Dr. Nurly Gofar Program Pascasarjana Teknik Pertambangan

Universitas Sriwijaya Sem Genap 2013/2014

RISET METHODOLOGY

Introduction

Motivation for Research Research at different Level Components of Research – Conceptual Framework

and Action Research cycle

Motivation for Research & Publication

The first revelation to Prophet s.a.w. – (Al-Alaaq: 1-5) – shows the importance of knowledge

The first appointment of the Prophet was to put the revelation into WRITING and shared/conveyed to mankind

Thus: It is obligation upon us to seek knowledge, package it into the understandable form and spreading it out to the mankind!!!

Research at Different Levels

PhD

PhD Industry

Master thesis by research

Master thesis by course

FYP (skripsi S1)

Master Thesis by Taught Course An ordered critical and reasoned exposition of

knowledge gained through the student efforts. Contain evidence of awareness of literature. Some line of enquiry is expected with a brief descriptive

account but the validation and generalization are not required.

This degree have two semesters of coursework with three months of research work for a thesis.

Type of Research in Engineering

Research can be divided into 5 categories:

• Basic/pure/fundamental Research • Exploratory Research • Applied Research • Development Research • Design Research

Component of Research Case

A general manager of a car producing company was concerned with the complaints received from the car users that the car they produce have some problems with rattling sound at the dashboard and the rear passenger seat after a few thousand kilometers of driving.

What he did?

He obtained information from the company workers to identify the various factors influencing the problem. He then formulated the problem and generated guesses (hypotheses). He constructed checklist and obtained requisite information from a representative sample of cars. He analyzed the data thus collected, interpreted the results in the light of his hypotheses and reached conclusions.

Component of Research

What he did?

He obtained information from the company workers to identify the various factors influencing the problem. He then formulated the problem and generated guesses (hypotheses). He constructed checklist and obtained requisite information from a representative sample of cars. He analyzed the data thus collected, interpreted the results in the light of his hypotheses and reached conclusions.

Component of Research

This is an example of research because: The researcher went through a sequence of steps which

were in order and thus systematic. The researcher did not just jump at the conclusions, but

used a scientific method of inquiry in finding answers or solution and then reaching at conclusions.

Component of Research

Systematic Research is systematic, because it follows certain steps that are logical in order i.e.:

Understanding the nature of problem to be studied and identifying the related area of knowledge.

Reviewing literature to understand how others have approached or dealt with the problem.

Collecting data in an organized and controlled manner so as to arrive at valid decisions.

Analyzing data appropriate to the problem. Drawing conclusions and making generalizations.

Scientific Method This means that it makes an integrated use of Inductive and Deductive reasoning. This makes it very useful for explaining and predicting phenomena. The basic assumption of the scientific method is that every effect has a cause. Inductive reasoning Construction of hypotheses from casual observations and

background knowledge. From the examination of these, the researcher establishes

certain expectations. Deductive reasoning Reasoning out consequences or implications of hypotheses

followed by testing of the implications and confirmation or rejection of the hypotheses.

Step 1 Problem Formulation

Define Research GAP Forming a Question Develop a Hypothesis

Statement of the Research GAP The research GAP should be based on • Personal (practical) experiences. • Critical study of the literature. • Interaction with others. • Feasibility : • Is the problem researchable (given the size, time and capability? • Is it worthwhile (contribution)

Definite Statement, examples: The major focus of this research is to analyze ….. The central problem of this study is to predict ….. The principle goal of this study is to identify …..

Good research questions have four essential characteristics:

feasible, clear, significant & ethical. Generally written in question form. The question should:

• Guide subsequent work • Influence information gathering • Guide data analyses • Influence the content of the writing

Features of researchable questions: • Answerable : whether they will develop enough new

knowledge to justify the time, effort and expense of investigating.

