Research .1

RVCollege
RV Collegeofof Go, change the world

Engineering
Engineering
Dept of Mech. Engg.
Unit 1: Research Problem

M Krishna
RV College of Go, change the world
Engineering
Presentation Agenda
 Problem Solving
 General Problem Solving,
 Logical Approach,
 Soft System Approach,
 Creative Approach,
 Group Problem Solving Techniques for Idea Generation
 Formulation of Research Problems & Approaches to Research Problem,
 Exploration for Problem Identification,
 Hypothesis Generation and Formulation of the problem.
Engineering
Problem Solving
Mechanical Engineering Department
Problem solving is the act of

defining a problem;
determining the cause of the
problem; identifying,
prioritizing, and selecting
alternatives for a solution; and
implementing a solution.
Engineering
Problem Engineering
Mechanical ? Department
 A perceived difference between what a situation is and what it should be
 Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
 Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
 Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
 Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of
creative problem solving
 Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
 Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
 Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
 Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
 Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
 Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially
worse
 Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
 Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
 Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings,
new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.

Engineering
Components of a Problem Definition
1. Relevance of the study.
2. Title of the study.
3. Operational definitions of the variables.
4. Objectives of the study.
5. Delimitations of the study.
6. Scope & limitations of the study.
Engineering Sources of Research Problem
1. Personal experience
2. Practical experience
3. Critical appraisal of literature
4. Previous research
5. Existing theories
6. Social issues
7. Brainstorming
8. Intuition
9. Folklores
10.Exposure to field situation
11.Consultation with experts
1. Personal experience: Day to day experience of the researcher
serves as a good source of ideas to formulate research problem.
2. Practical experience: This serves as a source for identifying
research problems
3. Critical appraisal of literature: When one looks at books,
articles, summaries of clinical issues relating to the subject of our
interest, pertinent questions may arise (These may strike the
reader’s mind by stimulating imagination and directly the
additional research needed.)
4. Previous research: Usually at the end of the research problems are
suggested based on the shortcoming of the previous research,
these could be investigated.
5. Existing theories: Research is a process of theory development and
theory testing. If an existing theory is used in developing a
researchable problem, a specific statement from theory must be
isolated.
6.Social issues: Sometimes issues of global contemporary or political
issues of relevance are suggested. An idea for a research may stem
from a familiarity with social concerns or controversial social issues.
7.Brainstorming: Brainstorming sessions are good techniques to find
new research questions. Brainstorming refers to intensified
discussions among interested people of the profession in order to find
more ideas to formulate a good research problem.
7. Intuition : Intuitions' are considered good sources of knowledge to
find new research problems. It is believed that reflective mind is a
good source of ideas to good research problems.
8. Folklores: Common beliefs could be right or wrong. ( E.g.,
Studying just before examination decrease the score)
9. Exposure to field situation: During field exposure researchers get a
variety of experiences which may provide plenty of ideas to
formulate research problems.
10. Consultation with experts : Experts may help in finding a current
problem of discipline to be solved which may serve as a basis for
formulation of research problem.
Go, change the world
RV College of
Engineering Problem Solving
involves Three basic Functions
1. Seeking information (Data Collection)

