RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

Ahmad Safuan A Rashid

0197201279
ahmadsafuan@utm.my
AHMAD SAFUAN A RASHID
AHMAD SAFUAN A RASHID
 COURSE OUTCOME
The students should:
• A comprehensive understanding on all aspects of
research.
• A guide on how to conduct research in a systematic
way.
• A guide to solve and analyse data and results.
• A guide on writing techniques and presentation skill.
 COURSE CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Problem Formulation
• Literature Review
• Research Design
• Result and Analysis
• Writing and Presentation
• Evaluation of Research and Thesis
• Research Organisation
 Assessment
• Chapters 1 – 3
– Introduction
– Literature Review
– Methodology
INTRODUCTION
 PART 1:
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
 WHAT IS RESEARCH?
CASE 1

En. Samad prepared a paper on “Computer usage in

secondary schools” after reviewing literature on the
subject available in his university library and called it a
piece of research.
 WHAT IS RESEARCH?
CASE 2

En. Ali says that he has researched and completed a

document which gives information about age of his
students, their SPM results, their parents’ income and
distance of their schools from home.
 WHAT IS RESEARCH?
CASE 3

Mr Wilson participated in a workshop on curriculum

development and prepared what he calls, a research
report on the curriculum for building technicians. He
did this through a literature survey on the subject and
by discussing with the participants of the workshop.
NONE of the above cases can be classified
under the name RESEARCH.
 WHAT IS RESEARCH?
CASE 4

A general manager of a car producing company was

concerned with the complaints received from the car
users that the car they produce have some problems
with rattling sound at the dash board and the rear
passenger seat after a few thousand kilometers of
driving.
 WHAT IS RESEARCH?

DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU SEE A PROBLEM?

 WHAT IS RESEARCH?
What he did?

He obtained information from the company workers to

1. identify the various factors influencing the problem.
He then 2. formulated the problem and generated
guesses (hypotheses). He 3. constructed checklist and
obtained requisite information from a representative
sample of cars. He 4. analysed the data thus collected,
5. interpreted the results in the light of his hypotheses
and reached 6. conclusions.
 WHAT IS RESEARCH?
CASE 4 is an example of research because:
The researcher went through a sequence of steps
which were in order and thus systematic.
The researcher did not just jump at the conclusions,
but used a scientific method of inquiry in reaching at
conclusions.
 MEANING
Research may be defined as a careful and systematic
process of inquiry to find answers to problems of
interest
To do research is to investigate the problem
systematically, carefully, and thoroughly.
Research is an organised, systematic, database, critical,
scientific inquiry or investigation into a specific
problem, undertaken with the objective of finding
answers or solution to it.
 MEANING
Research is an endeavor/effort to discover answers to
intellectual and practical problems through the
application of scientific method.
Research is a systematised effort to gain new
knowledge.
Research is the systematic process of collecting and
analysing information (data) in order to increase our
understanding of the phenomenon about which we are
concerned or interested.
 MEANING
Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem
after a thorough study and analysis of the situational
factors.
Research provides the needed information that guides
managers to make informed decisions to successfully
deal with problems.
The information provided could be the result of a careful
analysis of data gathered first hand or of data that are
already available (in the company).
 OBJECTIVES
The purpose of research is to discover answers through
the application of scientific procedures.
The objectives are:
To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve
new insights into it – Exploratory or Formulative
Research.
To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular
individual, situation or a group – Descriptive Research.
To determine the frequency with which something
occurs or with which it is associated with something
else – Diagnostic Research.
 OBJECTIVES
To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between
variables – Hypothesis-Testing Research.
The goal of research is to solve problems of interest.
These problems may be of a theoretical or practical in
nature
The scientific community tend to be more interested in
research that pushes the frontier of knowledge with
the aims of research should be to describe, predict,
explain, interpret or demystify/clarify phenomena.
 SYSTEMATIC
1. Systematic
Research is systematic, because it follows certain steps
that are logical in order. These steps are:
Understanding the nature of problem to be studied and
identifying the related area of knowledge.
Reviewing literature to understand how others have approached
or dealt with the problem.
Collecting data in an organised and controlled manner so as to
arrive at valid decisions.
Analysing data appropriate to the problem.
Drawing conclusions and making generalisations.
 SYSTEMATIC
Systematic characteristic of research

