Introduction and Overview

of Research
Research Methods(cosc4123)
What is Research?
• "A systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in
order to establish facts and reach new conclusions." - Oxford English
Dictionary
• Research in common parlance refers to a search for knowledge.
• Research can also be defined as a scientific and systematic search for
pertinent information on a specific topic.
Research themes
• Systematic Approach:
• Research follows a methodical process involving planning, data collection, analysis, and
interpretation.
• Focus on Problem-solving:
• Research aims to address specific questions or challenges by generating new insights or
solutions.
• Generation of New Knowledge:
• Research contributes to the expansion of existing knowledge through the discovery of
new facts, theories, or principles.

•E.g a research project may involve designing and implementing a novel

algorithm for real-time object detection in autonomous vehicles.
Cont’d
• Research comprises the following:
• Defining and redefining the problem
• Formulating hypothesis
• Collecting, organizing and evaluating data
• Making deductions and reaching conclusions
• Carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the hypothesis
Examples
• Research in computer science includes
• studies on developing machine learning algorithms for image recognition,
• investigating cybersecurity threats and defenses, and
• exploring human-computer interaction for user interface design.
Importance and Key charactersitcs
• Importance of Research:
• Advancing knowledge
• Solving real-world problems
• Key Characteristics
• Systematic
• Objective
Research is Not?
• Research is not just information gathering.
• A person collecting information on a specific subject is not research.
• Research is not rearranging of facts.
• A person writing a report on a known subject is not research
• Research is not a sales pitch.
• A new improved product developed after years of “research” is rarely a
research.
Scientific Research
• Scientific research refers to the systematic study of phenomena using
empirical evidence and logical reasoning to test hypotheses and
advance knowledge within a particular field.
• Research conducted for the purpose of contributing towards science
by the systematic collection, interpretation and evaluation of data and
that, too, in a planned manner is called scientific research
Objectives
• Test Hypotheses:
• Scientific research aims to validate or refute hypotheses through controlled
experimentation or observation.
• Explore Phenomena:
• Researchers investigate natural or social phenomena to gain a deeper
understanding of underlying mechanisms or patterns.
• Develop Theories:
• Scientific research contributes to the development of theories or models that
explain observed phenomena and guide future inquiry.
Scientific Method
• Steps Involved
• Observation
• Hypothesis Formation
• Experimentation
• Analysis
• Conclusion
Importance of Scientific Research
• Solving Complex Problems
• Scientific research plays a crucial role in addressing complex challenges in
computer science, such as developing algorithms for optimization problems,
improving cybersecurity measures, and advancing artificial intelligence.
• Developing New Products
• Scientific research drives innovation and product development in the computer
science industry, leading to the creation of cutting-edge technologies, software
solutions, and hardware devices.
• Enhancing Local Relevance
• Scientific research conducted within local contexts addresses region-specific
issues and contributes to the development of solutions tailored to the needs of
communities and industries.
Objectives, Motivations, and Significance of
Research
• Objectives
• Gain Familiarity
• Accurate Portrayal
• Hypothesis Testing
• Motivations:
• Pursuit of a Research Degree
• Intellectual Joy
• Societal Service
• Significance:
• Influences Policy-making
• Drives Economic Growth
Requirements and Characteristics of Research
• Controlled
• Rigorous
• Systematic
• Valid and Verifiable
• Empirical
• Critical
Types and Approaches of Research
• Pure vs. Applied Research:
• Pure Research:
• Aimed at expanding knowledge and understanding fundamental principles without
immediate practical applications.
• Applied Research:
• Focuses on addressing specific practical problems or challenges and seeks to develop
practical solutions.
Cont’d
• Descriptive vs. Analytical Research:
• Descriptive Research:
• Involves describing the characteristics of a phenomenon or population without
manipulating variables.
• Analytical Research:
• Goes beyond description to analyze the relationships between variables and determine
causality.
Cont’d
• Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research:
• Quantitative Research:
• Involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to test hypotheses and quantify
relationships between variables.
• Qualitative Research:
• Focuses on exploring and understanding complex phenomena through in-depth
observation, interviews, or textual analysis.
Approaches of Research
• Structured (Quantitative):
• Involves the collection and analysis of numerical data using structured research instruments
such as surveys, experiments, or statistical techniques.
• Unstructured (Qualitative):
• Focuses on exploring subjective experiences, attitudes, and behaviors through open-ended
interviews, observations, or textual analysis.
• Inferential, Experimental, and Simulation Approaches:
• Inferential Approach:
• Involves making inferences about a population based on data collected from a sample.
• Experimental Approach:
• Involves manipulating variables to test causal relationships under controlled conditions.
• Simulation Approach:
• Uses computer models or simulations to replicate real-world phenomena and explore hypothetical
scenarios.
Research Methods vs. Research Methodology
• Research Methods:
• Refers to the specific techniques or procedures used to collect and analyze
data in a research study, such as surveys, experiments, or case studies.
• Research Methodology:
• Encompasses the theoretical framework and principles guiding the selection
and application of research methods, including epistemological and
ontological considerations.
• Examples:
• Methods: Surveys, experiments, case studies, interviews.
• Methodology: Positivism, interpretivism, critical theory.
Effective Report Writing
• Principles:
• Relevance: Ensure that the content of the report is directly related to the
research question and objectives.
• Organization: Structure the report in a logical and coherent manner, with
clear headings and subheadings to guide the reader.
• Clarity: Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and ambiguity, to
communicate complex ideas effectively.
Criteria for Good Research
• Validity
• Reliability
• Accuracy
• Consistency