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What is a Research?
• Research is a logical and systematic approach to investigate or finding solutions to scientific and social
problems.

• Research is an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions

Introduction to Research • It is a systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject.

Methodology • It is diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts,
theories, applications, etc.

• Research is the process of exploring the unknown, studying and learning new things, building new
knowledge about things that no one has understood before.

• “…the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to increase our
understanding of the phenomenon about which we are concerned or interested.” (Leedy P. D. and
Ormrod J. E., Practical Research: Planning and Design, 7th Edition. 2001.)

• Research is an academic activity of

• Search for knowledge
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• Scientific investigation 2

Research Defined as a Process How to Research? Methodology

• Research is an inquiry process consisting of several specific components/steps that
include:
• reflective inquiry,
• formal procedures,
• data (gathering, processing, analysis),
• addressing issues of reliability and validity of study, and
• presentation of research findings” (Hernon, 1991, p 4).
• The reflective inquiry may be defined as the problem statement, literature review,
theoretical framework, logical structure, objectives, research questions and
hypothesis.
• The procedures are described as the design and methods of data collection (Hernon,
2009).
• It can also be defined as defined as primary research in that is original data analysis,
as opposed to secondary research which is only the summary, collation and/or
synthesis of other similar research (Luo, 2012).
3 research.
• Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of
study.
• A methodology offers the theoretical underpinning for understanding which method,
set of methods, or best practices can be applied to a specific case.
• Research methodology is a systematic way to solve a problem, or a science of studying
how research is to be carried out.
• It is essentially, the procedures by which researchers go about their work of describing,
explaining and predicting phenomena are called research methodology.
• It is also defined as the study of methods by which knowledge is gained.
• It is way or path which shows how research is carried out in systematic manner.
• Research method involves the various procedures, schemes and algorithms used in
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Science, Research and Scientific Methods
• Science is an extremely complex phenomenon, and difficult if not entirely impossible to
define in a simple way.
• Science may be defined as an objective, logical, and systematic method of analysis of
phenomena devised to permit the accumulation of reliable knowledge.
• It is objective in the sense that the analysts are not biased or prejudiced or subject to personal whims.
• It is logical in the sense that science follows rational/sound reasoning.
• Researchers follow a systematic set of procedures through which knowledge is gained.
• Science is, thus, the systematic study of the properties of the physical/social world, by
means of repeatable experiments and measurements, and the development of universal
theories that are capable of describing and predicting the observations.
• Statements in science must be precise and meaningful, such that other people can test
them.
Scientific Method vs. Non- Scientific Method
• Non-Scientific Method: The first method of gaining knowledge is through senses,
experience, intuition, and revelation, all of these may be classified as non-scientific
methods.
• When one gets too close to a fire and gets burned once, he or she gains the knowledge that it
is dangerous to be too close to the fire.
• Non-scientific knowledge is often acquired via experience, intuition, revelation, and even
measurement remain as private knowledge.
• The validity of knowledge obtained through nonscientific methods cannot be subject to
objective testing.
• Scientific Method: The second method of obtaining knowledge is the scientific
method, involves gaining knowledge or learning by reasoning.
• Scientific method is considered today to be the most reliable method of gaining knowledge.

• The scientific method might be seen as the logical scheme used by scientists searching for • In contrast with the Non-scientific method, the validity of knowledge obtained by scientific
answers to the questions posed within science, as well to formulate theories as to assure method can be subject to testing.
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Some Characteristics of Science Scientific Method and Research

• Sequence of experiments such as: Randomization and Repetition.

• Change one parameter/experiment.

• Prove/Disprove Hypothesis.

• Document for others to reproduce results.

• Scientific Research:
• Employs systematic observation and rational process to create new knowledge.

• Based on logical relationship not just a belief.