• Not just one question! • Defined operationally • Need answering

Thus it focuses the efforts, minimizes false starts, save time and unnecessary work

Research Questions

Research Questions Possible approaches to construct research questions • Examining or analyzing • Evaluating or criticizing • Comparing and contrasting • Relating (establish relationships among ideas) • Arguing or persuading (argue for or against something) Research Question, examples: Is A related to B? How are A and B related to C? How A is related to B under condition C and D?

Problem Selection Criteria Interest:

If you are not interested in the area you want to research, what will the quality of the product be like?

By being interested, you are more likely to read widely on the topic and have more thorough knowledge of the situation. • Size:

• A problem is often too large when it is first considered. • Further analysis can reduce large problem into a smaller, manageable

research problem. Economy:

Research are often confronted with practical constraints, not the least of which are time and money.

If your problem situation is macro in size, is it possible for you to find the answers to your question? Do you have enough time and money?

Problem Selection Criteria (cont.) Capabilities and Limitations:

A researcher should not be too ambitious and must recognize your own capabilities.

Wise, especially at prior planning stage to seek advice from more experienced persons.

If inexperienced in educational research, then it is highly likely that you will need some guidance.

Uniqueness: Findings from research should contribute to body of knowledge

already in existence, not merely duplicate existing study. However, to pursue a study similar to one already in existence but

change the methods used, or modify the design, or use a different sample, or choose to perform different statistical analyses.

Step 2: Literature Review A review of database or compilation of research that has

been published by recognized scholars and researchers on a topic of interest

Level of comprehension depends on the level of research A critical element of research Aimed at searching for facts and information that will support the research work

Purposes of Literature Review To acquire and demonstrate knowledge in a particular

area To identify knowledge and ideas that have been

established earlier To justify reason(s) for conducting research/identify gap

of knowledge To establish theoretical framework and research

methodology To learn how to conduct academic research writing

Purpose of Literature Review Literature review should help researcher to:

Limit the problem area.

Define the problem.

Avoid unnecessary repetition.

Search for new approaches.

Recommend suitable methods.

Sample current opinions.

Limit the Problem Area.

• The problem should be small enough and sufficiently specific for adequate treatment and competent analysis.

Define the Problem.

‘Definition’ means researcher knows exactly what he is looking for, so that data when collected and analyzed actually relates back to the problem.

Avoid Unnecessary Repetition. Do not assume that because most of the existing research adopts

one method that it is the only method or the correct method. Do not use the approach if you have reservations about its application to the problem.

Search for New Approaches. Be alert to research approaches which may have been

overlooked. Be prepared to adopt a different viewpoint, particularly in areas where research sparse.

Recommend Suitable Methods.

Methodology should be appropriate to the research problem. Compile a checklist in which you reference ideas on research design, instrumentation, sampling and data collection and analysis from various studies.

Sample Current Opinions.

Newspapers, magazines and non-technical articles may contain unique ideas that have been researched.

How to Perform Literature Review

Plan for Obtaining Literature

Keywords.

Consultations.

Preliminary sources.

Secondary sources.

Primary sources.

Contacts.

Keywords

Compile a list of keywords or terms that relate specifically to the research problem.

Use the keywords to check the preliminary sources for references: catalogue, indexes, abstracts, bibliographies, annotated bibliographies.

Consultations

Consult the librarian for information about the collection and cataloguing procedures.

Discuss the research problem with specialists and colleagues.

How to Perform Literature Review

Primary Sources

Locate research reports written specifically about the research problem: Journal Articles Research Reports Collective Works Conference Papers

Locate other primary sources for information on research design and methodology.

Secondary Sources

Locate textbooks, articles and other secondary sources.

Check secondary sources for relevance and background information

Contacts

Write to organization and/or institutions that may have an interest in the research problem and be able to supply information or additional contacts.

From the survey of primary sources, contact any person who may have conducted research in the area, if it is felt that this may be useful.

How to do Literature Review How has the work been

done previously? What similar work has been leading up to this point? Study state of the art

(literature review, projects, informal discussions, etc).

Optional realization of preliminary experiments.

What distinguishes previous work from what you want to do?

Who / What will be impacted by this research?

