RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY
for [Link] (Mineral Processing) – III Semester

Prof. [Link]

1
CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 (UNIT–I)
Foundations of Research & Literature Review
1.1 Nature and Importance of Research

 Meaning and Definition of Research

 Role of Research in Engineering and Mineral Processing
 Research as a Problem-Solving Tool

1.2 Aims, Objectives, and Principles of Research

 Research Aim vs Research Objectives

 Characteristics of Good Research
 Ethical Principles in Research

1.3 Types of Research

 Fundamental (Basic) Research

 Applied Research
 Comparison with Examples
 Theoretical Research
 Experimental Research
 Case-based Examples from Engineering

1.4 Qualitative and Quantitative Research

 Definition and Characteristics

 Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
 Selection Criteria with Examples

1.5 Selection of Research Problem

 Identification of Research Gap

 Criteria for Selecting a Good Research Problem
 Scope and Limitations

1.6 Sources of Literature

2
  Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources
 Journals, Conferences, Books, Theses

1.7 Literature Survey Tools and Databases

 Google Scholar
 Scopus
 Web of Science
 PubMed
 NCBI
 Sci-Hub (academic perspective and ethics)

1.8 Citation Metrics and Indexing

 Science Citation Index (SCI)

 Citations and Citation Count
 h-Index
 i10-Index
 Impact Factor
 Importance in Research Evaluation

1.9 MCQs & Previous Exam Questions (Unit-I)

 Conceptual MCQs
 University Exam–oriented MCQs


CHAPTER 2 (UNIT–II)
Research Design, Data Collection & Experimental
Planning
2.1 Research Design Overview

 Meaning and Importance

 Types of Research Design

2.2 Hypothesis Formulation

 Null Hypothesis
 Alternative Hypothesis
 Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

3
2.3 Data Collection Methods

 Primary Data
 Secondary Data
 Methods: Observation, Interview, Questionnaire

2.4 Sampling Techniques

 Population and Sample

 Sampling Frame
 Probability Sampling
o Simple Random Sampling
o Stratified Sampling
o Cluster Sampling
 Non-Probability Sampling
o Judgment Sampling
o Convenience Sampling

2.5 Sample Size Determination

 Importance of Sample Size

 Errors Due to Improper Sample Size

2.6 Sampling Bias and Errors

 Sampling Bias
 Experimental Errors
 Type-I Error
 Type-II Error

2.7 Controlled Experiments

 Independent and Dependent Variables

 Control Group and Experimental Group
 Importance of Independent Replicates

2.8 Conducting Experiments

 Experimental Planning
 Laboratory Safety and Accuracy
 Maintaining a Laboratory Notebook

2.9 Well-Designed vs Poorly-Designed Experiments

 Case Studies

4
  Common Mistakes in Experimental Research

2.10 Fundamentals of MINITAB

 Introduction to MINITAB
 Applications in Engineering Research

2.11 Design of Experiments (DOE) using MINITAB

 Basic Concepts of DOE

 Factorial Designs
 Data Analysis using MINITAB

2.12 MCQs & Previous Exam Questions (Unit-II)

CHAPTER 3 (UNIT–III)
Data Analysis, Presentation & Technical Writing
3.1 Data Processing and Editing

 Data Coding
 Data Editing and Classification

3.2 Data Presentation Techniques

 Tables
 Graphs and Charts
 Bar Charts
 Pie Charts
 Line Graphs
 Histograms

3.3 MS Excel for Data Analysis

 Data Entry and Formatting

 Plotting Graphs
 Error Bars

3.4 Descriptive Statistics

 Mean

5
  Median
 Mode
 Variance
 Standard Deviation

3.5 Probability Distributions

 Normal Distribution
 Gaussian Distribution
 Skewed Distributions

3.6 Curve Fitting and Regression

 Correlation
 Linear Regression
 Interpretation of Results

3.7 Inferential Statistics

 Concept of Statistical Inference

 Hypothesis Testing
 p-Value and Significance Level

3.8 Parametric Tests

 Student’s t-Test
 ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)