Problem Identification

Reviewing Information

Data Collection

Analysis

Drawing Conclusions
 FOLLOWS A SCIENTIFIC METHOD
2. Follows a scientific method
This means that it makes an integrated use of Inductive
and Deductive reasoning. This makes it very useful for
explaining and predicting phenomena.
The basic assumption of the scientific method is that
every effect has a cause.
Note:
Inductive – using particular examples to reach a
general conclusion about something; leading on
Deductive – Using logic or reason to form a conclusion
or opinion about something; e.g. death
 FOLLOWS A SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Inductive
Observation -Elephants depend on water to exist
Observe a pattern - All observed animals depend on water to exist
Develop a theory - All biological life depends on water to exist

Deductive
Start with an existing theory -All biological life depends on water to exist
Formulate a hypothesis based on existing theory - All land mammals depend
on water to exist
Collect data to test the hypothesis - Study all land mammal species to see if
they depend on water
Analyse the results: does the data reject or support the hypothesis? - All land
mammal species depend on water = support hypothesis
 FOLLOWS A SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Inductive reasoning
– Construction of hypotheses from
casual observations and background
knowledge.
– From the examination of these, the
researcher establishes certain
expectations.
Deductive reasoning
– Reasoning out consequences or
implications of hypotheses followed by
testing of the implications and
confirmation or rejection of the
hypotheses.

The finding of investigation add new knowledge to the existing

structure of knowledge.
Further hypotheses are generated from the existing structure and
the casual observations and testing of these may add to the new
applicable knowledge.
This process continues in this manner, and therefore research
becomes cyclic and dynamic.
FOLLOWS A SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Scientific method of inquiry

Generation of
hypotheses
Casual
observation Implications of
hypotheses

Existing structure
of knowledge Operationally
specific testing
situation
 RESEARCH TYPE
There are many ways of classifying research. One way is
to classify it by function.
Basic or pure research is motivated by curiosity and aims
to advance theoretical knowledge.
Applied research is concerned with applying scientific
theory to real-life problems.
Although research activities are classified according to
their different natures, they will overlap and merge from
one into the other.
 RESEARCH TYPE
Research can be divided into 5 categories:
1.Basic/pure/fundamental Research
2.Exploratory Research
3.Applied Research
4.Development Research
5.Design Research
RESEARCH TYPE
RESEARCH TYPE
RESEARCH TYPE
 1. BASIC/PURE/FUNDAMENTAL
RESEARCH
Refers to original investigations for the advancement of
scientific knowledge that do not have the specific
objective of application to practical problems.

It is research devoted to achieving a fuller knowledge

or understanding rather than practical application of
the subject under study.
 1. BASIC/PURE/FUNDAMENTAL
RESEARCH
It is experimental or theoretical work undertaken
primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying
foundation of phenomena and observable facts with or
without any particular immediate application or use in
view.
It is not subject to a time-restraint and it is an open-
ended.
 2. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
Aims to clarify concepts and problems. Closely allied to
underlying basic research, in which there is an
objective.
It is open-ended, looking for something which might
form the basis for a successful research project
development,
e.g. Research for a new drug and examining the
biological effects of a new range of chemical materials.
 3. APPLIED RESEARCH
Research directed towards the practical application of
knowledge.

It involves the application of basic knowledge for the

solution of a particular problem, the creation and
evaluation of a new concepts or components but not
development for operational use.

e.g. Application of existing scientific knowledge to the

problems of own institution.
 4. DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
Systematic use of scientific knowledge directed towards
the production of useful
– materials,
– devices,
– systems or methods,
– including design and
– development of prototypes and processes.
 4. DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
Can be further classified into:
1. Product development
• Refers to research regarding new products
and products new to industry or combination
of product components in a new way.
2. Process development
• Refers to research into new or improved
methods of control and control systems and
changes or improvements in manufacturing
and processes technologies.
 5. DESIGN RESEARCH
Research directed at cost/performance improvement to
existing products, processes or systems; recombination,
modification and testing of systems using existing
knowledge; or opening new markets for existing
products.

e.g. Parts and components research.

