Research Methodology

Prof. Dr. Javed Ahmed Shahani

 Science and the Scientific Method

Science has been defined as “the methodological and systematic

approach to acquisition of new knowledge” (Geoffrey Marcyzk, David
DeMatteo, David Festinger, Essentials of Research Design and Methodology,
John Wiley & Sons, 2005, p. 4)

The scientific method, which has evolved since the 13th century,
concerns the set of tools, techniques and procedures used by basic
and applied researchers to analyze and understand phenomena and
prove or disprove prior conceptions
 The Essence of the Scientific Method

Characteristics of the Scientific Method

Objectivity
Systematic Analysis
Logical Interpretation of Results

Empirical Approach
Scientific Method
Elements of the

Observations

Experiments
Hypotheses

Replication
Conclusion
Questions

Analysis
Basic
General Laws
Research
Scientific
Method

Applied Information or
Research Ideas for alternative
Courses of action
 Elements of the Scientific Method

Empirical Approach: Evidence-based approach. The guiding

principle behind all research conducted in accordance
with the scientific method

Data derived from direct, systematic and careful

observation and experimentation (as opposed to
speculation, intuition, opinions, hunches, emotional
feeling)

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 Elements of the Scientific Method

Observation: Awareness of the real / physical / social world

in which we exist. This, in turn, gives rise to questions as
the basis for research studies or investigations

Operational Definitions – Ensures consistency when

researchers talk about or are interested in undertaking or
replicating research on the same phenomenon. Example:
What is “exercise”?

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 Elements of the Scientific Method

Questions: Making an answerable question out of a research idea. The

question must be answered using available and established scientific
research techniques and procedures. Scientific Analysis should not be
attempted on questions which cannot be answered

Example of an answerable question: Can regular exercising reduce an

individual’s cholesterol level?

Example of a (currently) unanswerable question: Is time travel

possible?

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 Elements of the Scientific Method

Hypothesis: Hypotheses attempt to explain phenomena of interest. A

hypothesis is a proposition which is empirically testable. It usually seeks to
explain relationships between variables, and predict, and must be
falsifiable

Typical hypotheses structures:

Conditional - If Condition X is fulfilled, then Outcome Y will result

Correlational - The value of Variable B is observed to be related with
changes in the value of Variable A
Causal – The value of Variable ψ determines the value of Variable ξ

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 Elements of the Scientific Method

Experiments are basically about measuring phenomena and

collecting accurate and reliable data which are used for
analysis and evaluation

Accuracy – Correctness of the Measurement

Reliability – Consistency of the Measurement

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 Elements of the Scientific Method

Analysis is about the use of qualitative or quantitative tools and

techniques to process data

Quantitative tools and techniques are considered more

desirable (objective) than qualitative tools and techniques

Statistical analysis is typically used to quantitatively analyze

data acquired in research studies

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 Elements of the Scientific Method

Conclusions: Based on the results of the analysis conducted, and

used to support or refute a hypothesis

When undertaking research, conclusions should only be based

on the available data and not broadened to include
statements which are not supported by the data

Example: If the research analysis shows that two variables are

correlated (related), do not assert also that a causal
relationship exists between them

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 The Research Design
• Three types Quantitative research is based on the measurement of
quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that
can be expressed in terms of quantity.

– Qualitative research

Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned

with qualitative phenomenon, i.e. phenomena relating
– Quantitative research to or involving quality or kind.

– Mixed methods research

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 Research Methods

• Research methods may be understood as all those

methods/techniques that are used for conduction of
research
• refer to the methods the researchers use in performing
research operations.
• research methods can be put into the following three
groups:
– Data Collection methods
– statistical techniques to analyze data
– Techniques evaluate the accuracy of the results obtained
 Research Methodology
• Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the
research problem.
• It may be understood as a science of studying how research is
done scientifically.
• The scope of research methodology is wider than that of
research methods.
• When we talk of research methodology we not only talk of the
research methods but also consider the logic behind the
methods we use in the context of our research study and
explain why we are using a particular method or technique and
why we are not using others.
Research Methods
 Research Process

• Research process consists of series of actions or steps

necessary to effectively carry out research and the
desired sequencing of these steps.
Research Process
 Overview of the research process
• Reflective inquiry:
– Problem statement
– Literature review and theoretical framework
– Logical structure
– Objectives
– Research question (the problem) or hypotheses (when
appropriate)
 Overview of the research process
• Procedures
– Research design
– Data collection methods
• Data analysis:
– Gathering, processing, and analyzing data
 Overview of the research process
• Issues of reliability, validity, credibility, confirmation
• Presentation of findings:
– Accepted format for professional publication
– Adequate explanation of procedures and statistics
– Effective use of graphics
– Adequate interpretation and alternatives
– Examples?
 Overview of the research process
• There are other ways to present the components and
steps in scientific research
• Important point is the formal framework
• Distinguishes research from the casual use of the term
• Enables such research to have real value (now and for
unanticipated purposes)
 Research Process

Literature Review Observations Known Problem

Preliminary Experimentation/Survey

Literature Review

Modify Assumptions Analytical Modeling

Publish
Findings/Recommen
Model Verification
dations
System Design
Implementation
System Testing

Commercialization