3.9 Non-Parametric / Categorical Data Tests

 Chi-Square Test
 Applications

3.10 Technical Writing

 Structure of a Research Paper

 Abstract
 Introduction
 Methodology
 Results
 Discussion
 Conclusion

3.11 Referencing and Citations

6
  Importance of Citations
 Formatting References
 Plagiarism and Academic Ethics

3.12 Technical Presentation Skills

 PPT Preparation
 Effective Graphical Representation

3.13 MCQs & Previous Exam Questions (Unit-III)

7
CHAPTER 1
FOUNDATIONS OF RESEARCH & LITERATURE
REVIEW

1.1 Nature and Importance of Research

Research is a systematic, objective, and scientific process of inquiry aimed at

discovering new knowledge or validating existing facts. In engineering disciplines such
as Mineral Processing, research plays a vital role in improving efficiency, reducing
costs, enhancing recovery, and developing sustainable technologies.

Key Characteristics of Research

 Systematic and logical

 Objective and unbiased
 Empirical (based on observation/experimentation)
 Replicable and verifiable

Importance of Research in Engineering

 Solves practical industrial problems

 Improves existing processes and equipment
 Leads to innovation and technological advancement
 Forms the backbone of higher studies ([Link] / Ph.D.)

1.2 Aims, Objectives, and Principles of Research

Aim of Research

 The broad goal or purpose of the research work.

Objectives of Research

 Specific, measurable steps to achieve the aim

 Clearly define what, why, and how the study is conducted

Example

 Aim: To improve flotation efficiency of low-grade ore

8
  Objectives:
o Study reagent dosage effects
o Analyze particle size distribution
o Optimize operating parameters

Principles of Good Research

 Clarity of purpose
 Accuracy and precision
 Ethical conduct
 Logical interpretation of data

1.3 Types of Research

1.3.1 Fundamental (Basic) Research

 Expands existing knowledge without immediate application

 Example: Studying surface chemistry of minerals

1.3.2 Applied Research

 Solves specific practical problems

 Example: Improving recovery in a beneficiation plant

Fundamental Research Applied Research

Theory-oriented Problem-oriented

Long-term benefit Immediate application

1.3.3 Theoretical Research

 Based on models, equations, and concepts

 No direct experimentation initially

1.3.4 Experimental Research

 Involves laboratory or field experiments

 Data-driven and practical

1.4 Qualitative and Quantitative Research

9
Qualitative Research

 Non-numerical data
 Focuses on quality, opinions, and observations
 Example: Operator behavior, process observations

Quantitative Research

 Numerical data
 Uses statistical and mathematical tools
 Example: Grade, recovery, particle size analysis

Qualitative Quantitative
Descriptive Numerical
Subjective Objective
Exploratory Confirmatory

1.5 Selection of Research Problem

A research problem is a clearly defined issue that the researcher intends to

investigate.

Criteria for Selecting a Good Research Problem

 Relevance to the field

 Availability of data and resources
 Feasibility within time and cost
 Scope for original contribution

Identification of Research Gap

 Unanswered questions in literature

 Conflicting results
 Limitations in previous studies

1.6 Sources of Literature

Primary Sources

 Research journal articles

 Conference papers
 Theses and dissertations

10
Secondary Sources

 Review articles
 Books and textbooks

Tertiary Sources

 Encyclopedias
 Handbooks

1.7 Literature Survey Engines and Databases

11
12
Commonly Used Databases

 Google Scholar – Free, widely used scholarly search engine

 Scopus – Abstract and citation database
 Web of Science – High-quality indexed journals
 PubMed & NCBI – Life sciences and biomedical literature
 Sci-Hub – Academic discussion only (ethical considerations apply)

Purpose of Literature Review

 Understand existing work

 Avoid duplication
 Identify research gaps
 Frame objectives and methodology

1.8 Science Citation Index and Research Metrics

Citation

 Reference to another research work

 Indicates influence and relevance

h-Index

 Measures productivity and citation impact

 A researcher has index h if h papers have ≥ h citations

i10-Index

 Number of papers with at least 10 citations

Impact Factor

 Average citations per article in a journal over a defined period

 Used to rank journals

1.9 Ethical Issues in Research

 Plagiarism (using others’ work without credit)