 RESEARCH TYPE
Descriptive vs Analytical Research

Descriptive Research is a fact finding investigation which

is aimed at describing the characteristics of individual,
situation or a group (or) describing the state of affairs as
it exists at present.

Analytical Research is primarily concerned with testing

hypothesis and specifying and interpreting relationships,
by analysing the facts or information already available.
 RESEARCH TYPE
Applied vs Fundamental Research

Applied Research or Action Research is carried out to

find solution to a real life problem requiring an action or
policy decision.

Fundamental Research which is also known as basic or

pure research is undertaken for the sake of knowledge
without any intention to apply it in practice. It is
undertaken out of intellectual curiosity and is not
necessarily problem-oriented.
 RESEARCH TYPE
Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research is employed for measuring the

quantity or amount of a particular phenomena by the use
of statistical analysis.

Qualitative Research is a non-quantitative type of analysis

which is aimed at finding out the quality of a particular
phenomenon.
 RESEARCH TYPE
Conceptual vs Empirical Research

Conceptual Research is generally used by philosophers

and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret
existing ones.

Empirical Research is a data based research which

depends on experience or observation alone. It is aimed
at coming up with conclusions without due regard for
system and theory.
 RESEARCH TYPE
One-time Research – Research confined to a single time
period.
Longitudinal Research – Research carried on over several
time periods.
Diagnostic Research – It is also called clinical research
which aims at identifying the causes of a problem,
frequency with which it occurs and the possible solutions
for it.
Experimental Research – It is designed to assess the effect
of one particular variable on a phenomenon by keeping
the other variables constant or controlled.
 RESEARCH TYPE
Exploratory Research – It is the preliminary study of an
unfamiliar problem, about which the researcher has
little or no knowledge. It is aimed to gain familiarity
with the problem, to generate new ideas or to make a
precise formulation of the problem. Hence it is also
known as formulative research.
Historical Research – It is the study of past records and
other information sources, with a view to find the
origin and development of a phenomenon and to
discover the trends in the past, in order to understand
the present and to anticipate the future.
 ESTABLISHMENT OF RESEARCH
OBJECTIVES
Research Objectives are the specific components of the research
problem, that you’ll be working to answer or complete, in order
to answer the overall research problem.
The objectives refers to the questions to be answered through
the study. They indicate what we are trying to get from the study
or the expected results / outcome of the study.
Research Objectives should be clear and achievable, as they
directly assist in answering the research problem.
The objectives may be specified in the form of either statements
or questions.
Generally, they are written as statements, using the word “to”.
(For example, ‘to discover …’, ‘to determine …’, ‘to establish …’,
etc. )
ESTABLISHMENT OF RESEARCH
OBJECTIVES
SCOPE OF STUDY AND LIMITATION
• The study should be focus on a very specific
issue and could provide an answer within a
certain limitation of time.
• Should be addressed in the dissertation or
thesis.
• Recommendation will be suggested on the
conclusion chapter.
 RESEARCH BACKGROUND AND
BENEFIT
• Provide an overview for the research problem
and benefit gained from this research.
• The research problem usually gained from the
limitation of previous work.
• Should be highlighted in the introduction
chapter or section.
 HYPOTHESIS

A hypothesis is an assumption about relations between

variables.
Hypothesis can be defined as a logically
conjectured/guesses relationship between two or more
variables expressed in the form of a testable statement.
Relationships are conjectured on the basis of the
network of associations established in the theoretical
framework formulated for the research study.
Example:
1. ‘A’ is increase when ‘B’ is decrease.
 HYPOTHESIS
• Characteristics of Good Research Hypothesis
1. Research hypothesis should be clear specific precise and
focused.
2. Research hypothesis should be empirically testable
3. Research hypothesis is never formulated in the form of a
question.
4. Research hypothesis should specify variables between which
relationship is to be established in research study
or research project.
5. Research hypothesis should not conflict with any law of nature
which is known to be true.
6. Research hypothesis should be stated in most possible simple
terms to make it understandable by all concerned.
7. Research hypothesis should be amenable to testing within a
reasonable time span.
8. Research hypothesis should not be contradictory
 VARIABLES

Anything that can vary can be considered as a variable.