Writing the Literature Review Complete - ensure that all the necessary information

relating to the research problem is included.

Correct - ensure that all quotations, facts and figures are accurate and verifiable.

Clear - ensure that words and terms used in the descriptions are unambiguous.

Coherent - ensure that ideas are arranged in a logical sequence.

Concise - ensure that the review is an appropriate length considering the overall length of the paper.

NOTE: You may iterate between Step 2 and Step 1!

A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things work. Most of the time a hypothesis is written like this: "If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen." (Fill in the blanks with the appropriate information from your own experiment.) Your hypothesis should be something that you can actually test, what's called a testable hypothesis. In other words, you need to be able to measure both "what you do" and "what will happen."

Step 3: Formulating Hypothesis

• Hypotheses is written after a review of the literature has been completed and a problem has been selected for study.

• The hypothesis must be worded so that it can be tested in your experiment.

• In fact, many hypotheses are stated exactly like this: "If a particular independent variable is changed, then there is also a change in a certain dependent variable."

Hypothesis

What Makes a Good Hypothesis? Is the hypothesis based on information contained in the

Research Paper? Does the hypothesis include the independent and

dependent variables? Have you worded the hypothesis so that it can be tested

in the experiment? If you are doing an engineering or programming

project, have you established your design criteria?

•"If I open the faucet [faucet opening size is the independent variable], then it will increase the flow of water [flow of water is the dependent variable]. •"Raising the temperature of a cup of water [temperature is the independent variable] will increase the amount of sugar that dissolves [the amount of sugar is the dependent variable]." •"If a plant receives fertilizer [having fertilizer is the independent variable], then it will grow to be bigger than a plant that does not receive fertilizer [plant size is the dependent variable]." •"If I put fenders on a bicycle [having fenders is the independent variable], then they will keep the rider dry when riding through puddles [the dependent variable is how much water splashes on the rider]."

Examples of a hypothesis (simple)

"The method of programming [independent variable] construction project employed by a contractor influenced the project performance [intermediate variable] and hence participant satisfaction [dependent variable] of the project.” “The amount of rainfall infiltration [independent variable] influence the soil’s moisture content [intermediate variable], hence reduction of suction and shear strength of the soil [intermediate variables], hence lower the factor of safety of slope [dependent variable]. “The amount of water [independent variable] added to a concrete mixture influence the consistency [intermediate variable], of a concrete mix, hence its strength and durability [dependent variable]

Examples of a hypothesis (advanced)

"The type of battery [independent variable] will influence how long the battery will maintain its voltage [dependent variable] in low, medium, and high current drain devices [current is controlled variable] “The magnitude and the distance between a location to the hypocenter of an earthquake [independent variable] will influence the type of damage [dependent variable] for the same type of structure and foundation soil [controlled variables]

Examples of hypothesis (advanced)

Defining Variables Independent Variable: What I can change Dependent Variable: What I observe through

research methodology

Defining Variables Intermediate Variable: What I observe as a results of changing independent variable, then

I can treat it as independent variable Two types: Moderating Variables and Intervening variables Moderating variables – has a strong effect on relationship between

independent and dependent variables Intervening variables – a function of the independent variables

helps to explain the influence of IV on DV Controlled Variable: Quantities that you want to remain constant, and you must observe

them as carefully as the dependent variables. Most experiments have more than one controlled variable. Some people refer to controlled variables as "constant variables."

Defining Variables, Example

Question

Independent Variable (What I change)

Dependent Variables

(What I observe)

Controlled Variables

(What I keep the same)

How fast does a candle burn?

Time measured in

minutes

Height of candle measured in

centimeters at regular intervals of

time (for example,

every five minutes)

•Use same type of candle for every test •Wind--make sure there is none

Defining Variables, Example

Question Independent

Variable (What I change)

Dependent Variables (What I observe)

Controlled Variables (What I keep the same)

How long a certain type of

battery maintain its voltage?