 Data fabrication or manipulation
 Duplicate publication

13
Academic integrity is mandatory in research.

1.10 MCQs (Unit–I)

1. Fundamental research is mainly aimed at:

Ans: Expanding existing knowledge
2. h-index is used to measure:
Ans: Productivity and citation impact
3. Which is a qualitative research method?
Ans: Observation
4. Impact factor is related to:
Ans: Journal citation performance
5. Google Scholar is best described as:
Ans: A free scholarly search engine

14
CHAPTER 2
RESEARCH DESIGN, DATA COLLECTION &
EXPERIMENTAL PLANNING
(UNIT–II |

2.1 Research Design – An Overview

Research Design is the overall strategy or blueprint that outlines how a research study
will be conducted to answer the research problem effectively.

Objectives of Research Design

 To minimize errors and bias

 To ensure reliability and validity of results
 To make research economical and systematic

Components of Research Design

 Problem definition
 Hypothesis formulation
 Data collection method
 Sampling design
 Data analysis plan

2.2 Hypothesis Formulation

A hypothesis is a logical, testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Types of Hypotheses

1. Null Hypothesis (H₀)

o States there is no significant difference or relationship
o Example: Reagent dosage has no effect on recovery
2. Alternative Hypothesis (H₁)
o States there is a significant effect or relationship

Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis

15
  Clear and precise
 Testable
 Based on existing theory or observations

2.3 Data Collection Methods

Primary Data

Data collected directly by the researcher for the specific study.

 Experiments
 Surveys
 Interviews
 Observations

Secondary Data

Data already collected by others.

 Government reports
 Journals
 Published datasets

MCQ Tip:

Laboratory observations recorded by the researcher = Primary Data

2.4 Sampling Techniques

Population: Entire group under study

Sample: Subset of population used for analysis

Probability Sampling

Every unit has a known chance of selection.

 Simple Random Sampling

 Stratified Sampling (population divided into homogeneous strata)
 Cluster Sampling

16
Non-Probability Sampling

Selection is not random.

 Judgment (Purposive) Sampling

 Convenience Sampling

2.5 Sample Size Determination

Importance of Sample Size

 Too small → unreliable results

17
  Too large → unnecessary cost and time

Factors Affecting Sample Size

 Variability of data
 Desired accuracy
 Confidence level
 Available resources

2.6 Sampling Bias and Errors

Sampling Bias

Occurs when the sample does not represent the population correctly.

Examples

 Overrepresentation of a particular group

 Convenience-based selection

Types of Errors in Hypothesis Testing

1. Type I Error (α)

o Rejecting a true null hypothesis
o False Positive
2. Type II Error (β)
o Accepting a false null hypothesis
o False Negative

2.7 Controlled Experiments

A controlled experiment involves manipulating one variable while keeping others

constant.

 Independent Variable: Manipulated factor

 Dependent Variable: Measured outcome
 Control Group: Baseline group without treatment

Importance of Independent Replicates

 Improves reliability
 Reduces experimental uncertainty

18
2.8 Conducting an Experiment

Steps

1. Define objective
2. Identify variables
3. Design experiment
4. Conduct trials
5. Record observations

Laboratory Notebook

 Permanent and chronological record

 Includes date, conditions, readings, and observations
 Essential for reproducibility

2.9 Experimental Errors

Sources of Errors

 Instrumental errors
 Human errors
 Environmental factors

Error Reduction

 Calibration of instruments
 Repeated trials
 Standard operating procedures

2.10 Well-Designed vs Poorly-Designed Experiments

Well-Designed Experiment Poorly-Designed Experiment

Clear objective Vague objective
Controlled variables Uncontrolled variables
Adequate sample size Insufficient samples
Replication included No replication

2.11 Introduction to MINITAB

19
20
MINITAB is a statistical software widely used for:

 Design of Experiments (DOE)

 Quality improvement
 Statistical analysis

Applications in Research

 Regression analysis
 ANOVA
 Hypothesis testing

2.12 Design of Experiments (DOE)

Design of Experiments is a structured method to determine the relationship between

factors affecting a process and its output.