A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying
values.
For example; Age, Production units, Absenteeism, Sex,
Motivation, Income, Height, Weight etc.
Note: The values can differ at various times for the same
object or person (or) at the same time for different objects
or persons.
 VARIABLE / ATTRIBUTE

A variable is a characteristic that takes on two or more

values whereas, an attribute is a specific value on a
variable (qualitative).

For example;
The variable SEX/GENDER has 2 attributes - Male and
Female.
The variable AGREEMENT has 5 attributes – Strongly
Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree.
 TYPES OF VARIABLES
Explanatory vs Extraneous Variable
The variables selected for analysis are called explanatory
variables and all other variables that are not related to the
purpose of the study but may affect the dependent
variable are extraneous.
Dependent vs Independent Variable
The variable that changes in relationship to changes in
another variable(s) is called dependant variable.
The variable whose change results in the change in
another variable is called an independent variable.
OR
An independent variable is the one that influences the
dependent variable in either a positive or negative way.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Dimensional analysis is a method for deducing
elements of the form of a theoretical relationship from
consideration of the variables and parameters that
make up that relationship.
Dimensional analysis of a problem then leads to a
reduction in the number of variables that must be
studied in order to understand the problem.
The key is to create dimensionally homogeneous
equations whose form does not depend on the units of
measurement.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Governing equations cannot just be plucked from the
air: they must come from an underlying insight into the
phenomenon that is being modelled.
The theory of dimensional analysis is encapsulated in
Buckingham's theorem
Buckingham ' s π theorem states that:
If there are n variables in a problem and these variables
contain m primary dimensions (for example M, L, T) the
equation relating all the variables will have (n-m)
dimensionless groups.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Buckingham referred to these groups as π groups.
πl = f(π2, π3 ,….. πn-m )
The π groups must be independent of each other and
no one group should be formed by multiplying together
powers of other groups.
This method offers the advantage of being more simple
than the method of solving simultaneous equations for
obtaining the values of the indices (the exponent
values of the variables).
In this method of solving the equation, there are 2
conditions:
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
a. Each of the fundamental dimensions must appear in
at least one of the m variables
b. It must not be possible to form a dimensionless
group from one of the variables within a recurring set.
A recurring set is a group of variables forming a
dimensionless group.
Fundamental quantities most commonly employed are
based on Newton’s second law which states that the
rate of change in momentum of a body is proportional
to the applied force. This give,
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Force ∝ Change of momentum / time
Since
momentum = mass x velocity
and
acceleration = velocity / time
Therefore
Force ∝ mass x acceleration
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Making unity out of constant value,

Force = mass x acceleration

The relation above if expressed dimensionally will give,

[F] = [M][LT-2]

where
[F] dimension of force, [M] dimension of mass
[L] dimension of length, [T] dimension of time
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
The equation relates four dimensions, [F], [M], [L] and
[T].
Therefore while [L] and [T] is fundamental dimensions
required for geometry and kinematics, the thirds
fundamental dimensions in dynamics can be either
force [F] or mass [M](resistance of accelaration).
The choice of these quantities depends upon the
measuring system i.e whether to employ the MLT
system (SI system) or the FLT system (British system).
However, in this work, since mass is the fundamental
physical quantity, the latter are employed in deriving
the dimensionless value of the equations.
 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Selection of the relevant independent parameters can
be quite difficult, the resolution of relate problem
required sufficient experience.
Dimensional analysis associate with Buckingham’s pi-
theorem provide useful hint in determining the various
factors that involved in the analysis and relevant data
to be collected.
 SLOPE IN COHESIVE SOIL
• An example - the factor of safety (Fs) of a slope formed in purely
cohesive soil.
• f (Fs,H , θ, cu, γ, D) ; n = 6
• f ([1] ,[L],[1], [FL-2],[FL-3],L) ; m =2
• f (Fs, cu/γH, θ, D/H) ; n– m = 4