• Involves an explanation of the methods used to collect and analyze the data; explanation
to why the results are meaningful”
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Critical Thinking in Research: Logical Argument
• Central to all research activity is the ability of the researcher to think critically.
• A good research student or researcher must not take anything for granted.
• The researcher needs to think before, during and after carrying out a task.
• Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.
 Hypatia, natural philosopher and mathematician
• An argument is a statement logically inferred from premises.
• Neither an opinion nor a belief can qualify as an argument.
• Typically, arguments are understood as either being deductive or inductive.
• As long as the structure corresponds to the given forms, the argument will attain validity.
• A valid argument is an argument that is built according to the demonstrated rules of construction.
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Logical Argument (Contd…)
• Empirical Induction: is reasoning form the specific outcomes to a generalized
conclusions
• In a simplified scheme, while deductive inferences can be said to move from general
statements to particular conclusions, inductive inferences move from particular
assertions to general conclusions.
• Here is the generic form of an inductive argument:
• Every A we have observed is a B.
• Therefore, every A is a B.
• Many of scientific hypotheses are formulated via induction. Consider the
following:
• Every instance of water (at sea level) we have observed has boiled at 100° Celsius.
• Therefore, all water (at sea level) boils at 100° Celsius.
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Logical Argument (Contd…)
• Deduction is the process of reasoning from general conditions or premises using
assumptions to specific conclusions.
• constructed according to valid rules of inference
• the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises.
• A well-constructed argument will support its conclusions and endure against criticism
• Read about the four of the more common models for constructing arguments (From “Engineering
Research Methodology: A Computer Science and Engineering and Information and Communication
Technologies Perspective”):
• Modus Ponens: a mode of reasoning from a hypothetical proposition according to which if the
antecedent be affirmed the consequent is affirmed.
• It can be summarized as "P implies Q and P is asserted to be true, therefore Q must be true."
• Modus Tollens: the rule of logic which states that if a conditional statement (‘if p then q ’) is accepted,
and the consequent does not hold ( not-q ) then the negation of the antecedent ( not-p ) can be
inferred.
• Disjunctive Syllogism: is a valid argument form which is a syllogism having a disjunctive statement for
one of its premises. If A is true, then B is false (A or B). An example in English: The breach is a safety
violation, or it is not subject to fines. The breach is not a safety violation. Therefore, it is not subject to
fines.
• Hypothetical Syllogism: hypothetical syllogism is a valid argument form which is a syllogism having a
conditional statement for one or both of its premises. An example in English: If I do not wake up, then
I cannot go to work. If I cannot go to work, then I will not get paid
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Critical Thinking: Summary Why to Research? Basic Goals/Objectives

• In summary, critical thinking in computing requires the following: • One of the primary goals of academic training is to learn how to learn, i.e., to learn
how to continuously absorb new knowledge
• Association: Forming mental connections between facts, ideas, or pattern.

• Classification: Categorizing objects or ideas based on established criteria.

• Research is primarily carried out to discover new facts, to verify and test important
facts, to analyze an event or process. More Specific Objectives include:
• Deduction: Infer a particular conclusion from a general or universal premise.
1. To gain knowledge with a phenomenon or to achieve new perceptions/insights into it ((known
• Induction: Infer a general conclusion from one more particular instances.
as exploratory or formulative research studies);
2. To draw accurately the characteristics of a particular situation, individual or a group.
• Inference: Arrive at a conclusion though reasoning from evidence or available cases. 3. To determine the time frame or frequency with which something occurs or with which it is
associated with something else (known as diagnostic research studies);
• Sequencing: Arrange objects or ideas in a particular order based on their relationship. 4. To test a theory of a causal relationship between variables that is to analyses process or
phenomenon or test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables (known as
• Detecting Fallacies: Identifying biases based on prejudice, statement not based on facts or over hypothesis-testing research studies).
generalization. 5. To discover new facts; verify and test important facts.
6. To develop new concepts, theories and scientific tools to solve and understand the problems.
• Problem solving: Developing problem solving strategies and deploying the most appropriate tools and 7. To find answers to scientific, nonscientific and social problems and to overcome the problems
techniques for its realization.
occurring in everyday life (Gogoi and Goowalla, 2015; Bhawna, and Gobind 2015).
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Purpose and Meaning of Research May Differ
• Though research is the fountain of knowledge and an important source for
providing guidelines for solving different business, governmental and social
problems, its role and meaning may differ.
• For Instance:
a) To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalizations of new theories;
b) To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and
insights;
c) To those students who are to write a thesis, it is a way to attain a high position in the
social structure;
d) To professionals in research methodology, it is a source of livelihood;
e) To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and
creative work.
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Types of Research (Contd): Basic vs. Applied Research
• Basic Research is performed without thought of practical ends, producing general knowledge and
an understanding of nature and its laws.
• Fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalizations and with the formulation of a
theory.
• Applied research deals with finding a solution or conclusion for an immediate problem by using
well known theories or principles.
• Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an
industrial/business organization.
• Developing a SW that convert word files into database format
• Innovating new way in doing payroll processing by a computer
• Developing a program that copy's files from a computer to a mobile phone
• Applied research is a methodology used to solve a specific, practical problem of an individual or
group.
• Applied research is used in business, medicine, and education in order to find solutions that may
cure diseases, solve industrial problems, or develop technology.
• (Given the filed of CS/SE that we are in, our research is expected to be more of applied) 23
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What Motivates a Researcher?
• Some of the major factors that makes people to do research include:
Desire to solve challenges in solving the unsolved problems.
Desire to get a research degree and its benefits.
Desire to formulate appropriate policies.
Desire to contribute to the existing stock of knowledge.
Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.
Desire to be of service to the society.
Curiosity about new things.
Direction from government. 22
Types of Research (Contd): Descriptive vs. Analytical:
• Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds.
 The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists at present.
 The main characteristic of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; s/he can only
report what has happened or what is happening.
 Most research projects of this nature are used for descriptive studies in which the researcher seeks to
measure factors like frequency of shopping, brand preference of people, most popular media programme etc.
• Analytical research is using of facts already available then analyze these to make a critical
evaluation.
 In analytical research researcher makes a critical evaluation of the material by analyzing facts and
information already available.
• The distinction between descriptive and analytical research is based on the question it asks.
• Descriptive research attempts to determine, describe, or identify what is, while analytical research
attempts to establish why it is that way or how it came to be.
• (In CS/SE research is expected to be of more analytical)
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Types of Research (contd …) Types of Research (contd …)