Type of battery

Voltage of battery in a certain

time of interval

•Use same type of device with respect to current 1. high current: same type

of CD player, same music track,same volume level)

2. Medium current: same flashlight with same bulb

3. Low current: same camera flash

•Control temperature (battery works better in a warm temperature)

Step 4: Design Experiment Includes planning in detail all the steps of the experimental

phase. In engineering research it often includes the design of a prototype / system architecture.

Identify the variables that will be manipulated and measured – the research outcomes must be measurable. In other words: What needs to be controlled in order to get an unbiased answer to the

research question.

Therefore: it is necessary to not only design a prototype / system but also the thesis validation method !

How to validate the thesis? The plan should allow others to repeat it. It should be feasible...! Plan intermediate milestones.

If you fail to plan, you planned to fail !

Step 5 Data Collection Doing it ! Implementation of methods (e.g. prototyping) and

auxiliary tools (e.g. simulation) Pilot testing and refinement. Field vs. Laboratory work. Any ethical considerations ? Confirm results by retesting !

Data collection process

Identify the type of information needed to define the problem

Select data collection methods best suited for this type of information

Define the specific target data you intend to collect with each appropriate technique

Collect the data Analyze the data and present in understandable form Establish a method to confirm the analysis, such as an

experiment or more focused data collection process

Data collection Source of data Experimental

Survey

Existing data

Data Collection Methods Survey questionnaires

Interview

Observation

Experiment

Existing data

OBSERVATION No measurement e.g.: What are the activities that students

do in a classroom? What are the arrival and departure

time of students?

EXPERIMENT Types of experimental Study Realistic setting (survey, field

experiment, case study Artificial setting (Laboratory, use

standard procedure) Parametric study / Numerical

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Observations vs. Experiments

Both types of studies may seek to the understanding of relationships between variables

Experimental studies are better at determining cause-and-effect less likely to be confounded by hidden variables

Step 6: Interpret / Analyze Results What did your experiment show? Qualitative data analysis. Quantitative data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics, clustering, ...

What might weaken your confidence in the results (critical spirit)?

Discussion regarding Literature Research objectives Research questions.

Consider multiple perspectives !

Data Analysis Data analysis is about manipulating and presenting

results Sources of Data include : Lab Experimentation, Survey,

Census, outcome of Theoretical analysis, Numerical analysis/software, etc

Data need to be organized, summarized, and analyzed in order to draw/infer conclusion

Commonly used approaches or tools Statistics Models Standards

Graphical presentation Commonly used graphs: Charts (Line charts, Scattered Charts, Pie Charts) Histogram Frequency Polygon Cumulative frequency graph or Ogive – the sum of the

frequencies accumulated up to the upper boundary of a class in the distribution. The graph represent how many values are below a certain class boundary

Statistical Analysis • Statistics is the science of conducting studies to collect, organize,

summarize and draw conclusions from data. The objective is to maximize the understanding of such information.

• There are two types of statistical analysis i.e: • Descriptive Statistics • Interferential Statistics

• Statistics is indeed used in everyday life

Example : • A typical one-a-day vitamin pill boosted certain immune responses in older

people by 64%. • Rain was covering 30 to 40% of Palembang yesterday afternoon • Of 1000 households polled nationwide, 40% said they owned at least one

cordless phone, 9% had two or more.

Descriptive Statistics Describe situation. e.g. Results of National Census on average age, income, employment, level of education.

Descriptive Statistics involved :

data collection

organization

summation

Inferential Statistics make inferences from sample to populations based on probability theory: generalizing from samples to populations

performing hypothesis testing

determining relationships among variables, and

making predictions

A population consists of all subjects (human or otherwise) that the information are being studied.

A sample is a subgroup of the population.

Step 7 : Publish Findings A research result is not a contribution to the field if no one knows

about it or can use it ! “Publish or perish !” Write scientific papers, make presentations Intermediate results Conferences Collect feedback

Consolidated results Journals

Be careful in selecting where you publish ! Write dissertation / Report

Plan your Master Project / Thesis carefully Read….. Read…. Read….. Write….. Write….Write…..

وشـكـًراThank you

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