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Topic 2 - Types of Research

The document discusses different types of research methods for mechanical engineers: 1) Theoretical/pure research focuses on generating knowledge regardless of practical application through documentary analysis, mathematical formulas, and reflection. 2) Basic research seeks to discover basic truths or principles through original investigation without a specific application in view. It focuses on generating knowledge around existing principles. 3) Applied research investigates known theories and principles to solve real-life problems and derive knowledge with immediate application, such as developing new systems or improving processes.

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15 views

Topic 2 - Types of Research

The document discusses different types of research methods for mechanical engineers: 1) Theoretical/pure research focuses on generating knowledge regardless of practical application through documentary analysis, mathematical formulas, and reflection. 2) Basic research seeks to discover basic truths or principles through original investigation without a specific application in view. It focuses on generating knowledge around existing principles. 3) Applied research investigates known theories and principles to solve real-life problems and derive knowledge with immediate application, such as developing new systems or improving processes.

Uploaded by

ILEENVIRUS
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types of Research

Methods of Research for Mechanical Engineers


• Theoretical research, also referred to as pure research,
focuses on generating knowledge, regardless of its
practical application.
• The data collection is used to generate new general
Theoretical concepts for a better understanding of a particular field
or to answer a theoretical research question.

(Pure) • Results of this kind are usually oriented towards the


formulation of theories and are usually based on
Research documentary analysis, the development of mathematical
formulas and the reflection of high-level researchers.
• For example, a philosophical dissertation, since the aim is
to generate new approaches from existing data without
considering how its findings can be applied or
implemented in practice.
• is an experimental or theoretical work
undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge
of the underlying foundations of phenomena
and observable facts, without any particular or
specific application or use in view.
• This is also called as “fundamental research”.
Basic research • It seeks to discover basic truths or principles.
For example:
• Boyle’s Law
• Charles’ Law
• Archimedes’ Principle
• Hooke’s Law
• Newton’s Law
Basic Research

Basic research is an original


investigation into the reasons behind a It focuses on generating knowledge
process, phenomenon or particular around existing basic principles.
event.

Basic research is generally considered


While basic research may not have
‘non-commercial research’ because it
direct applications, it usually provides
does not focus on solving practical
new insights that can later be used in
problems, and has no immediate
applied research.
benefit or ways it can be applied.
Examples • a researcher may try to investigate
the molecular structure of a
of Basic material for the purpose of
understanding it’s behaviour
better as it is not yet well
Research understood.
• is an investigation undertaken in order to utilize
data/information gathered from fundamental/basic
researches
• or to acquire new knowledge directed primarily
towards a specific practical aim or objective with
direct benefit to society.
Applied • This type of research involves seeking new
applications of scientific knowledge to the solution
research of a problem, such as a development of a new
system or procedure, new device, or new method in
order to solve the problem.
• Applied research investigates well-known theories
and principles in order to enhance knowledge
around a practical aim. Because of this, applied
research focuses on solving real-life problems by
deriving knowledge which has an immediate
application.
Types of Applied Research

• Technological applied research


• looks towards improving efficiency in a particular
productive sector through the improvement of processes
or machinery related to said productive processes.

• Scientific applied research


• has predictive purposes.
• Through this type of research design, we can measure
certain variables to predict behaviors useful to the goods
and services sector, such as consumption patterns and
viability of commercial projects.
Examples
of Applied
Research
• a person may undertake applied research to investigate
whether they can modify the molecular structure of a
material for the purpose of making it strong enough to
be used in aircraft construction.
Characteristics of Research

Empirical Logical Cyclical Analytical

Critical Methodical Replicability


Characteristics of Research

Empirical •Research is based on direct experience or observation by the researcher.

Logical •Research is based on valid procedures and principles.

Cyclical •Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.

Analytical •Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical, descriptive,
experimental and case study.

Critical •Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.

Methodical •Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and procedures.

Replicability •The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and
conclusive results.
Qualities of a Good Researcher

Research-
Efficient Scientific Effective
oriented

Active Resourceful Creative Honest

Economical Religious
Characteristics of the Researcher

Intellectual Curiosity. Prudence. Healthy Criticism. Intellectual Honesty. Intellectual Creativity


A researcher undertakes a deep thinking and inquiry of the things, and The researcher is careful to conduct his research study at the right The researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of the results. An intelligent researcher is honest to collect or gather data or facts in A productive and resourceful investigator always creates new
situations around him. time and at the right place wisely, efficiently, and economically. order to arrive at honest results. researches.

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