• Quantitative vs. Qualitative:
• Quantitative research is based on the measurement of amount/quantity.
• Qualitative research is concerned with quality or kind.
• (SE research can follow both or either).
• Behavioral Vs Design research (IT related)
• Design Science: Studies artificial objects or phenomena designed to meet certain goals.
• Behavioral: Studies the decision processes and communication strategies within and
between organisms in a social system (IT users vs IT artifacts).
• (SE research work may apply either/both of these categories).

• Conceptual vs. Experimental (or Empirical):

• Some Other Types of Research:
• Conceptual research is used by philosophers to develop new concepts or to
reinterpret existing ones. • Based on Time => one-time research or longitudinal research.
• Empirical research is data-based research which can be verified by observation or • Based on the environment=> field-setting research or laboratory research or simulation
experiment.
research.
• (SE research work is expected to be more of empirical).
• Based on orientation=> conclusion-oriented and decision-oriented.
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Knowledge-seeking vs. Solution-seeking research in SE Research Process: Illustrated

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What Research is Not? Research Characteristics

• Research isn’t information gathering: 1. Originates with a question or problem.
• Gathering information from resources such as books or magazines isn’t 2. Requires clear articulation of a goal.
research.
• No contribution to new knowledge. 3. Follows a specific plan or procedure.

• Research isn’t the transportation of facts: 4. Often divides main problem into subproblems.
• Merely transporting facts from one resource to another doesn’t 5. Guided by specific problem, question, or hypothesis.
constitute research.
• Missed the essence of research: the interpretation of data. 6. Accepts certain critical assumptions.
• No contribution to new knowledge although this might make existing 7. Requires collection and interpretation of data.
knowledge more accessible.
8. Research is, by its nature, cyclical or, more exactly, helical

1. Originates with a question or problem 2. Requires clear articulation of a goal

• Originates with a question in the mind of the researcher. • A research cannot proceed without a clear articulation of a goal.
• The world is filled with unanswered questions, unresolved problems.
 A clear, unambiguous statement of the problem.
• Things that cause us to wonder, to speculate, to ask questions.
 An exercise in intellectual honesty.
• Igniting a chain reaction that terminates in the research process.
• Inquisitive mind is the beginning of research.  Must set forth in a grammatically complete sentence exactly what
the ultimate goal of the research.
Do not know, do not understand.
Why? What’s the cause of that? What does it all mean?  Research goal/objective is basic facto for the success.
Understanding the world : what are atoms constituted of, why a disease in inherited,
why do people have dreams, etc.  Without it, research is on shaky ground and target.
Understanding means first asking questions, then observing, inquiring, modeling,
evaluating
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3. Requires a specific plan for proceeding 4. Divides the principal problem into subproblems
• Requires a specific plan of procedure. • Dividing it into more manageable subareas.
• Not an excursion into happy expectation, a carefully planned attack, search- Whole is composed of the sum of its parts.
and-discover mission explicitly planned.
We break down much more frequently than we realize.
• Logically designed.
To proceed logically, should closely inspect the principal problem, soon cause the
• Any existent data that address themselves will be used. appropriate, necessary subproblems to float naturally.
• What will you do with them after they are in your possession? Many researchers take neither the time nor the trouble to isolate the lesser
• Cannot be postponed. problems, their research projects become cumbersome and unwieldy.

• Procrastination has no place in the agenda

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4. Divides the principal problem (Contd…) 5. Guided by specific questions or hypothesis

• It is expedient to reduce the main problem to a series of logical subproblems. • Seeks direction through appropriate hypotheses based upon obvious
assumptions.
• Example: Getting to another town 50km away.
• Each of the subproblems is then viewed through a construct called a hypothesis.
• Main problem: How do I get there?
• Logical supposition, reasonable guess, an educated conjecture.
• Subproblems: • Direct your thinking to the possible source of facts that will aid in resolving the
1.What is the direct route? research problem.
2.How far do I travel on highway? • Nothing new.

