RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY
GSF 6011
FOR POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME BY RESEARCH
IN THE SCIENCES
WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?
Overview of research methodology
Reviewing related literature
Research planning and management
Data collection
Data analysis
Writing thesis
Ethics in research
Giving an effective presentation
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
by
ASSOC. PROF. DR. EDMUND UI-HANG SIM
PhD in Biochemistry (Univ. Queensland, Aust)
Faculty of Resource Science and Technology
Deputy Dean (Research & Postgraduate)
 Whos who .
Research credentials
137 publications
Citations: 236
h-index: 9
Cumulative IF: 46.122
Leader (PI) for 10 funded
projects (RM2.45 million)
Manuscript reviewer: 12
indexed journals (7 ISI/Scopus)
Postgraduate supervision
26 students (16 main + 10 co)
4 PhD + 22 MSc
Graduated: 1 PhD + 16 MSc
Ongoing: 3 PhD + 6 MSc
Internal examiner: 4 PhD + 13
Masters theses
External examiner: 2 PhD + 8
Masters theses
 Interest
WHY ARE Curiosity
YOU HERE? Killing time
Why do you Marketability
choose to do Unemployment
postgraduate Lifelong learning
studies by Family encouragement
research?
Feels like a good idea now
What do you think research
is about?

Or a combination of the above.

 What?
Why?
How?
Who?
What does Asking questions
scientific
curiosity Making observations
mean?

Are you Analyzing patterns

inquisitive
enough? Suggesting answers
CURIOSITY CASE 1: ABUNDANCE IN UNI

Background: Local men skirts/dresses

Rationale & Methodology:

ABUNDANCE
 PROBLEM OF CASE 1

Inadequate literature
Results: 90% of UNIMAS =
study
Poor background
Actual scenario: 75% understanding
of UNIMAS =

Poor rationalization
WHAT WENT WRONG?
Bad methodology
(flawed sampling)
 CURIOSITY CASE 2: KUCHING UNIMAS
Facts:

UNIMAS BDC
K. Samarahan Kuching

Reason: Method: Interview

PROBLEM OF CASE 2

Results: Range from 30 min to 2 hrs.

NO REAL DATA - based on guesses/opinions

WHERE IS THE PROBLEM?

Poor understanding of research type
??Quantitative versus qualitative??
Poor methodology
Instrument?? Measurement??
 CURIOSITY CASE 3: DRIVE TIME

Johor Baharu Alor Setar

Kuching Lawas
 PROBLEM OF CASE 3

Results: JB-AS=8 hrs; Kch-Lawas=18 hrs

Map distance Drive time
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM HERE?
Lack experimental parameters
Unaware of experimental limitations
Poor understanding of research method
PROPER RESEARCH THINKING

Global warming causes

increased in pirate activities
or vice versa.
 IDENTIFYING THE RESEARCH QUESTION

Knowledge gaps,
Unsolved controversies

Systematically studied RQ Literature Review

Significantly in-depth

Solvable scientifically

Stated clearly
Hypothesis driven
 Research Hypothesis

The Hypothesis The Statistical Test

Relationship between
A proposed explanation of
variables is not due to
observed phenomenon
chance alone
If P occurs, then Q is observed
P = antecedent
Null Hypothesis (H0)
Q = consequent
No significant
relationship
HYPOTHETICO-DEDUCTIVE APPROACH

Hypothesis Deduction

Induction
Experiment

Facts New Facts

What type of research student should you be?
Enter to begin your journey

Good Luck