Slope in cohesive soil

SLOPE IN COHESIVE SOIL
 FALL CONE
• The fall-cone used as a quick measure of undrained strength in the
laboratory.
• f (d, W, cu, α) ; n = 4
• f ([L], [F], [FL-2], [1]) ; m =2
• f (cud2/W, α); n-m = 2
 BEARING CAPACITY
• Relationship ultimate load on a footing
• f (Pu, L, B, d, cu, ϕ,γ) ; n = 7
• f ([F], [L],[L],[L],[FL-2], [1],[FL-3]) ; m = 2
• f (Pu/γB2L, L/B, d/B, cu/γB,ϕ); n-m= 5
 VERTICAL CUT
• f(Fs, α, γ, cu, h) ; n = 5
• f([1], [1], [FL-3], [FL-2], [L]); m = 2
• f(Fs, α,cu/γh); n-m = 3

cu

h
γ

α
 HYPOTHESIS
Research Hypothesis is a predictive statement that relates
an independent variable to a dependent variable.
Hypothesis must contain at least one independent variable
and one dependent variable.
Hypothesis are tentative, intelligent guesses as to the
solution of the problem.
Hypothesis is a specific statement of prediction. It
describes in concrete terms what you expect to happen in
the study.
Hypothesis is an assumption about the population of the
study.
It delimits the area of research and keeps the researcher
on the right track.
 PROBLEM (VS) HYPOTHESIS
Hypothesis is an assumption, that can be tested and can
be proved to be right or wrong.
A problem is a broad question which cannot be directly
tested. A problem can be scientifically investigated after
converting it into a form of hypothesis.
CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPOTHESIS
Conceptual Clarity - It should be clear and precise.
Specificity - It should be specific and limited in scope.
Consistency - It should be consistent with the
objectives of research.
Testability - It should be capable of being tested.
Expectancy - It should state the expected relationships
between variables.
Simplicity - It should be stated as far as possible in
simple terms.
Objectivity - It should not include value judgments,
relative terms or any moral preaching.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPOTHESIS
Theoretical Relevance - It should be consistent with a
substantial body of established or known facts or existing
theory.
Availability of Techniques – Statistical methods should be
available for testing the proposed hypothesis.
 SOURCES OF HYPOTHESIS

Discussions with colleagues and experts about the problem,

its origin and objectives in seeking a solution.
Examination of data and records for possible trends,
peculiarities.
Review of similar studies.
Exploratory personal investigation / Observation.
Logical deduction from the existing theory.
Continuity of research.
Intuition and personal experience.
 TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
Descriptive Hypothesis
These are assumptions that describe the characteristics (such as
size, form or distribution) of a variable. The variable may be an
object, person, organisation, situation or event.
Examples:
“Public enterprises are more amenable for centralized planning”.

Relational Hypothesis [Explanatory Hypothesis]

These are assumptions that describe the relationship between two
variables. The relationship suggested may be positive, negative or
causal relationship.
Examples:
“Families with higher incomes spend more for recreation”.
 TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
Causal Hypothesis state that the existence of or change in one
variable causes or leads to an effect on another variable. The first
variable is called the independent variable and the latter is the
dependent variable.

Null Hypothesis
When a hypothesis is stated negatively, it is called null
hypothesis. It is a ‘no difference’, ‘no relationship’ hypothesis. ie.,
It states that, no difference exists between the parameter and
statistic being compared to or no relationship exists between the
variables being compared. It is usually represented as HO or H0 .
Example:
H0: There is no relationship between a family’s income and
expenditure on recreation.
 TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS
Alternate Hypothesis
It is the hypothesis that describes the researcher’s prediction that,
there exist a relationship between two variables or it is the
opposite of null hypothesis. It is represented as HA or H1.

