INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL FOR RESEARCH METHODS (ENGG 416)

RESEARCH METHODS

Course Rationale and Description

Basic research in engineering is concerned with the discovery and systematic conceptual
structuring of knowledge. It involves the integration of knowledge, techniques, methods, and
experiences from various fields. Engineers design, develop, produce or construct, and operate
devices, structures, machines, and systems of economic and societal value. Engineering research
is driven by the anticipated value of an application. For most engineering students, the goal of a
career in industry motivates their pursuit of advanced study, and obviously, engineering students’
outlook on research tends to be inclined toward application in engineering practice. Thus, this
course focuses on the study of the methodologies used in conducting engineering research. Using
innovation, creativity, and a wealth of knowledge, engineering students are expected to develop
research that would address some technical societal issues.
Developing a research project is an academic writing which requires good communication
skills. Students are expected to write effectively and producing an academic report like a research
project is not as straightforward. The difficulty of the students emanates from the conceptualization
of the research problem to the preparation of the various chapters of the research project. Hence,
research problem formulation and writing strategies and methods will be taught to the students to
help them develop quality research outputs. This instructional material, therefore, serves as
supplementary materials for the students to learn and appreciate the process of research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the students will be able to:

ILO1. Identify and discuss the different forms, types, and classifications of research.
ILO2. Explain the research methods and procedures.

ILO3. Formulate a research problem using gap analysis.

ILO4. Prepare a research proposal applying the principles and methods learned.

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Criteria for Assessment

Online Major Exams - 35%

Research Proposal -35%
Exercises -20%
Oral Presentation -10%

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CHAPTER 1: THE INTRODUCTORY CONCEPTS

Introduction
Research is invaluable tool engineers use to discover the facts they need to produce the
final results they are working on. At the fundamental level, the basic knowledge and technique of
carrying out research are very essential in engineering education.
Research Methods is an undergraduate course that is a fundamental component of the
Mechanical Engineering curriculum. It provides an opportunity for students to establish their basic
understanding of research through a critical exploration of research language, ethics, and
approaches. This introduces the elements of the research process, the language of research, and the
ethical principles and techniques in writing the research proposal and complete research project.
Students will use these theoretical underpinnings to begin to critically develop research projects in
their fields of interest. Generally, the research project is evidence-based exploration of a question
or hypothesis on a specific area student can work on. In order to embark on a research project, the
applicable research methodology must be determined and decide if a question or line of inquiry is
interesting and has value impact to the discipline.

Topic Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. Define research comprehensively.
2. Identify and explain the characteristics of the researcher and research.
3. Enumerate and discuss the forms, types, and classifications of research and importance
to mankind.
4. Know the steps involved in the research process.

Definition of Research
Research may be defined as a scientific investigation of phenomena which includes the
collection, presentation, analysis, and interpretation of facts that link man’s speculation with
reality. According to Shuttleworth (2008), in the broadest sense of the word, the definition of
research includes any gathering of data, information, and facts for the advancement of knowledge.
Another definition of research is given by Creswell (2013) states that “research is a process of

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steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue". It
consists of three steps: pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer
to the question.
Research comprises creative work undertaken on a systematic basis to increase the stock
of knowledge, including knowledge of humans, culture, and society, and the use of this stock of
knowledge to devise new applications. It is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results
of previous work, solve new or existing problems, support theorems, or develop new theories.

Forms of Research
1. Scientific research is the systematic investigation of scientific theories and hypotheses. This
method allows scientists to construct questions about observed phenomena, construct experiments,
and analyze results. It uses the scientific method, a process that helps construct an accurate
depiction of the universe and its processes, to answer whatever question, they may have.
Researchers observe the world around them, formulate potential explanations for the observed
phenomena, test the hypotheses out with experiments, and analyze the results to validate the
hypothesis. Using the scientific method, the experiment can be repeated to find out the researcher's
assertions are true and further validate the hypothesis. The other important part of scientific
research is that a hypothesis must be falsifiable. A falsifiable hypothesis or theory is one where an
experiment or another discovery can prove it to be wrong, untrue, and false. (Trochim, W.M.K,
2006).
2. Research in the humanities involves different methods such as hermeneutics and semiotics,
and a different, more relativist epistemology. Humanities scholars usually explore the issues and
details that surround it. The context can be social, historical, political, cultural, or ethnic. An
example of research in the humanities is historical research, which is embodied in the historical
method. Historians use primary sources and other evidence to systematically investigate a topic,
and then to write histories in the form of accounts of the past. A deep knowledge base in a subject
area must be developed, choose sources to examine, locate and evaluate sources that also explore
the areas of interest, and then come up with own original conclusions. (Eisner, E. W. 1981).