Key Concepts

 Factors and levels

 Response variable
 Factorial designs

Advantages

 Reduces number of experiments

21
  Identifies interaction effects
 Improves process optimization

2.13 MCQs (Unit–II)

1. Sampling bias occurs when:

Ans: Sample does not represent population
2. Type I error means:
Ans: Rejecting a true null hypothesis
3. Control group is used for:
Ans: Baseline comparison
4. DOE is mainly used to:
Ans: Study effect of multiple factors efficiently
5. MINITAB is best suited for:
Ans: Statistical analysis and DOE

22
CHAPTER 3
DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION & TECHNICAL
WRITING

3.1 Data Processing, Editing, and Coding

After data collection, raw data must be processed to make it suitable for analysis.

Data Editing

 Checking for errors, omissions, inconsistencies

 Correcting impossible or illogical values
 Ensures accuracy and reliability

Data Coding

 Assigning numbers or symbols to responses

 Simplifies classification and analysis
 Example:
o Yes = 1, No = 0
o Grade: High = 3, Medium = 2, Low = 1

Editing ≠ Changing data to suit hypothesis. Editing only removes errors.

3.2 Data Presentation Techniques

Proper presentation helps in easy interpretation and clear communication of results.

Tabulation

 Systematic arrangement of data in rows and columns

 Facilitates comparison

Graphical Representation

 Bar Charts
 Pie Charts
 Line Graphs
 Histograms

23
24
Chart Selection (MCQ Area):

 Pie chart: Percentage distribution

 Line graph: Trend over time
 Histogram: Distribution of continuous data
 Bar chart: Comparison between categories

3.3 MS Excel for Data Analysis

MS Excel is widely used for basic statistical analysis and plotting.

Common Excel Functions

 Mean: =AVERAGE()
 Sum: =SUM()
 Count: =COUNT()
 Standard Deviation: =STDEV()

Plotting Data

 Insert charts using chart tools

 Add axis titles, legends, and data labels
25
  Use error bars to represent uncertainty

Exam Insight:

Histogram is preferred for particle size distribution data.

3.4 Descriptive Statistics

Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the main features of a dataset.

Measures of Central Tendency

 Mean: Arithmetic average (affected by outliers)

 Median: Middle value
 Mode: Most frequent value

Measures of Dispersion

 Range: Max − Min

 Variance: Average squared deviation from mean
 Standard Deviation: Square root of variance

3.5 Probability Distributions

A distribution describes how data values are spread.

Normal (Gaussian) Distribution

 Bell-shaped curve
 Mean = Median = Mode
 Symmetrical distribution

Skewed Distributions

 Positively skewed: Tail on right

 Negatively skewed: Tail on left

26
27
3.6 Curve Fitting, Correlation, and Regression

Curve Fitting

 Processs of finding a mathematical relationship between variables

 Helps in prediction and trend analysis

Correlation

 Measures strength and direction of relationship

 Correlation coefficient ranges from –1 to +1

Regression Analysis

 Establishes functional relationship (e.g., linear regression)

 Equation: y = mx + c
o m = slope
o c = y-intercept

MCQ Tip:

In y = mx + c, c represents the y
y-intercept.

3.7 Inferential Statistics

28
Inferential statistics draw conclusions about a population from a sample.

Hypothesis Testing

 Tests validity of assumptions using sample data

p-value

 Probability of obtaining observed results assuming null hypothesis is true

 If p < significance level (α) → Reject null hypothesis

Typical α values: 0.05 or 0.01

3.8 Parametric Tests

Used when data follows normal distribution.

Student’s t-Test

 Compares means of two groups

ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)

 Compares means of three or more groups

MCQ Area:

ANOVA → variance-based comparison of multiple group means

3.9 Tests for Categorical Data

Chi-Square Test

 Tests association between categorical variables

 Used for frequency data

Example:

 Association between ore type and recovery category

29
3.10 Technical Writing

Technical writing communicates research findings clearly and objectively.