Example:
HA: There is a definite relationship between family’s income and
expenditure on recreation.
 FORMS OF RELATIONSHIPS

NON-DIRECTIONAL Vs DIRECTIONAL

There is a relationship If X goes up, Y ….

between or
X&Y As X increases, Y…
X….linked….Y X = Independent
variable
Y = Dependent variable
DIRECTIONAL HYPOTHESES - “X”
causes “Y” to change
• If X changes
• (increases
• decreases)
• then
• Y will ______
• (increase or
• decrease)
• a causal link
 DIRECTION OF RELATIONSHIP

If X increases, Y increases
A POSITIVE relationship
If X increase, Y decreases
A NEGATIVE or INVERSE relationship
As X changes, Y does NOT change...>
No Change...>NO RELATIONSHIP
 NON-DIRECTIONAL HYPOTHESES
- the weakest form
• There is a relationship between X & Y
– non-causal
– correlational statement
– X…..Y
 CORRELATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
Positive correlation

• When the values of 70

• TWO variables 60

50
• “go together” Hr
work
40
• or Earnin
30 gs
• values on X & Y
20
• change in SAME
10
• DIRECTION
0
 CORRELATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
Negative Correlation
120
• When the values of two
variables 100

• CO-VARY 80
Hrs
• in Opposite direction 60
work
Earnin
• (as one goes up, 40 gs

• the other goes down) 20

0
FUNCTIONS OR ROLE OF HYPOTHESIS

It gives a definite point to the investigation and provides

direction to the study.
It determines the data needs.
It specifies the sources of data.
It suggests which type of research is likely to be more
appropriate.
It determines the most appropriate technique of analysis.
It contributes to the development of theory.
 MAJOR STAGE OF WORK
For conducting research, a researcher / investigator
goes through 4 major stages of work:
1. Preparing research proposal
2. Organising and conducting research
3. Writing a research report
4. Evaluating research
PREPARING RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Describes WHY of research
WHAT of research
Questions about which researcher is seeking answers
Hypotheses (expected relations) he would like to test –
proposed explanation for a phenomenon, the scientific
method requires that one can test it.
HOW of research (methodology)
 ORGANISING & CONDUCTING
RESEARCH
Researcher conducts research following
methodology / plan.
Makes small deviations, if necessary.
 WRITING RESEARCH REPORT
Researcher writes report which outlines the
findings of study and its implications.
 EVALUATING RESEARCH
In order to find any gaps or weakness in study.
Help in modifying the study and improving research in
future.
Assess by an expert on that particular field (Assessment
presentation/VIVA)
 CAPABILITIES REQUIREMENT
Capabilities required to undertake work:
1. Selecting and defining research problem.
2. Describing methodology of research.
3. Collecting data.
4. Analysing data and interpreting the results.
SELECTING & DEFINING RESEARCH
PROBLEM
Carry out literature review related to problem.
Make thorough diagnosis to specify problem, research
questions or hypotheses.
 DESCRIBING METHODOLOGY
Select appropriate research design.
Select subjects on whom the study has to be
conducted.
Select or develop instruments for measuring variables
in study.
Explain in a flow chart method.
 DATA COLLECTION
Develop capabilities of administering instruments,
recording data, scoring and tabulating for analysis.
 ANALYSING DATA &
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
Acquire capabilities of selecting and applying
appropriate statistical methods for handling and
analysing the collected data, so as to arrive at valid
conclusions.
CRITERIA OF A GOOD RESEARCH
Purpose clearly defined.
Research process detailed.
Research design thoroughly planned.
High ethical standards applied.
Limitations frankly revealed.
Adequate analysis for decision maker’s needs.
Findings presented unambiguously.
Conclusions justified.
Researcher’s experience reflected.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCH
Systematic
Logical
Empirical
Replicable
Creative
Use of multiple methods
 NEED FOR RESEARCH
Exploration
Describe
Diagnose
Hypothesis
Inductions And Deductions
 PROBLEMS IN RESEARCH
Not similar to science
Uncontrollable variables
Human tendencies
Time and money
Lack of computerisation
Lack of scientific training in the methodology of research
 RESEARCH PROCESS
FF
Review the literature
FF