3. Artistic research is considered a practice-based research. It focuses on creative works of both

the research and the object of research itself. It is the debatable body of thought which offers an

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alternative to purely scientific methods in research in its search for knowledge and truth (Lesage,
Dieter 2009)

Characteristics of a Researcher
1. Intellectual curiosity
Reflective thinking and inquiry of various situation and problems around him and
get information on these often due to the novelty ad unusualness is undertaken by the
researcher.

2. Prudence
The research is conducted at the right time and the right place wisely, efficiently,
and economically. In other words, the researcher does the right thing at the right time.
3. Healthy criticism
The researcher is always doubting the truthfulness of his findings even if the data
are gathered honestly.
4. Intellectual Honesty
An intelligent researcher is careful and honest in collecting and analyzing the data
or information to obtain at an honest result.

Qualities of a Good Researcher

There are ten qualities of a good researcher whose first letters from the acronym:
Research-oriented
Efficient
Scientific
Effective
Active
Resourceful
Creative
Honest
Economical
Religious

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Values of Research to Man

Research is of great value to man. The product of research creates huge development and
advancement in various sectors of the society.
1. Research improves quality of life. There are tremendous improvements in the existing
products, processes or systems, and these are basically attained through research.
2. Research improves instruction. The quality of education was improved through continuous
implementation of state-of the art techniques in instruction. Research is always part of the primary
mandates of all educational institutions along with instruction. Instruction is being flourished
through research. Educators, policy makers and educational researchers are tasked to perform
research for the advancement of education.
3. Research improves student's achievement. Analyzing the needs and requirements of
students in the learning process can be done through research. Teachers can adopt various teaching
and learning strategies, proven through research as effective means of conveying knowledge to the
students.
4. Research reduces the burden of work. Advanced devices, equipment, and processes were
developed through research which satisfies man’s needs and lessen the burden of work. These
developments include the areas of telecommunications, transportation, agriculture, banking
systems, power generation, utilities, among others.

Characteristics of Research
1. Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher. The
collection of data relies on practical experience without the benefit of scientific knowledge or
theory.
2. Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles. Scientific investigation
is done in an orderly manner so that the researcher has confidence in the results.
3. Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process. It starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical. The research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering data, whether
historical. descriptive, experimental, or case study.
5. Replicability. The research designs and procedures are replicated to enable the researcher
to arrive at valid and conclusive results.

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6. Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment. A higher level of confidence
must be established.

Types of Research
There are three types of research and these are discussed in this section.
1. Pure Research. This is also called basic research or fundamental research. It aims to
discover basic truths or principles. It is intended to add to the body of scientific knowledge by
exploring the unknown to extend the boundaries of knowledge as well as to discover new facts,
and learn more accurately the characteristics of known without any particular thought as to
immediate practical utility.
2. Applied Research. This type of research involves seeking new applications of scientific
knowledge to the solution of a problem such as the development of a new system or procedure,
new device, or new method to solve the problem. In this type of research, the problem is identified
and a hew system or new method is applied to solve the problem.
3. Action Research This is decision-oriented research involving the application of the steps
of the scientific method in response to an immediate need to improve existing practices.

Classifications of Research
The following are the classifications of research:
1. Library Research. This is done in the library where answers to specific questions or
problems of the study are available. The historical method lends itself to library research because
the study is focused on the past, and much of the primary and secondary sources are found in the
library.
2. Field Research. Research is conducted in a natural setting. No changes are made in the
environment. Field research applies to descriptive survey and experimental methods.
3. Laboratory Research. The research is. conducted in artificial or controlled conditions by
isolating the study in a rigorously specified and operationalized area. The purposes are (1) to test
hypotheses derived from theory (2) to control variance under research conditions, and (3) to
discover the relations between the dependent and independent variables.