Structure of a Research Paper

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Literature Review
4. Methodology
5. Results
6. Discussion
7. Conclusion
8. References

Abstract

 Concise summary of objectives, methods, and results

 Usually 150–250 words

Exam Note:

Results section presents findings without interpretation.

3.11 Referencing and Citations

Citation

 Acknowledges original source

 Validates research work

Importance

 Avoids plagiarism
 Enhances credibility

Plagiarism

 Using others’ work without proper credit

 Considered serious academic misconduct

3.12 Technical Presentation Skills

30
  Clear slides with minimal text
 Proper graphs and figures
 Logical flow of ideas
 Professional language

3.13 MCQs (Unit–III)

1. Mean is most affected by:

Ans: Extreme values
2. Test for categorical data:
Ans: Chi-square test
3. ANOVA is used for:
Ans: Comparing means of three or more groups
4. p-value less than significance level implies:
Ans: Reject null hypothesis
5. Histogram is best used for:
Ans: Continuous data distribution

31
SYLLABUS

Course Title: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Course Code: 24MNP3S3L
Programme: [Link] (Mineral Processing)
Semester: III
Total Contact Hours: 27
Course Credits: 02
Formative Assessment Marks: 20
Summative Assessment Marks: 30
Duration of End Semester Examination: 1 Hour

Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are to:

1. Identify and formulate a suitable research problem

2. Carry out an effective literature review using appropriate research databases
3. Analyze experimental and research data using statistical tools
4. Present and document research findings in a systematic and professional manner

UNIT–I (9 Hours)
Nature and Importance of Research

 Meaning, aims, objectives, and principles of research

 Fundamental research vs. applied research with examples
 Qualitative research vs. quantitative research
 Theoretical research vs. experimental research with examples
 Selection of a research problem
 Sources of literature: journals, conferences, books
 Types of literature sources
 Literature survey engines and databases:
o Scopus
o Web of Science
o Google Scholar
o PubMed
o NCBI
o Sci-Hub

32
  Science Citation Index
 Citation metrics:
o Citations
o h-index
o i10-index
o Impact factor

UNIT–II (9 Hours)
Data Collection Methods and Experimental Design

 Data collection methods

 Framing a hypothesis
 Designing controlled experiments
 Choosing sample size
 Sampling bias
 Importance of independent replicates
 Conducting experiments
 Maintaining a laboratory notebook for recording observations
 Identification of experimental errors
 Case studies on:
o Well-designed experiments
o Poorly designed experiments
 Fundamentals of MINITAB
 Design of experiments and analysis using MINITAB

UNIT–III (9 Hours)
Data Presentation, Analysis, and Technical Writing

 Data presentation techniques

 Technical presentation and technical writing
 Formatting citations
 Use of MS Excel for data plotting:
o Pie charts
o Bar charts
o Line plots
 Data analysis using software tools

Statistical Analysis

33
  Descriptive statistics:
o Mean
o Variance
o Standard deviation
 Plotting data and understanding error bars
 Curve fitting
 Correlation and regression analysis

Probability Distributions

 Normal distribution
 Gaussian distribution
 Skewed distributions

Inferential Statistics

 Hypothesis testing
 Understanding p-value

Statistical Tests

 Parametric tests:
o Student’s t-test
o ANOVA
 Tests for categorical data:
o Chi-square test

Course Outcomes
After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Disseminate knowledge by effectively reading and interpreting research articles

2. Draft research objectives and define the scope of research work
3. Analyze, interpret, and discuss research reports professionally

References (Indicative)
1. C.R. Kothari, Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques, 2nd Edition, New Age
International Publishers, 2009.
2. Shanthibhushan Mishra and Shashi Alok, Handbook of Research Methodology, 1st
Edition, Educreation Publishers, 2017.

34
3. Basic Statistical Tools in Research and Data Analysis,
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI):
[Link]

35