2. Generating New Knowledge
3. Making Decisions
Engineering
Problem Solving : FiveEngineering
Mechanical steps ModelDepartment
1. Understand the problem
2. Describe any Barrier (preventing the goal)
3. Identify various Solutions
 Create visual images
 Guesstimate
 Use manipulatives
 Look for pattern
 Create a systematic list
4. Try out a solution
5. Evaluate the results
Engineering
Advantage of Problem
Mechanical solving Department
Engineering
1. Development of Long-term knowledge Retention
2. Continuous Engagement
3. Promotes development of higher critical levels of thinking
(application, synthesis, evolution) versus simple memorization
4. Improvement of teamwork and Interpersonal Skills
Engineering GeneralMechanical
Problem Solving
Engineering Department
1) Define the problem
2) List all the possible solutions
3) Evaluate the options
4) Select the best solution
5) Create an implementation plan
6) Communicate your solution
Engineering GeneralMechanical
Problem Solving
1) Define the problem
2) List all the possible solutions
3) Evaluate the options
4) Select the best solution
5) Create an implementation plan
6) Communicate your solution
Engineering Logical Approach to Solve
Mechanical Problem
 Logical reasoning, or logic, is used in order to work through a
problem and find a solution.
 If/then statements, and/or statements, and transitivity can all
be used to assist in solving problems and reaching
conclusions.
Mechanical Problem
A logical approach to problem solving involves systematically analyzing a
problem, breaking it down into manageable parts, and applying logical
reasoning to find a solution. Here are some steps you can follow:
 Define the problem: Clearly understand and articulate the problem you
need to solve. This involves identifying the desired outcome and any
constraints or limitations.
 Gather information: Collect all relevant information about the problem.
This may involve conducting research, interviewing experts, or
analyzing available data.
 Identify possible solutions: Generate a list of potential solutions or
strategies that could address the problem. Be open-minded and
consider different approaches.
Mechanical Problem
 Evaluate the options: Assess the pros and cons of each solution. Consider
factors such as feasibility, cost, resources required, and potential risks.
Eliminate options that are impractical or unlikely to succeed.
 Choose the best solution: Select the solution that seems most effective and
feasible based on your evaluation. It should align with the desired outcome
and be practical to implement.
 Develop an action plan: Break down the chosen solution into actionable
steps. Determine the specific tasks, resources needed, and timeline for
implementation. This plan should outline the necessary actions to reach the
desired outcome.
 Implement the solution: Execute the action plan and put the chosen solution
into practice. Monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary.
Mechanical Problem
 Evaluate the results: Assess the effectiveness of the solution once it has been
implemented. Did it solve the problem? Did it achieve the desired outcome?
If not, identify any shortcomings and consider alternative approaches.\\
 Learn and improve: Reflect on the problem-solving process and the lessons
learned. Identify areas for improvement and apply these insights to future
problem-solving endeavors.
Throughout the entire process, it's important to apply logical reasoning, critical
thinking, and analytical skills. Break the problem down into smaller, more
manageable components, and analyze each part systematically. Use evidence,
data, and logical arguments to support your decision-making.
Mechanical Problem
 Evaluate the results: Assess the effectiveness of the solution once it has been
implemented. Did it solve the problem? Did it achieve the desired outcome?
If not, identify any shortcomings and consider alternative approaches.\\
 Learn and improve: Reflect on the problem-solving process and the lessons
learned. Identify areas for improvement and apply these insights to future
problem-solving endeavors.
Throughout the entire process, it's important to apply logical reasoning, critical
thinking, and analytical skills. Break the problem down into smaller, more
manageable components, and analyze each part systematically. Use evidence,
data, and logical arguments to support your decision-making.
Engineering
Soft System Approach to
Mechanical Solve Problem
The Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is an approach to problem-solving that
takes into account the complexity and human aspects of social systems. It was
developed by Peter Checkland and is particularly useful for tackling ill-defined
or "soft" problems that involve multiple perspectives and subjective
interpretations. Here are the key steps of the Soft Systems Approach:
 Problem identification and formulation: Clearly define the problem situation