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Meaning of Variable
A variable is defined as a number of characteristics that have two or more mutually
exclusive values of properties. Numerical values or categories represent these quantities or
characteristics.

Types of Variable
1. Independent Variable. This is the stimulus variable which is chosen to determine its
relationship to an observed phenomenon.
2. Dependent Variable. This is the response variable that is observed and measure to
determine the effect of the independent variable.
3. Moderate Variable. This is a secondary or special type of independent variable chosen
to a certain if it alters or modifies the relationships between the independent and dependent
variables.
4. Control Variable. This is a variable controlled by the researcher in which the effects can
be neutralized by eliminating or removing the variable.
5. Intervening Variable. This is a variable that interferes with the independent and
dependent variables, but its effects can either strengthen or weaken the independent and dependent
variables.

Component of Research Processes

The basic components of the research process are:
1. Problem/Objective
2. Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework
3. Assumptions
4. Hypotheses
5. Review of Related literature
6. Research Design
7. Data Collection
8. Data Processing and Statistical Treatment
9. Analysis and Interpretation
10. Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendation

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Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the Research Process

The research process is not a linear process in which you must complete step one before
moving on to step two or three. You do not need to put off writing your paper until you have
gathered all of your sources you may want to start writing as soon as possible and adjust your
search, thesis statement, and writing as you continue to work through the research process. For
that reason, consider the following research process as a guideline to follow as your work through
your paper. You can and should revisit the steps as many times as needed to create a finished
product.

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Figure 2. Steps in the Research Process

1. Decide on the topic, or carefully consider the topic that has been assigned.
2. Narrow the topic to narrow search parameters. When you decide on a topic, you often
start large and must narrow the focus; you move from a general subject to a more limited
topic, to a specific focus or issue. The reader does not want a quick look at the topic; he
wants to walk away with some newfound knowledge and a deeper understanding of the
issue. For that, details are essential. For example, suppose you want to explore the topic
of energy. You might move from:
General topic: Energy sources
Limited topic: Alternative energy sources
Specific focus: Solar energy
3. Do background research or pre-research. Begin by figuring out what you know about
the topic, and then fill in any gaps you may have on the basics by looking at more general
sources. This is a place where general Google searches or another encyclopedia-style
source will be most useful. Once you know the basics of the topic, start investigating
basic information for potential sources of conflict.
4. Create a research question. After narrowing the topic which is manageable enough, it
follows the generation of research questions about the topic. Research questions shoulde
be thought-provoking, open-ended, and could encourage debate. After which, Decide
the question addresses the issue that concerns you most will be decided, which will serve
as the main research question. Further, secondary questions will address the who, what,
when, where, why, and how of the issue. As an example:

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Main question: Is solar panel efficiency improving?

Secondary questions: How can we use solar energy efficiently? What is the lifespan
of solar panels? Which solar panels are the most efficient? Why is solar energy
important? Where is the best location for solar energy? When is solar energy worth
exploiting?
5. The next step is to answer the main research question to create a working research
statement. The research statement is a single sentence that identifies the topic and shows
the direction of the study while simultaneously allowing the reader to glean the writer’s
stance on that topic. A working research study performs four main functions:
- Narrows the subject to the single point that readers should understand
- Names the topic and makes a significant assertion about that topic
- Conveys the purpose
- Provides a preview of how the essay will be arranged (usually).
6. Determine what kind of sources are best for your argument.
How many sources will you need? How long should your study be? Will you need
primary or secondary sources? Where will you find the best information?
7. Create a bibliography as you gather and reference sources. Make sure you are using
credible and relevant sources. It’s always a good idea to utilize reference management
programs like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote so you can keep track of your research and
citations while you are working and searching, instead of waiting until the end.
8. Write and edit your paper. Lastly, you will incorporate the research into your own
writing and properly cite your sources.

SELF ASSESSMENT No. 1

TASK:
Given the following general topics, dissect into a limited topic and specific focus:
1. Solid wastes
2. Climate change
3. Natural catastrophe
After narrowing the topic, create a research question for each topic. Specify the main and
secondary questions.

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