LQ1 - Methods of Research - Introduction to Research

Research

The systematic investigation of something for the purpose of answering a question

Research methods

Foundation for scientific and investigation advancements

Research

is a systematic process of inquiry aimed at establishing facts and solving problems

Research

It is empirical, logical, and replicable

• objective

• methodology

• data collection

• analysis

4 key components of research

Research

Scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry

Research

The continuous exploration of the unknown

Not research (review of related literature)

A mere compilation of facts, opinions or ideas

Not research (book report)

Summary of a single work

Basic research

Seeks to expand knowledge without immediate application

Applied research

Solves specific and practical problems

Experimental research

Tests hypotheses through controlled conditions

Descriptive research

Observes and describes phenomena

Analytical research

Interprets and evaluates existing data

Action research

Purpose: Development of new skills

Applied research

Purpose: There is a specified problem

Basic/Pure research

Purpose: No intended application at the time of conceptualization; e.g. relativity theory

Individual research

Is a research classification for graduate thesis and hobbyists

Group research

Is a research classification for undergraduate thesis and Research and Development in a Company

Laboratory research

Is a research classification for experimentation and system training

Field Research

Is a research classification for surveys and test and measurement

Historical method

A method of research that makes an account of past events to predict the future

Descriptive method

A method of research wherein it is carried out by systematically describing a situation/area. It is conducted through surveys, questionnaire, and interviews.

Analytical method

A method of research that uses evidence to analyze facets of an issue (i.e. quantitative and empirical).

Analysis

Breaking down a concept into parts to understand it. Afterwards, those parts are restructured in a way that makes sense to you.

Experimental method

Also called cause and effect method or pretest-posttest control group design. It is a method of research that attempts to account for the influence of a factor or factors conditioning a given situation.

Empirical,

Systematic,

Controlled,

Critical,

Replicable

5 Characteristics of Good Research

1. problem

2. literature

3. objectives, hypothesis

4. methodology

5. data

6. Analyze

7. Interpret, report

Overview steps of the research process

1. Identify the ___

2. Review ___

3. Formulate ___ and ___

4. Choose ___

5. Collect ___

6. ____ data

7. ____ results and ___

Academic gaps, societal needs, and industrial challenges

3 sources of research problems

clear, focused, researchable, broad, narrow

Research problems must be ___, ___, and ____. They should not be overly ___ and ___.

Reviewing the literature

Involves the following:

• Search existing studies

• Identify gaps, trends, and conflicting results

specific, clear, answerable, guide, direction

When formulating research questions, they must be ___, ___, and ___. This is because they ____ the ____ of the research.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction

Null Hypothesis (H0)

A type of hypothesis wherein there is no effect or relationship

Alternative Hypothesis (H1)

A type of hypothesis that indicates there is an effect or relationship

General objectives

A type of research objective with a broad aim (e.g., enhance security systems)

Specific objectives

A type of research objective with measurable targets (e.g., improve intrusion detection by 15%)

Research design

The blueprint for data collection and analysis

Research design

It must suit objectives, resources, and timeframe

Exploratory research design

A research design focused on new insights

Descriptive research design

A research design focused on the current state

Experimental research design

A research design focused on the cause-effect

Qualitative research

A type of research that explores concepts through interviews, focus groups

Quantitative research

A type of research that measures variables using surveys and experiments

Mixed methods

A type of research that combines both quantitative and qualitative research for comprehensive insights

Surveys

A data collection technique with structured questionnaires

Interviews

A data collection technique with in-depth, open-ended questions

Experiments

A data collection technique with controlled testing

Observations

A data collection technique that involves watching phenomena

Secondary data

a data collection technique involving the use of existing datasets

Probability sampling

Random and stratified (representative) sampling

Non-probability sampling

Convenience and purposive (specific cases) sampling

Pilot testing

__ ___ to ensure the quality of research instruments

surveys, sensors, and software

3 examples of data collection tools

Validity

Measures what it claims to measure

Reliability

Produces consistent results over time

content, construct, criterion

3 types of validity

Data Analysis

Involves the following:

• Organizing raw data systematically

• Cleaning data by removing errors

• Applying appropriate statistical or qualitative techniques

• Using software tools such as SPSS, Excel, Python, and R

Descriptive Statistics

Involves the following:

• Summarizing the data through mean, median, and mode

• Measuring variability through standard deviation and range

• Using tables, charts, and graphs for visualization

Inferential Statistics

Involves the generalization of findings beyond the sample

T-tests

Is an inferential statistic technique used for comparing means

ANOVA

Is an inferential statistic technique used for comparing multiple groups

Regression

Is an inferential statistic technique used for predicting relationships

Correlation

Is an inferential statistic technique used for assessing associations

Qualitative Data Analysis

• Involves interpreting meaning from participants’ words

• Can use NVivo or manual coding

Thematic analysis

A qualitative data analysis technique involving the identification of patterns/themes

Coding

A qualitative data analysis technique involving data segments labeling

Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, and References

Structure of research report (contains 7 parts)

vague problem definition, biased sampling, inadequate data analysis, ignoring ethics, and poor documentation

5 common research mistakes

• quality control

• constructive feedback

• credibility and validity

3 things that demonstrate the importance of peer review

government grants, industry, and NGOs

3 possible sources for research funding

detailed proposals including objectives, methods, and budget.

Requirements of research funding

Open access journals

Are free to read

Data repositories

they are shared datasets

Open access and research sharing

promotes transparency and global collaboration

• Curiosity

• Critical thinking

• Resilience

• Ethical Integrity

4 traits needed for a research mindset

1. R&D

2. academic, consultancy

3. analytical, problem, solving

4. tech, driven

Career benefits of research skills:

1. open doors to ____ jobs

2. build ___ and ___ careers

3. enhance ___ and ___-____ skills

4. boost employability in ___-___ sectors