Review
Concepts Analyse
Design
And Collect Data
Research Interpret
Define theories Formulate Data (Test
(Including and
Research hypothesis (Execution) Hypothesis
Sample report
Problem if any)
Review Design)
F F
Previous
I Research III IV V
findings VI VII

II
F

F Feed Back
FF Feed Forward
 RESEARCH PROBLEM
What is a research problem?

The term ‘problem’ means a question or issue to be

examined.

Research Problem refers to some difficulty /need which

a researcher experiences in the context of either
theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a
solution for the same.
 HOW DO WE KNOW WE HAVE A
RESEARCH PROBLEM?
Customer complaints
Conversation with company employees
Observation of inappropriate behaviour or conditions
in the firm
Deviation from the business plan
Success of the firm’s competitor’s
Relevant reading of published material (trends,
regulations)
Company records and reports.
 HOW DO WE KNOW WE HAVE A
RESEARCH PROBLEM?
The first step in the research process – definition of the
problem involves two activities:

Identification / Selection of the Problem

Formulation of the Problem

IDENTIFICATION / SELECTION OF THE
RESEARCH PROBLEM
This step involves identification of a few problems and
selection of one out of them, after evaluating the
alternatives against certain selection criteria.
 SOURCES OF PROBLEMS

Reading
Academic Experience
Daily Experience
Exposure to Field Situations
Consultations
Brainstorming
Research
Intuition
 CRITERIA OF SELECTION
The selection of one appropriate researchable problem
out of the identified problems requires evaluation of
those alternatives against certain criteria. They are:

Internal / Personal criteria – Researcher’s Interest,

Researcher’s Competence, Researcher’s own Resource:
finance and time.
External Criteria or Factors – Research ability of the
problem, Importance and Urgency, Novelty of the
Problem, Feasibility, Facilities, Usefulness and Social
Relevance, Research Personnel.
 DEFINITION / FORMULATION OF
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
Formulation is the process of refining the research ideas
into research questions and objectives.
Formulation means translating and transforming the
selected research problem/topic/idea into a scientifically
researchable question. It is concerned with specifying
exactly what the research problem is.
Problem definition or Problem statement is a clear, precise
and succinct statement of the question or issue that is to
be investigated with the goal of finding an answer or
solution.
 PROCESS INVOLVED IN DEFINING
THE PROBLEM
Statement of The Problem In A General Way.
Understanding The Nature of Problem.
Surveying The Available Literature.
Developing Ideas Through Discussions.
Rephrasing The Research Problem
 CRITERIA OF A GOOD RESEARCH
PROBLEM
Clear and Unambiguous
Empirical
Verifiable
Interesting
Novel and Original
Availability of Guidance
CRITERIA OF A GOOD RESEARCH
PROBLEM
Symptom Detection

Analysis of
the Situation

Problem Definition

Statement of
Research Objectives
 PART 2:
SELECTING PROBLEM
 SELECTING A PROBLEM
Personal practical experiences.
Critical study of literature.
Interaction with others.
 SELECTING A PROBLEM
Interest:
– If you are not interested in the area you want to
research, what will the quality of the product be
like?
– By being interested, you are more likely to read
widely on the topic and have more thorough
knowledge of the situation.
 SELECTING A PROBLEM
Size:
– Remember, a problem is often too large when it
is first considered.
– Further analysis can reduce large problem into a
smaller, manageable research problem.
 SELECTING A PROBLEM
Economy:
– Research are often confronted with practical
constraints, not the least of which are time and
money.
– If your problem situation is macro in size, is it
possible for you to find the answers to your
question? Do you have enough time and money?
 SELECTING A PROBLEM
Capabilities and Limitations:
– A researcher should not be too ambitious and
must recognize your own capabilities.
– Wise, especially at prior planning stage to seek
advice from more experienced persons.
– If inexperienced in educational research, then it is
highly likely that you will need some guidance.
 SELECTING A PROBLEM
Uniqueness:
– Findings from research should contribute to body
of knowledge already in existence, not merely
duplicate existing study.
– However, to pursue a study similar to one already
in existence but change the methods used, or
modify the design, or use a different sample, or
choose to perform different statistical analyses.
 SELECTING A PROBLEM
Impact to Society:
– Disaster; Cheap and Fast Accommodation.
– Recycle Waste materials
– Green Technology, Green Building
 WHAT DRIVES RESEARCH ?
1. Mankind’s inquisitive nature
2. Our wish to identify and meet future
Needs
Social responsibility
Profit
3. To meet present needs
Unfulfilled needs
Better means
MANKIND’S INQUISITIVE NATURE
Rare ?
Examples:
–Newton ?
–Euler ?
–Terzaghi ?

