methods and provides a roadmap for conducting the study. It addresses questions such as: What is the overall research approach? What theoretical framework guides the study? What is the intended scope and purpose of the research? Methods: Methods refer to the specific techniques, procedures, and tools used to collect and analyze data within the research study. Methods are concrete and practical activities employed to gather information, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions. They are selected based on the research questions, methodology, and the nature of the phenomenon being studied Second Group: statistical techniques which are used for establishing relationships between the data and the unknowns Examples: Regression Co-relation Content analysis Third group: consists of those methods which are used to evaluate the accuracy of the results obtained. Three Groups First Group: Collection of data Examples: Interviews Questionnaires and surveys Documents and records Focus groups Theory and Hypothesis A theory is a system of ideas for explaining something; the exposition of the principles of science. Theory may be viewed as a system of constructs and variables in which the constructs are related to each other by propositions and the variables are related to each other by hypotheses. For example, the theory of gravity explains why an apple always falls to the ground when dropped In scientific reasoning, a hypothesis is constructed before any applicable research has been done. A theory, on the other hand, is supported by evidence: it's a principle formed as an attempt to explain things that have already been substantiated by data. Major steps in research Research Filling the knowledge gap Solve a problem Research Paradigm Positivism Interpretivism Quantitative Qualitative Relationship between variables or concepts Steps (Descriptive, Interview, Case study, etc ….) deductive Inductive 1.Identifying the Research Problem: This involves selecting a topic for investigation and defining the research questions or objectives. 2.Literature Review: Reviewing existing literature related to the research problem to understand the current state of knowledge, identify gaps, and build a theoretical framework for the study. 3.Formulating a Research Hypothesis (if applicable): If the research is hypothesis-driven, formulating a clear and testable hypothesis based on the research questions and existing literature. 4.Designing the Research Methodology: Planning and designing the research approach, including selecting appropriate research methods (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods), data collection techniques, and sampling strategies. 5.Data Collection: Collecting relevant data based on the chosen methodology. This may involve conducting experiments, surveys, interviews, observations, or analyzing existing datasets. 6.Data Analysis: Analyzing the collected data using appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques 7.Interpreting Results: Interpreting the findings of the data analysis in the context of the research objectives and existing literature. 8.Drawing Conclusions: Summarizing the key findings of the study 9.Communicating Results: Presenting the research findings through academic papers, reports, presentations Example: Title: "The Effect of Exercise on Anxiety Levels" Research Question: Does regular exercise reduce anxiety levels in adults? Methodology: Participants: 100 adults aged 25-50 without pre-existing anxiety disorders were recruited from a local community. Experimental Design: Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group. Intervention: The exercise group engaged in a 30minute aerobic exercise session (such as brisk walking or jogging) three times a week for 8 weeks. The control group did not engage in any structured exercise during this period Measurement: Anxiety levels were measured using the standardized State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire before the intervention, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a commonly used psychological assessment tool designed to measure levels of anxiety in adults. It was developed by psychologist Charles D. Spielberger in the late 1950s. The inventory is widely used in both clinical and research settings to assess anxiety symptoms and severity. Data Analysis: Changes in anxiety levels between the exercise and control groups were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to determine if there was a significant difference over time. Additionally, independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare anxiety levels between the groups at each time point. Results: The exercise group showed a significant decrease in anxiety levels over the 8-week period compared to the control group (p < 0.05). At both 4 weeks and 8 weeks, the exercise group had significantly lower anxiety scores compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Regular aerobic exercise has a statistically significant effect in reducing anxiety levels among adults without pre-existing anxiety disorders. These findings support the inclusion of exercise as a nonpharmacological intervention for managing anxiety symptoms.