Introduction to Research

Flashcards focused on vocabulary and key terms related to research methodologies and technological innovations.

Technological Innovation

Engineering is concerned with problems whose solution is needed/desired by society.

Phases of Technological Advancement

1. Invention: conception of an idea. 2. Innovation: successful practice of the invention. 3. Diffusion: widespread initiation of innovations.

Research Definition

A scientific and systematic search for relevant information on a specific topic.

Objectives of Research

Objectives include gaining familiarity, accurately determining characteristics, and diagnosing frequencies or associations.

Types of Research

Descriptive, Analytical, Applied, Fundamental, Quantitative, Qualitative, Conceptual, Empirical.

Descriptive Research

A method that describes the state of affairs as they exist at present, includes surveys and fact-finding inquiries.

Applied Research

Also known as 'action research', aimed at solving immediate problems.

Fundamental Research

Concerned with generalization and theory formulation, includes studies in natural phenomena.

Quantitative Research

Based on measurement of quantity; quantifies phenomena expressed in numerical terms.

Qualitative Research

Concerns quality and subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions, and behaviors.

Research Methodology

Logic behind research methods, explaining why specific methods are chosen.

Sampling Design

Choosing how to select a sample from a population for study.

Data Collection

Gathering primary data through experiments/surveys or secondary data from reports/literature.

Testing of Hypothesis

Using statistical tests to accept or reject a hypothesis based on experimental results.

Literature Survey

Reviewing existing studies related to the research problem to inform and narrow down the research focus.

Research Design

The overall strategy to integrate research components and address the research problem effectively.

Variables in Research

Independent variables are manipulated; dependent variables are measured; extraneous variables may affect results.

Extraneous Variables

Independent variables not related to the study's purpose but may influence the dependent variable.

Simulation

The application of computational models to study physical events or engineered systems.

Mathematical Model

A mathematical representation of a phenomenon to better understand and predict behavior.

Computational Model

The implementation of a mathematical model into a form that can be solved computationally.

Validation in Simulation

Ensuring the modeled results correlate with actual systems or phenomena.

Geometric Pre-processing

Extracting geometry information from medical images for further processing in simulations.