Great engineers have been driven by needs:

– Stephensions, Brunel, Zeppelin, Robert McAlpine

124
Application of Research/Output
Papers – Journals (Q1, Scopus)/proceedings
Text books
Design Guides
Codes of Practice
Appropriate solution may be influenced by
economic conditions

125
 APPLICATION OF RESEARCH
Innovators from the past developed ideas by applying
them:
• Robert Stephenson
– Multi-Tubular Boiler
– Box-Girder Bridge
• Brunel
– Low-rise masonry arch
– “Rigid” railway track

126
 APPLICATION OF RESEARCH
Present day:
Research Laboratory-Practice

127
 CIVIL ENGINEERING
Research is a continuum. Does not exclude New
Concepts
Examples:
– Structural Frame for medium and high-rise
buildings
– Reinforced concrete
Some forms develop from older forms:
– Long span suspension bridge from jungle
footbridges
– Cable-net roof from the tent

128
 CIVIL ENGINEERING
Future needs may be affected by changing criteria
Example:
– Re-introduction of street tramway (street car)
– Environmental Concerns have changed the
criteria for city planning
– Priority for public transport

129
 FUTURE NEEDS
(a) Needs may arise from research
Examples
– Personal Stereo? Not anymore
– Personal Computer
– Handphone / SMARTPHONE
(b) Develop from present needs
Examples
Inter-planetary travel develops from need to travel
to the next village

130
 FUTURE NEEDS
Resistance of high rise buildings to accidental damage
is an extension of long-standing need for robust
structures
Development:
– Ability to predict
– Need to be able to model
– Need to verify and calibrate against experience
– Need to evaluate
– Criteria for evaluation

131
 PRESENT NEEDS
Need to know these !
Identify
Evaluate present methods
Develop criteria
Weakness
Improve Invent
May be influenced by context:
Local/ national needs
Socially responsible
International needs
More prestigious
PRESENT NEEDS DRIVING RESEARCH
IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
New/ Enhanced use of existing structures
Protection against accidental damage
More efficient new construction
the “e-world”, digital, IR4.0
Inter-disciplinary concerns
3D Printer
Crane, esp for Precast construction

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NEW/ ENHANCED USE OF EXISTING
STRUCTURES
Improvement in understanding of restraints
Frame + cladding interaction
Joints
Advanced analysis
Bridge Assessment
Strengthening
Durability of concrete and other materials
Modern analysis of old construction
Lightweight storey extensions

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 PROTECTION FROM ACCIDENTAL
DAMAGE
• Fire engineering
• Seismic
• Robustness
Green Energy
Green Technology
Green Technology
Green Technology
Recycle Waste
materials
Recycle Waste materials
 Thinking Big: Water Security
Groundwater as
Viable Alternative

Large Scale Rainwater Harvesting

Satellite Mapping & Monitoring

Water
Reclamation Seawater
Desalination
 Thinking BIG:
Present Future Energy Future

Issues Blue Energy

Hydrogen
End of Oil
Geo- politics
Solar
Security
Nano Tech
Biofuel
•Options
source: adapted from The Extreme Future, James Canton