and identify the key stakeholders or individuals affected by the problem.
Understand their perspectives, concerns, and objectives.
 Rich picture creation: Develop a rich picture or holistic representation of the
problem situation. This can be a visual diagram or a narrative description that
captures the key elements, relationships, and dynamics of the system.
Engineering
 Root definitions: Create a set of root definitions that describe the problem
situation from different stakeholder perspectives. These definitions should
highlight the purpose, activities, and control mechanisms that are relevant to
each stakeholder.
 Conceptual models: Build conceptual models that represent the different
viewpoints and interpretations of the problem situation. These models can be
in the form of diagrams, flowcharts, or narratives. They help in understanding
the interactions and relationships between the various components of the
system.
 Comparison with the real world: Compare the conceptual models with the
real-world situation to identify gaps, discrepancies, or areas of improvement.
This step involves discussions with stakeholders and gathering feedback to
refine the models.
Engineering
 Feasible and desirable changes: Explore possible changes or interventions
that can address the identified problems. Consider the feasibility and
desirability of these changes from different perspectives. This step involves
brainstorming and generating innovative ideas.
 Action plan: Develop an action plan that outlines the steps, resources, and
timeline required to implement the proposed changes. Consider the potential
impact on the system and its stakeholders. The plan should include
mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation.
 Implementation and evaluation: Implement the proposed changes and
monitor their effects on the system. Assess the outcomes against the desired
objectives and make adjustments as necessary. Collect feedback from
stakeholders and learn from the implementation process.
Engineering
 Feasible and desirable changes: Explore possible changes or interventions
that can address the identified problems. Consider the feasibility and
desirability of these changes from different perspectives. This step involves
brainstorming and generating innovative ideas.
 Action plan: Develop an action plan that outlines the steps, resources, and
timeline required to implement the proposed changes. Consider the potential
impact on the system and its stakeholders. The plan should include
mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation.
 Implementation and evaluation: Implement the proposed changes and
monitor their effects on the system. Assess the outcomes against the desired
objectives and make adjustments as necessary. Collect feedback from
stakeholders and learn from the implementation process.
Engineering
Creative Mechanical
Approach toEngineering
Solve Problem
Department
A creative approach to problem solving involves thinking outside the box,
generating innovative ideas, and exploring unconventional solutions. It
encourages a fresh perspective and embraces the power of imagination. Here are
some strategies to foster creativity in problem solving:
 Reframe the problem: Look at the problem from different angles and
challenge the initial assumptions. Ask yourself if there are alternative ways to
define or reframe the problem that might lead to new insights and solutions.
 Brainstorming: Engage in brainstorming sessions or idea generation
exercises. Encourage the free flow of ideas without judgment or criticism.
Quantity is key at this stage, as it allows for a broad range of ideas to be
considered.
Engineering
Creative Mechanical
Solve Problem
Department
 Mind mapping: Use mind maps or visual diagrams to explore connections,
associations, and potential solutions. Start with a central problem statement or
concept and branch out to generate ideas and explore different possibilities.
 Analogical thinking: Look for analogies or parallels between the problem at
hand and unrelated domains or situations. Draw inspiration from different
fields and explore how solutions from other domains can be applied
creatively to your problem.
 Reverse thinking: Reverse the problem or challenge its assumptions. Ask
yourself what the opposite or inverse of the problem is and consider how that
perspective might lead to new solutions.
 Collaboration and diverse perspectives: Seek input and collaborate with
others who have different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. Diversity
in viewpoints can spark creativity and lead to innovative solutions.
Engineering
Creative Mechanical
Solve Problem
Department
 Prototype and experiment: Create prototypes or mock-ups to test and
visualize potential solutions. By experimenting and iterating, you can refine
and improve your ideas while gaining valuable insights along the way.
 Embrace ambiguity and uncertainty: Be comfortable with ambiguity and
tolerate the inherent uncertainty in the creative problem-solving process.
Sometimes breakthrough ideas emerge from exploring the unknown and
taking risks.
 Learn from failure: Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Not all ideas
will work, but failures can provide valuable lessons and insights that can
guide you towards better solutions.
