Lesson 1, Thesis II

for BSABE 3
by: Engr. Sandra S. Balsote
BSABE Department @ CAPSU Pontevedra

Research & Its Kind

INTRODUCTION

Man is an inquisitive organism. Curious about himself, his fellowmen, and the world
in which he lives, he has inquired and continues to inquire into the whys and wherefores
of things. This inquisitiveness, which is inherent to his nature, has enabled him to innovate,
to invent, to search for and arrive at adequate answers to his varied problems and needs.
In his eternal quest for truth, knowledge and understanding, and in his desire to fashion a
better world, man has succeeded in developing various tools and techniques with which to
forge the pathway of progress and one of such tool is research.

What is research?

Research is simply the careful, unbiased investigation of a problem, based insofar

as possible, upon demonstrable facts involving refined distinctions, interpretations, and
usually some generalizations. (Aquino, 1971)

Research is a process to discover new knowledge. It is defined as: “A systematic

investigation (i.e., the gathering and analysis of information) designed to develop or
contribute to generalizable knowledge.” The National Academy of Sciences states that the
object of research is to “extend human knowledge of the physical, biological, or social world
beyond what is already known.” Research is different than other forms of discovering
knowledge (like reading a book) because it uses a systematic process called the Scientific
Method. (https://ori.hhs.gov/module-1-introduction-what-research)

Generally, research is the organized and systematic method of finding answers to

questions. It is systematic because it is a process broken up into clear steps that lead to
conclusions. Research is organized because there is a planned structure or method used
to reach the conclusion. Research is only successful answers was found, whether these
answers were liked or not. Development research is focused on relevant, useful and
important questions. If there are no questions, there can be no research.

If government, business, institutions, labor, organizations and society in general

are to function efficiently and effectively, it is important that the decisions they make are
based on valid and reliable information and thorough analysis. The search for this
information is referred to as the research process. There may be an existing body of
evidence (prior research, studies etc.) that can be use of. If there is not, there is a need
for research. (http://www.etu.org.za/toolbox/docs/development/research.html)

What is a Thesis?

A thesis may be defined as the report of a scholar upon some piece of a research
which he has completed. It is the culmination of a devious process extending from the
initial insight into the opportunity for investigation to the insertion of the final footnote.
Many elements are involved, and each offers the possibility of raising or lowering the quality
of the product. Most important of all in determining the character of the result, however
are the fundamental aims of the writer which should be an undeviating search for truth,
and original in substance. (Cole & Bigelow as cited by Aquino, 1971).

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 Lesson 1, Thesis II
for BSABE 3
by: Engr. Sandra S. Balsote
BSABE Department @ CAPSU Pontevedra

From the above definition, a number of deductions may be made. First, a thesis is
a report of a scholar. The word scholar has at least three elements. That inhere in it: (1) it
refers to an individual who is seeking the truth; (2) it refers to an individual who uses
scientific method of inquiry; and (3) it refers to an individual who makes significant
contributions to knowledge. These are not enough, however. The following points must be
taken into account:
1. The search for truth involves eagerness to secure all available evidence,
accuracy and discrimination in the handling of that evidence, and impartiality of
viewpoint.
2. A scholar spares no pains to secure all significant information bearing upon his
problem: thoroughness he considers an indispensable attribute of his work.
3. A scholar is also dominated in his investigations by a passion of accuracy and
an anxiety to exercise the nicest possible discrimination in the handling of data.
4. In the collection and presentation of evidence, a scholar takes great care to
insure exactness of observation or transcription, and to require a firm
foundation of every assertion.
5. A scholar particularly strives to avoid mistaking an opinion-above all his own-
for a fact, searching beneath his opinion to see upon what basis, if any, it may
rest.
6. When writing up his material, a scholar is careful to offer his reader ample proof
that whatever he alleged to be a fact actually is one.
7. By the display of primary material, or the frank reliance on convincing authority,
a scholar buttresses his conclusions with an unbiased mind.
8. Finally, a scholar is impartial, and the clear objectives of his viewpoint prevents
him from minimizing or distorting any permanent facts. His aim is never to prove
something-the sign of the propagandist-but to discover something, to find out
something. In his research for truth, he ignores of or suppresses no fact,
regardless of how violently it may militate against a favorite hypothesis.
Through such eagerness for evidence, devotion to accuracy, and impartiality,
the scholar fulfills the dictates of the scientific spirit, which should ever guide
im in his work.

What is Engineering Research and How Do Engineering and Science Interact?

In many ways, the methods of academic engineering research and the resulting
insights into the nature of the physical world are indistinguishable from those of basic
scientific research. However, there are crucial differences between the two endeavors.
Basic scientific research is concerned with the discovery of new phenomena and their
integration into coherent conceptual models of major physical or biological systems. By
definition, the focus of greatest interest tends to be at the outer edges of present
knowledge. Most scientific knowledge will, in a highly variable and unpredictable fashion,
find technical applications of economic and social value, but in most cases the nature of
such applications will not be apparent to those who perform the original scientific research.

