Wolkite University

College of Natural and Computational Science

Department of Physics

Research Methods
Physics (Phys- 4941)

By: Fikru Abiko (Ph.D)

E-mail: fikreabiko@gmail.com; fikru.abiko@aau.edu.et

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 UNIT 1: MEANING AND CHARACTERISTICS OF Research
RESEARCH

1.1 Meaning of research

French word ”Researche” means search for truth.

Research includes gathering, organizing, and implementing

information in order to understand, explain, or prove a theory or a
topic.

Comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis

or suggested solutions; colleting, organizing and evaluating data.

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 Research
Cont…
Making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully
testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating
hypothesis.

Scientific researches are studies that should be systematically planned

before performing them.

Start from problem knowledge and analysis, collecting and

documenting data to derive a range of solutions arising from the
analysis.

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 Research
In general research is used to:-
(1) Establish or confirm facts,

(2) Reaffirm the results of previous research work,

(3) Solve new or existing problems,

(4) Support theorems, or develop new theories,

(5) Expansion on past work in the field,

(6) Test the validity of instruments, procedures, or experiments, and/or,

(7) Replicate elements of prior projects.

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 Research
1.2 Characteristics of research
There are several characteristics of scientific research: Objectivity,
verifiable, ethical neutrality, systematic, exploration, reliability,
precision, abstraction and predictability.
1. Objectivity (Scientific knowledge is objective)
Simple objectivity means the ability to see and accept facts as they are,
not as one might wish they were.
To be objective, one has to protect oneself against one’s own
prejudices, beliefs, desires, values and preferences.
Objectivity requires that one should set aside all kinds of subjective
considerations.

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2. Verifiable(provable)
Science rests on sensory data, that is, data collected through
our senses: eye, ear, nose, tongue and touch.
 Scientific knowledge is based on verifiable evidence
(concrete objective observations)
3. Ethical neutrality
Science does not exist on an island of it’s own, but exists within the
framework of the human environment.
Thus, true and acceptable science must in some ways, put into
consideration the values, morals, and ethical considerations of the
society.

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4. Systematic exploration

A scientific investigation adopts a certain sequential procedure, an

organized plan or a research design to collect and analyze data
about the problem under study.

In general, this plan includes some scientific steps: formulation of

hypotheses, compilation of facts, analysis of facts (classification,
coding and tabulation) and generalization and scientific prediction.

If the steps and procedures are repeated by any other person within
a specific condition, the same result can be attained.
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5. Reliability
Scientific knowledge must occur under the prescribed circumstances
not once but repeatedly.
It is replicable in the indicated circumstances in any place and at any
time.
Reliable in this sense means that any other person may replicate
similar results by following the systematic procedures laid down.

6.Precision
Scientific knowledge is precise.
The precise nature of science increases the reliability of scientific
research works.

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7.Abstraction
Science proceeds on a plane of abstraction.
A general scientific principle is highly abstract.

8. Predictability
Scientists not only describe the phenomena that are studied, but also
try to explain and predict.
Natural sciences that have a much more predictability complication.
The most obvious reasons are the complexity of the subject and the
insufficiency in the control, etc.

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 1.3 Qualities and characteristics of a
Research
good researcher
These are just a few of the skills required by researchers to make it to
the top of their field. Among these

1.Curiosity

2.Analytical ability and foresight

3.Determination

4.Collaboration

5.Communication

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 Cont… Research

1. Curiosity

An endless thirst for knowledge is what sets the best of the best apart
from the others.

 Good researchers constantly strive to learn more, not just about their
own field, but about other fields as well.

 A good researcher keeps exploring the world and keeps searching for
answers

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2. Analytical ability and foresight

Information is useless without interpretation.

What drives research forward is finding meaning in our observations

and data.

 Good researchers evaluate data from every angle and search for
patterns.

 They explore cause and effect and untangle the tricky web that
interconnects everyday phenomena.

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3. Determination

• They try, try, and try again.

• Research can be a frustrating experience.

• Experiments may not pan out how we expect them to.

• Even worse, sometimes experiments may run smoothly until they are
95% complete before failing.

• They accept this disappointment, learn from the failure, reevaluate

their experiment, and keep moving forward.
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 “I have not failed 10,000 times - I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.”

4. Collaboration

Teamwork makes the dream work.

There is simply too much to do for just one person to do it all.

Moreover, research is becoming increasingly multidisciplinary.

It is impossible for just one person to have expertise in all these fields.

In general, research is conducted in teams, with each researcher having

their individual roles and responsibilities.
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5. Communication

Communication skills are an essential asset for every researcher.

Not only do they have to communicate with their team members, but

they also have to communicate with co-authors, journals, publishers,

and funders.

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 1.4 Values of research to man Research

Through research, the quality of man’s life has improved from

conventional to modern .
It has made life richer and more meaningful.
Through research, people have found ways to enhance their income
and alleviate poverty.
Research improves quality of life.
Research reduces the burden of work.
Research satisfies man's needs.

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 Resea
1.5 Types and classifications of research rch

1. According to purpose

2. According to Goal

3. According to the levels of investigation

4. According to the type of investigation

5. According to scope

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Some of the most basic scientific research are Quantitative and

Qualitative Research
Quantitative research
Includes studies based on numbers.
Quantitative methods can either imply counting or measuring some
type of data.
Since this type of scientific research is numeric, its aim is to evaluate
the “when,” “where,” and “what” of the research topic or question.
It’s mainly expressed in numbers, statistics, and graphs. Quantitative
data collection methods include surveys, experiments, and
observations.
 It basically measures numerical data in order to discover patterns.

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Qualitative Research
Qualitative research focuses on the quality of the data, rather than the
quantity.
This is a type of exploratory and descriptive research, which is why
qualitative methods include case studies, interviews, focus groups,
literature reviews, and similar.
As opposed to quantitative research, qualitative research aims to
investigate the “why” and the “how” of the decision-making process.
 It’s achieved through organizing, interpreting, and summarizing data.
The aim of this form of research is to get a better understanding of the
given topic or the potential issue it may generate.
This ultimately leads to a solution, which may or may not be based on
empirical data.
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 Cont… Research

Qualitative methods investigate the why and the how of decision-

making, not just what, where, and when.
Mixed Research
Mixed research uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative
methods.
The mixed method is valuable because it enhances the strengths and
diminishes the weaknesses of both quantitative and qualitative
research.
Applied and Basic Research
Applied Research
Applied research is conducted in order to solve particular issues by
using already familiar and accepted knowledge, theories, and
principles.
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This type of scientific research entails a variety of experiments and

case studies.
 It also investigates the relationship between variables..

It’s solution-driven since its main goal is to provide a practical solution

to a problem that has already been defined.
Basic Research (Fundamental
Basic research is otherwise known as fundamental or theoretical
research.
The main goal of basic research is to develop new, scientific theories
or to alter existing ones in order to expand various fields of science and
human knowledge.
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As opposed to applied research, which is solution-driven, basic

research is theory-driven.
For example, applied research can investigate ways to:
Improve the production of an agricultural crop.
Treat or cure a specific disease.
Improve energy efficiency in homes, offices or modes of
transportation.
Basic scientific research can seek answers to questions such as:
How did the universe begin?
What are protons, neutrons and electrons made of?
What is the specific genetic code of fruit flies?

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Thank you for your
attention!!