 Cultivate a creative mindset: Foster curiosity, openness, and a willingness to
explore unconventional ideas. Engage in activities that stimulate creativity,
such as reading, art, music, or engaging in hobbies that spark your
imagination.
Engineering
Group Problem Solving Techniques
Mechanical for IdeaDepartment
Engineering Generation
Group problem-solving techniques can be highly effective for idea generation as they
harness the collective knowledge, perspectives, and creativity of multiple individuals.
Here are some popular techniques for generating ideas in a group setting:
 Brainstorming: One of the most well-known techniques, brainstorming encourages
participants to freely and spontaneously generate ideas without judgment or
criticism. Ideas are shared and recorded, and the focus is on quantity rather than
quality during the initial phase. Later, the group can refine and evaluate the ideas
generated.
 Round-robin brainstorming: This technique ensures equal participation by giving
each member of the group an opportunity to contribute one idea at a time, going
around in a circle. This approach promotes active engagement from all
participants and prevents dominant individuals from monopolizing the discussion.
Engineering
 Nominal group technique: In this structured technique, participants
individually generate ideas and write them down. Then, each person
shares their ideas one at a time, without discussion or critique. All the
ideas are recorded and later discussed as a group. This method
allows for individual contributions while avoiding the influence of group
dynamics.
 Mind mapping: Mind mapping is a visual technique that involves
creating a diagram or map to represent the relationships and
connections between different ideas. Start with a central concept or
problem statement and branch out with related ideas. This technique
encourages participants to explore associations and expand their
thinking.
Engineering
 Fishbone diagram: Also known as a cause-and-effect diagram or
Ishikawa diagram, this technique helps identify the root causes of a
problem. Draw a horizontal line with the problem at the end, then
create branches off the line representing different categories (such as
people, process, equipment, etc.). Participants collaboratively identify
potential causes under each category, stimulating idea generation and
identifying potential solutions.
 SCAMPER: SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for Substitute,
Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and
Reverse/Rearrange. This technique prompts participants to consider
each of these actions as a means of generating new ideas or
modifying existing ones. It encourages thinking beyond the usual
constraints and stimulates creative thinking.
Engineering
 Six Thinking Hats: This technique, developed by Edward de Bono,
involves assigning different "hats" to participants, each representing a
different thinking style or perspective (e.g., logical, emotional, creative,
critical, etc.). Each participant then embodies that perspective and
contributes ideas accordingly. This method encourages diverse
thinking and helps explore ideas from multiple angles.
 Rolestorming: Rolestorming involves participants adopting different
roles or personas and thinking from the perspective of those roles. For
example, participants can imagine themselves as a customer,
competitor, or famous personality. By adopting these different
perspectives, new insights and ideas can emerge.
Engineering
FormulationMechanical
of Research Problems
Formulating research problems is an essential step in the research process. It
involves identifying an area of study, defining a specific research question, and
establishing clear objectives for the research. Here is a general framework to
help you formulate research problems effectively:
 Identify a broad research area: Start by selecting a general field or topic that
interests you and aligns with your expertise. It could be a subject area within
the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, or any other field.
 Conduct a literature review: Before formulating a research problem, review
existing literature to identify gaps, unresolved issues, or areas that require
further investigation. This will help you build upon existing knowledge and
ensure that your research contributes something new. feasible.
Engineering
 Define the research problem: Based on the literature review, narrow down
your focus and clearly define the research problem. The research problem
should be concise, specific, and address a significant gap or issue in the field.
It should be framed as a question or a statement that can be explored through
research.
 Set research objectives: Once you have defined the research problem,
establish clear and measurable objectives that outline what you aim to
achieve through your research. These objectives should be aligned with the
research problem and guide your study's direction.
 Consider feasibility and resources: Evaluate the feasibility of your research
problem and objectives in terms of time, resources, and access to data or
participants. Ensure that your research problem is realistic and can be
effectively addressed within the available constraints.
Engineering
 Refine and revise: Refine your research problem and objectives through
