Research

 Definition of Research:

 Research is a careful, objective, and systematic method of searching for knowledge.

 It involves formulating theories driven by curiosity about the unknown.

 The aim is to make an original contribution to expand the existing knowledge base.

 Research Process:

 Involves the formulation of hypotheses or propositions for solutions.

 Includes data analysis and deductions to ascertain whether conclusions fit the hypotheses.

 Research is a process of creating or formulating knowledge that does not yet exist.

 Research Cycle:

 Begins with identifying a practical problem and understanding its importance.

 A clear problem motivates a focused research question, helping to avoid getting lost in
information overload.

 The research question helps define a manageable volume of information and sets the scope
of the research project.

 The project consists of activities leading to results or answers that address the initial
problem.

 Building Background for Research:

 Requires the ability to connect different areas of knowledge.

 Aims to prepare the researcher for active inquiry rather than merely accumulating
information.

 Nature of Research:

 Research is not just about reading and gathering existing information; it involves adding
original contributions to the existing body of knowledge.

 It focuses on posing questions relevant to the world we live in.

 A systematic approach is essential when seeking answers.

 Balancing Research Objectives:

 There should be a balance between what is achievable within the research program and the
intended contributions.

 The objective of a good research program is to gain insights or solve problems.

 Evolution of Research Questions:

 Good research questions can develop and be modified throughout the project.

 Researchers should remain flexible and adaptable as their understanding evolves.

 Outcome of Research:

 The goal is to create or develop new knowledge about the world.

 This knowledge should be documented and recorded for accessibility.

 It can be accessed through writing or other forms of recording.

 Importance of Systematic Inquiry:

 Researchers must strive to be as systematic as possible in their approach to research.

 Effective research involves a structured methodology to explore and answer research

questions.

 Contribution to Knowledge:

 The ultimate aim of research is to contribute to the expansion of knowledge in a meaningful

way.

 Researchers seek to make discoveries that have practical implications or theoretical

significance.

Objectives of research
 Problem-Solving:

 The primary objective is to solve new and significant problems in engineering.

 Exploratory Nature:

 Research begins with unknown conclusions; initial guesses based on intuition and
imagination guide the direction.

 Target Setting:

 Initial guesses provide targets to work toward, allowing for focused research efforts.

 Adaptability:

 As research progresses, initial guesses may prove incorrect, leading to new avenues or
targets based on findings.

 Negative Results and Discoveries:

 Negative results can indicate impractical targets or prompt fortunate discoveries through
serendipity.

 Information Acquisition:

 Knowing how to find various types of information is crucial for solving engineering problems
in both academic and professional settings.

 Importance of Standards:

 Thorough investigation into engineering guidelines, standards, and best practices is essential
to prevent failures with serious consequences.

 Communication Skills:
  The ability to conduct accurate research and communicate results clearly is vital for informed
decision-making.

 Scientific Approach:

 Research aims to apply scientific methods to seek answers to open questions, contributing to
knowledge.

 Types of Research Studies:

 Different types of engineering research include exploratory/formulative, descriptive,

diagnostic, and hypothesis-testing.

 Development of Knowledge:

 Objectives should focus on developing new theoretical or applied knowledge, not just
achieving desired results.

 Understanding Failures:

 Objectives should allow for understanding why a desired result may not be achievable,
contributing to ongoing research.

 Future Opportunities:

 Recognizing limitations can lead to future opportunities for other researchers to propose
new approaches for achieving objectives.

Solving the worthwhile problem

 Starting Point for Research Problems:

 Begin with problems suggested by supervisors or others.

 Rethink existing theories or create new ideas from recommended papers.

 Skills and Preparation:

 Identifying good research problems requires specific skills that are often not taught.

 Initial inspiration is needed to start reading and exploring literature.

 Listening to presentations and asking questions can provide helpful insights.

 Identifying a Worthwhile Problem:

 A good research problem should be surprising or counterintuitive.

 It should address expectations in the research community or simplify complex theories.

 It can introduce new ideas that create new fields or improve existing methods.

 Conviction and Motivation:

 Researchers need to believe in the importance of the problem they are tackling.

 Meaningful work leads to better efforts and acceptance in the research community.

 Even small problems can lead to significant contributions.

 Challenges with Hard Problems:

 Many research problems are difficult and have broad implications.

 Most researchers may not encounter these hard problems in their careers.

 Tackling challenging issues is essential, even with uncertain outcomes.

 George Pólya’s 4-Step Procedure for Problem-Solving:

 Understand the Problem: Rewrite it in your own words and visualize it with diagrams.

 Explore Strategies: Start with simpler versions of the problem and look for patterns.

 Execute the Plan: Try your approach. If it doesn’t work, consider a different strategy.

 Reflect on the Process: Think about what you did to learn from the experience.