Basic research in engineering is by definition concerned with the discovery and

systematic conceptual structuring of knowledge. Engineers develop, design, produce or

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 Lesson 1, Thesis II
for BSABE 3
by: Engr. Sandra S. Balsote
BSABE Department @ CAPSU Pontevedra

construct, and operate devices, structures, machines, and systems of economic and
societal value. Virtually all engineering research is driven by the anticipated value of an
application. However, not all potential applications can be anticipated, and occasionally the
hoped-for application may not be nearly as important as one that turns up by serendipity.
The time from research to production may be a few years, as in the development and
application of the laser or in the progression from the integrated circuit to microprocessor,
or it may be decades, as in the development of television.

Engineering, unlike science, is concerned not only with knowledge of natural

phenomena, but also with how knowledge can serve humankind's needs and wants. Such
variables as cost, user compatibility, producibility, safety, and adaptability to various
external operating conditions and environments must be taken into account in the design,
development, operational support, and maintenance of the products and services that
engineers create. Thus, engineering involves the integration of knowledge, techniques,
methods, and experiences from many fields.

Also, almost all university research in both science and engineering is performed as
a component of the advanced education of students. For most engineering students, the
goal of a career in industry motivates their pursuit of advanced study, and this will
increasingly be the case in the future. Because of this, engineering students' outlook on
research tends to be predisposed toward application in engineering practice.
(https://www.nap.edu/read/4933/chapter/3#4)

The Engineering Thesis

An engineering thesis is oriented towards engineering practice. Its four essential

questions are:
1. What is the engineering problem to be solved?
2. In what sense are previous solutions to this problem unsatisfactory?
3. What is my solution?
4. How does my solution compare to previous solutions? What are its benefits and
drawbacks?
The novelty in an engineering thesis is normally found in the solution to the problem.
The problem should be general enough that its solution is interesting outside the immediate
context of a thesis.
An engineering thesis that answers only questions 1 and 3 is really just an engineering
experience report. This is simply not good enough — your work’s academic value comes
from the rigorous evaluation of your solution and comparison with other solutions. You
shouldn’t expect to graduate without satisfactory answers to questions 2 and 4, although
people occasionally do. (https://last3.in/ggg/thesis.html)

Basic Steps and Processes in the Conduct of Thesis

The entirety of activities in the pursuit of thesis work can be broadly outlined as
follows: (Gregorio, 2000)

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 Lesson 1, Thesis II
for BSABE 3
by: Engr. Sandra S. Balsote
BSABE Department @ CAPSU Pontevedra

1. Identify a feasible research problem that is within the proponent’s interest and
capability. The identified problem is also acceptable to the thesis adviser and thesis
committee. If required it should also be approved by the concerned authorities.
2. Formulate the statement of the problem, objectives and/or hypotheses after a
thorough review of existing literature. Objectives have to be studied and written
properly since they have something to do with procedures, time and financial
requirement, equipment needed and cost.
3. Draw out the procedure and methodologies on how to carry out the study based
on the formulated statement of the problem and objectives. The method and
procedures should be specific and detailed enough as this will serve as guides
during the implementation of the project.
4. Gather relevant data and information through the actual conduct of the study using
the procedures in the approved thesis outline or proposal.
5. Consolidate the gathered data and information, and subject them to statistical
analyses using appropriate test and procedures.
6. Write a report of the study giving due emphasis on the correct interpretation of
findings with the aid of statistical results.
7. Process the research report for reporting or depending before the Advisory
Committee and subsequent binding for submission.
8. Prepare the research report for publication and dissemination of results.

References:

1. Gregorio, G.L. Writing Quality Theses & Dissertations. Seguiben Printing &
Publishing Inc. IC Phil.2015
2. Almeida A.B. et al. Research Fundamentals From Concept to Output. Adriana
Publishing Co. Inc. Manila. 2016
3. Leong, E. et. al. Guide to Research Projects for Engineering Students. Planning,
Writing and Presenting. CRC Press. N. Y. 2016.
4. Essentials of Research and Thesis Writing by Aquino
5. https://ori.hhs.gov/module-1-introduction-what-research
6. http://www.etu.org.za/toolbox/docs/development/research.html

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 Lesson 1, Thesis II
for BSABE 3
by: Engr. Sandra S. Balsote
BSABE Department @ CAPSU Pontevedra

Name: Course & Year: Scores:

Lesson No. __1___ Title: Research & Its Kind Date Passed: _______

Activity 1. Research and Its Kind.

Direction: Please answer the questions below, copy each question in a separate paper
before you answer. (Answers must be handwritten in a short coupon bond)
1. What is research to you as ABE student?
Answer:____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Surf the net on different meaning of research (at least 3), According to your own
understanding, what is the best definition? Explain your answer. (cite your
references)
Answer____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
3. Discuss the importance of research to human lives, give at least five examples and
explain each.
Answer:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
4. Visit the BSABE department engineering shop and inspect the different machine
made by previous ABE student. Take a picture of the machine that caught your
attention and explain the reasons. (Insert the picture when you passed this activity)
Answer:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. Aside from ABE machineries, what other field of study do you want explore as a
subject of your research? Why?
Answer:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Signature: __________________

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 Lesson 1, Thesis II
for BSABE 3
by: Engr. Sandra S. Balsote
BSABE Department @ CAPSU Pontevedra