discussions with mentors, colleagues, or experts in the field. Seek feedback to
ensure that your research problem is well-defined, relevant, and feasible.
Engineering
ApproachingMechanical
a Research problem
When approaching a research problem, there are several key steps and approaches
you can take to ensure a systematic and effective investigation. Here is a general
outline of the approaches commonly used in research:
 Identify the research problem: Clearly define the problem or question you want to
investigate. This step involves understanding the context, background, and
significance of the problem.
 Review existing literature: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature and
research related to your problem. This step helps you understand the current state
of knowledge, identify gaps in the literature, and build upon existing theories or
methodologies.
 Formulate research questions or hypotheses: Based on your understanding of the
problem and the literature review, develop specific research questions or
hypotheses that you aim to address in your study. These questions should be
clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.
Engineering
a Research problem
 Choose a research design: Select an appropriate research design that best suits
your research problem and objectives. Common research designs include
experimental, observational, qualitative, or quantitative approaches. Consider the
nature of your research problem, available resources, and ethical considerations
when choosing a design.
 Determine data collection methods: Decide on the methods you will use to collect
data that will help answer your research questions or test your hypotheses. This
may involve surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, or analysis of existing
data. Ensure your chosen methods are valid, reliable, and aligned with your
research design.
 Collect and analyze data: Collect the necessary data using your chosen methods.
This step involves organizing, cleaning, and analyzing the collected data using
appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques.
Engineering
a Research problem
 Draw conclusions and implications: Based on your data analysis, draw
conclusions that address your research questions or support or refute
your hypotheses. Discuss the implications of your findings, their
significance, and their potential contribution to the field. Identify any
limitations or areas for future research.
 Communicate your findings: Present your research findings in a clear
and coherent manner. This typically involves writing a research report
or paper that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology,
results, discussion, and conclusion. You may also present your
findings at conferences, workshops, or seminars and consider
publishing them in academic journals.
Engineering
ExplorationMechanical
for problem identification
Exploration for problem identification involves the process of actively
seeking and investigating potential problems or challenges in a given
context or situation. It aims to identify areas that require attention or
improvement. Here are some approaches and techniques for exploring
and identifying problems:
 Observation: Observe the processes, systems, or interactions in the
context you are investigating. Look for any inefficiencies, bottlenecks,
errors, or inconsistencies that might indicate underlying problems.
 Data analysis: Analyze available data, such as performance metrics,
customer feedback, or historical records, to identify patterns or
anomalies that may indicate problems. Look for trends, outliers, or
areas where targets or benchmarks are consistently missed.
Engineering
 Stakeholder engagement: Engage with stakeholders who are directly
or indirectly involved in the context under investigation. Conduct
interviews, surveys, or focus groups to gather their perspectives and
insights on existing challenges or areas for improvement.
 Root cause analysis: When a problem or issue is identified, perform a
root cause analysis to determine the underlying causes or factors
contributing to the problem. Techniques like the "5 Whys" can help
you dig deeper and uncover the root causes.
 Brainstorming: Conduct brainstorming sessions with a diverse group
of individuals to generate ideas and identify potential problems.
Encourage open and creative thinking, allowing participants to freely
express their thoughts and observations.
Engineering
 Benchmarking: Compare your current processes or performance with
industry best practices or competitors' performance. Identify gaps or
areas where your organization or system falls behind and use that as
a starting point to identify potential problems.
 Process mapping: Visualize the processes or workflows involved in
the context you are investigating. Identify steps or activities that are
redundant, time-consuming, or prone to errors. This can help uncover
areas where improvements or problem-solving efforts are needed.
 Feedback mechanisms: Implement feedback mechanisms, such as
suggestion boxes, feedback forms, or regular check-ins with
stakeholders, to actively collect feedback and suggestions for
improvement. This can help you identify recurring issues or emerging
problems.
Engineering
 Benchmarking: Compare your current processes or performance with