3.Which exit number should I take? • They are constant, recurring features of everyday life.
• Natural working of the human mind.

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5. Guided by specific questions (Contd…)

5. Guided by specific questions (Contd…)
• Example: table lamp.

• Find the switch. You turn it. No light. Never proved nor disproved; either supported or not supported.
• You go out to your car, get a flashlight, find a new bulb, and insert the new bulb.
• Begin to construct a series of reasonable guesses.
• The lamp fails to light. (Hypothesis 1 is rejected.)
1. The bulb has burned out.
• You glance down at the wall outlet and the lamp is plugged into it. (Hypothesis 2 is rejected.)
2. The lamp is not plugged into the wall outlet.
• You look at your neighbors' homes. Everyone has electrical power. (Hypothesis 3 is rejected.)
3. A late afternoon thunderstorm interrupted the electrical service.
• You go back into your home, lift the cord connecting the lamp to the wall socket. The lamp lights
4. The wire from the lamp to the wall outlet is defective. briefly, then goes out. You lift the cord again. Again the lamp lights briefly. The connecting cord is
defective. (Hypothesis 4 is supported.)
5. You forgot to pay your electric bill. • Fortunately, hypothesis 4 solved the problem, and by repairing or replacing the cord, you can count
on adequate light in the near future.
• These hypotheses provides a direction for exploration.
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5. Guided by specific questions (Contd…)

6. Accepts critical assumptions
• After the hypotheses, come facts.
• Assumptions are equivalent to axioms in geometry
• Greatest discoveries begun as hypotheses. • Assumptions as bedrock upon which the research rest.
• Essential that others know.
• Over time, as particular hypotheses are supported by a growing body of data, they evolve into
theories. • Vitally important in judging the quality of the research.
• A theory is an organised body of concepts and principles intended to explain a particular • Example: to investigate whether students learn the unique grammatical structure of a language
phenomenon. more quickly by studying only one foreign language at a time or two concurrently

• Distinction between a hypothesis and an assumption.

• At a minimum the researcher must assume
• The teachers used in the study are competent to teach the language or languages in
• Assumption is a condition that is taken for granted, without which the research situation would be question and have mastered the grammatical structures of the language(s) they are
impossible. teaching
• Assumptions are self-evident conditions. • The students taking part in the research are capable of mastering the unique grammatical
structures of any language they are studying
• For the beginning researcher, it is better to be over-explicit than to take too much for granted.
• The language selected for the study have sufficiently different grammatical structures that
students can recognized and learn to distinguish between them
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7. Requires collection and interpretation of data 8. Research is cyclical

• Deals with facts and their meaning. • It Is circular
• Next step is to collect whatever facts seem appropriate and to organize them in meaningful • The research process follows a cycle and begins simply and follows logical, developmental
ways so that they can be interpreted. steps.
• Collection of data, not necessarily appropriate for interpretation.
• Only facts, events, happenings, observations-nothing more. 1.A questioning mind observes a particular situation and asks, Why? What caused that?
How come? (Subjective origin of research.)
• These are potentially meaningful. 2.One question becomes formally stated as a problem. (Overt beginning of research.)
• The significance of the data depends upon the way in which the human brain extracts 3.The problem is divided into several simpler, more specific subproblems.
meaning from those data. 4.Preliminary data are gathered that appear to bear on the problem.
• Unprocessed, are worthless in research. 5.The data seem to point to a tentative solution of the problem. A guess is made; a
• Become a travesty (something that can be joked about). hypothesis or guiding question is formed.
6.Data are collected, processed, and interpreted.
• Data demands interpretation. 7.A discovery is made; a conclusion is reached.
• No rule, no formula, that will lead the researcher unerringly (accurately) to the correct interpretation. 8.The tentative hypothesis is either supported by the data or is not supported; the
• Subjective: entirely upon the logical mind, inductive reasoning skill, objectivity of the researcher. question is either answered (partially or completely) or not answered.
• Different minds frequently see different meanings in the same set of facts. 9.The cycle is complete.
• An axiom of interpretation that all researchers must recognize.
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8. Research is cyclical (Contd …)

Discussion Questions and Topics:
• This is the format of all research
1. What do you understand by Computer Science? Define Computer Science as scientific
• Different academic disciplines merely use different routes to arrive at the field of study and explain the role scientific research is in its development and
same destination.
applications.
• Circle is, however, deceptive.
• Accurately helix, or spiral. 2. Identify and/or select your own potential research topic. Try to describe how each of
• One comes across additional problems.
the research characteristics discussed earlier are associated with your potential
• Research begets research. research project.
• Dynamic quality.

• NOT One-time act (static), self-contained, an end in itself.

• Genuine research creates more problems than it resolves.

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