LECTURE # 1

TEACHER’S NAME: WALEED LATEEF

SUBJECT: TECHNICAL REPORT WRITING
SEMESTER: 5th
DEPARTMENT: Software Engineering Department
BALOCHISTAN UET, KHUZDAR.
INTRODUCTION
 Research is an essential and powerful tool in leading man
towards progress. Without a systematic research there would
have been very little progress.

 Scientific research leads to progress in some fields of life. New

products, new facts, new concepts and new ways of doing
things are being found due to ever-increasing significant
research in the physical, the biological, the social and the
psychological fields.

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MEANING OF RESEARCH
 Word ‘Research’ comprises of two words = Re+Search. It means
to search again. So research means a systematic investigation
or activity to gain new knowledge of the already existing facts.

 Research is an intellectual activity. It is responsible for bringing

to light new knowledge.

 It is also responsible for correcting the present mistakes,

removing existing misconceptions and adding new learning to
the existing fund of knowledge.

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DEFINITIONS OF RESEARCH
 “Research is an endeavor / attempt to discover, develop and
verify knowledge. It is an intellectual process that has
developed over hundreds of years ever changing in purpose and
form and always researching to truth.” J. FRANCIS
RUMMEL

 “Research is an honest, exhaustive, intelligent searching for

facts and their meanings or implications with reference to a
given problem. The product or findings of a given piece of
research should be an authentic, verifiable contribution to
knowledge in the field studied.” P.M. Cook

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DEFINITONS CONTINUED

“Research may be defined as a method of studying problems

whose solutions are to be derived partly or wholly from facts.”
W.S. Monroes

“Research is a systematic effort to gain new knowledge.”

Redman & Mori

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PURPOSE OF RESEARCH
 The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions
through the application of scientific procedure. The main aim
of research is to find out the truth which is hidden and which
has not been discovered as yet.

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SOME IMPORTANT PURPOSES
 To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new
insights (Vision) into it.
 To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular
individual, situation or a group.
 To determine the frequency ( Occurrence) with which
something occurs or with which it is associated with something
else.
 To test a hypothesis ( theory) of a causal relationship between
variables
 Hypothesis
 A belief or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited
evidence as a starting point for further investigation. 7
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CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
 Research is directed toward the solution of a problem and it
requires expertise.
 Research emphasizes the development of generalizations,
principles, or theories that will be helpful in predicting future
occurrences.
 Research is based upon observable experience or empirical (
Experimental) evidences.
 Research demands accurate observation and description.
 Research involves gathering new data from primary or first-
hand sources or using existing data for a new purpose.

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CHARACTERISTICS CONTINUED
 Research is characterized by carefully designed procedures that
apply rigorous analysis.
 Research involves the quest for answers to un-solved problems.
 Research strives to be objective and logical, applying every
possible test to validate the procedures employed the data
collected and the conclusions reached.
 Research is characterized by patient and unhurried activity.
 Research is carefully recorded and collected.

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Types of Research:
 There are varieties of ways through which we may classify
the research into different categories.
(A) On the basis of nature of information:
 On the basis of nature of information we can classify the
research into two types;
 (i) Qualitative Research: When information is in the form of
qualitative data.
 (ii) Quantitative Research: When information is in the form of
quantitative data. (Quantitative means Measurable)

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Qualitative & Quantitative Research
 Qualitative Research deals with phenomena ( A known Fact) that are difficult
or impossible to quantify mathematically, such as beliefs, symbols etc.
 Qualitative type of research methods investigate why and how.
 Quantitative Research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of any
phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. It
investigates what, where and why.
 Quantitative Research is generally made using scientific methods, which can
include:
 The development of instruments and methods for measurement.
 Experimental control and manipulation ( control) of variables.
 Collection of empirical data.
 Evaluation of results.
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Types Continued

 (B) On the basis of utility ( usefulness) of content or nature

of subject matter of research:
 On the basis of these criteria we can categorize the research
into two categories.
 (i) Basic/ Fundamental /pure or Theoretical Research: Its utility
is universal.
 (ii) Experimental or Applied Research: Its utility is limited.

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Basic or Fundamental Research

 Basic research is also known as fundamental research. The

motivation is to expand human’s knowledge, not to create or
invent something.
 For Example:
 Basic sciences investigates for answer to the questions such as:
 How did the universe begin?
 What are protons, electron and neutrons?

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Experimental or Applied Research

 Applied research refers to a scientific research that seeks to

solve practical problems. Applied research is used to find
solution to everyday problems and develop innovative
technologies, rather than to acquire knowledge for knowledge’s
sake.
 For Example:
 How to improve the shortage of Electricity.
 How to save the overflow of water.
 Please fasten your seatbelt while driving.
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Research Map

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Thank You

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