industry best practices or competitors' performance. Identify gaps or
areas where your organization or system falls behind and use that as
a starting point to identify potential problems.
 Process mapping: Visualize the processes or workflows involved in
the context you are investigating. Identify steps or activities that are
redundant, time-consuming, or prone to errors. This can help uncover
areas where improvements or problem-solving efforts are needed.
 Feedback mechanisms: Implement feedback mechanisms, such as
suggestion boxes, feedback forms, or regular check-ins with
stakeholders, to actively collect feedback and suggestions for
improvement. This can help you identify recurring issues or emerging
problems.
Engineering
Hypothesis
1.Scientific Hypothesis:
1.Hypothesis: "Increasing the temperature of water will lead to
faster evaporation."
2.Context: This hypothesis can be tested in a controlled experiment
by heating different samples of water and measuring the rate of
evaporation.
2.Business Hypothesis:
1.Hypothesis: "Implementing a customer loyalty program will
increase customer retention and repeat purchases."
2.Context: This hypothesis can be tested by comparing customer
retention rates and purchase behavior before and after the
implementation of the loyalty program.
Engineering Hypothesis
 Social Hypothesis:
1. Hypothesis: "Exposure to violent video games is correlated with increased
aggression in children."
2. Context: This hypothesis can be tested through studies that measure the
levels of aggression in children who play violent video games compared to
those who do not.
 Educational Hypothesis:
1. Hypothesis: "Using multimedia resources during classroom lectures
enhances student engagement and improves learning outcomes."
2. Context: This hypothesis can be tested by comparing the performance and
engagement levels of students who receive multimedia-enhanced lectures
versus those who receive traditional lectures.
Engineering
Mechanical
Hypothesis Generation Engineering
and Formulation Department
of the problem
Hypothesis Generation and Formulation of the Problem is an essential step in the
scientific research process. It involves identifying a research problem or question
and formulating a testable hypothesis that can be investigated through empirical
research. Here's a general outline of the process:
 Identify the research problem: Begin by identifying an area of interest or a
specific problem that you want to explore. This could be based on observations,
gaps in existing knowledge, or practical issues that need to be addressed.
 Review existing literature: Conduct a thorough review of relevant literature to
gain an understanding of the current state of knowledge in the field. This will
help you identify gaps, controversies, or unanswered questions that can form
the basis of your research problem.
Engineering
Mechanical
of the problem
 Develop research questions: Based on the identified problem, develop specific
research questions that you aim to answer through your study. These questions
should be focused, clear, and directly related to the problem at hand.
 Formulate a hypothesis: A hypothesis is a tentative explanation or prediction
about the relationship between variables. It should be based on existing
knowledge and provide a clear direction for your research. A good hypothesis
should be testable, specific, and capable of being supported or refuted by
empirical evidence.
 Determine variables: Identify the key variables involved in your research. These
are the measurable factors or characteristics that you will manipulate, observe,
or measure in your study. Clearly define your independent variable(s) (the
variable(s) you manipulate) and your dependent variable(s) (the variable(s) you
measure or observe).
Engineering
Mechanical
of the problem
 Define the population and sample: Determine the population of interest, which
refers to the larger group to which your findings will be generalized. From the
population, select a sample that is representative and manageable for your
study.
 Choose a research design: Select an appropriate research design that aligns
with your research questions and allows you to test your hypothesis effectively.
Common research designs include experimental, quasi-experimental,
correlational, or qualitative designs.
 Plan data collection and analysis: Outline the methods and procedures you will
use to collect and analyze data. Determine the instruments, tools, or techniques
you will use to gather data, and specify the statistical or qualitative analysis
methods you will employ to analyze your findings.
Engineering
Mechanical
of the problem
 Refine and revise: Review and refine your hypothesis and research
design based on feedback from peers, mentors, or experts in the
field. Ensure that your hypothesis is logically sound and that your
research design is rigorous and feasible.
Engineering
Thank You for Your Kind Attention

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RVCollege

RV Collegeofof Go, change the world

Dept of Mech. Engg.

Unit 1: Research Problem

Problem solving is the act of

1. Seeking information (Data Collection)

 Problem identification and formulation: Clearly define the problem situation

Thank You for Your Kind Attention

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