A 2-Day Course at GMI

Research Methodology
Module 4 Writing Research Reports and Thesis and Writing Research Proposals
Prof. Marzuki B. Khalid Director Center for AI and Robotics Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
UTM

[6]

Writing Research Reports and Thesis

6.1:Writing a research/project proposals? 6.2:Why the need to write papers and reports? 6.3:Writing a research report 6.4:Writing a technical paper 6.5:Contents of a thesis

Writing a Research/Project Proposal

I. Introduction A. B. C. D. E. The problem statement A rationale for the research 1. Statement of the research objectives Hypothesis Definitions of terms Summary including a restatement of the problem

Writing a Research/Project Proposal

II. A (brief) review of the relevant literature A. B. C. D. The importance of the question being asked The current status of the topic The relationship between literature and problem statement Summary including a restatement of the relationships between the important variables under consideration and how these relationships are important to the hypothesis proposed in the introduction.

Writing a Research/Project Proposal

III. Method A. B. C. Participants (including a description and selection procedures) Research design Data collection plans 1. Operational definition of all variables 2. Reliability and validity of instruments 3. Results of pilot studies Proposed analysis of the data Results of the data

D. E.

Writing a Research/Project Proposal

IV. Implications and limitations V. Appendices A. Copies of instruments that will be used B. Results of pilot studies (actual data) C. Human experimentation approval D. Participant permission form E. Time line

Criteria for Judging a Research Study (for Lecturers/Reviewers)

The Review of Previous Research 1. 2. How closely is the literature reviewed in the study related to previous literature? Is the review recent? Are there any outstanding references you know of that were left out?

The Problem and Purpose 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Can you understand the statement of the problems? Is the purpose of the study clearly stated? Does the purpose seem to be tied to the literature that is reviewed? Is the objective of the study clearly stated? Is there a conceptual rationale to which the hypotheses are grounded? Is there a rationale for why the study is an important one to do?

The Hypothesis 9. Are the research hypotheses clearly stated? 10. Are the research hypotheses explicitly stated? 11. Do the hypotheses state a clear association between variables? 12. Are the hypotheses grounded in theory or in a review and presentation of relevant literature? 13. Are the hypotheses testable?

The Method 14. Are both the independent and dependent variables clearly defined? 15. Are the definition and description of the variables complete? 16. Is it clear how the study was conducted?

The Sample 17. Was the sample selected in such a way that you think it is representative of the population? 18. Is it clear where the sample comes from and how it was selected? 19. How similar are the subjects in the study to those that have been used in other, similar studies?

Results and Discussion 20. Does the author relate the results to the review of literature? 21. Are the results related to the hypothesis? 22. Is the discussion of the results consistent with results? 23. Does the discussion provide closure to the initial hypothesis that the author presents?

References 24. 25. 26. 27. Is the list of references current? Are they consistent in their format? Are the references complete? Does the list of references reflect some of the most important reference sources in the field? 28. Does each reference cited in the body of the paper appear in the reference list?

General Comments About the Report 29. Is it clearly written and understandable? 30. Is the language biased (nonsexist and relatively culturefree)? 31. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research? 32. What are the primary implications of the research? 33. What would you do to improve the research?

Format for a Project Proposal

Title Name of Student/Course Name of Supervisor(s) Duration Summary Keywords (Up to 5) Objectives Research/Project Outputs Introduction Methodology Key Milestones Expected Findings (Hypothesis) Research Schedule (Gantt Chart) References

[6]

Writing Research Reports and Thesis

6.1:Writing research/project proposals? 6.2:Why the need to write papers and reports? 6.3:Writing a research report 6.4:Writing a technical paper 6.5:Contents of a thesis

Why the need to write research Reports/Papers/Thesis?

It is obvious that every research needs good and proper documentation. To share research results with other researchers. To obtain some form of degree. To get views for improvement. To get recognition. For appraisal purposes.

Quotations from a Vice-President of a Large Construction Company

(Taken from How Does Your Writing Measure Up? by J. R. Gould, Chemical Eng. Journal) Every engineer has to write at some time or another. Of course, all of us in our college days had visions of passing the writing job to our secretary, or even the office boy, but in reality it has turned out differently.

Quotations from a Vice-President of a Large Construction Company Today the engineer is responsible for all kinds of communication jobs. Reports have to be turned in to government agencies, inter-company memoranda have to be written, and articles must be prepared for trade journals. Also if the engineer wants to get ahead, he may find it necessary to deliver papers before professional societies. Yet we often find ourselves unprepared to do the writing job.

[6]

Writing Research Reports and Thesis

6.1:Writing research/project proposals? 6.2:Why the need to write papers and reports? 6.3:Writing a research report 6.4:Writing a technical paper 6.5:Contents of a thesis

 Research Reports are usually written at the end of a research work. It would not be too formal as that of a thesis or a technical paper. It could be an initial documentation for writing a technical paper for a journal or a conference. It is usually meant for internal verification/discussions or as a preliminary documentation for a bigger research.

THE BODY OF A RESEARCH REPORT

The body of the report follows the preliminary information. The body of the research report contains four logical divisions : 1. 2. 3. 4. Introduction Methodology Presentation and Analysis of Data Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations.

THE BODY OF A RESEARCH REPORT

1. INTRODUCTION Statement of the Problem Review of Related Literature Statement of Hypotheses of Research Questions Limitations Definition of Terms

THE BODY OF A RESEARCH REPORT

2. 3. METHODOLOGY Procedures for Collection and Treatment of Data PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA Presentation of Data Analysis of Data

THE BODY OF A RESEARCH REPORT

4. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Summary Conclusions Recommendations

[6]

Writing Research Reports and Thesis

6.1:Writing research/project proposals? 6.2:Why the need to write papers and reports? 6.3:Writing a research report 6.4:Writing a technical paper 6.5:Contents of a thesis

The Body of a Technical Paper

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Abstract a short line regarding conclusion Introduction Description of system - Describe the new algorithm or approach Simulation examples of algorithm - Real-time experiments Discussion of Results Conclusion Acknowledgements References Appendix

Checklist for Technical Article or Paper Preparation

1. Formulate idea for paper or article. Discuss with your supervisor and colleagues to determine if a paper should be written. 2. Search the literature to determine what has been written on the subject. 3. Write a comprehensive outline. A good outline reads like a table of contents.

Checklist for Technical Article or Paper Preparation

4. Think the article through. Ask yourself if your outline will allow you to present the right amount of data in the best manner. 5. Gradually expand outline headings in-to sentences and paragraphs. Keep one idea to a paragraph. 6. Smooth transitions and expend on key words and ideas. 7. Rough out illustrations.

Checklist for Technical Article or Paper Preparation

8. Write the rough draft, then see if you have answered these questions: Introduction Did you properly orient the reader? Did you tell why the study (device, etc.) was needed? Why it is significant or unique? What problem did you solve ? Are the scope, limitations, and problems of the study well defined? Does the introduction generate enough interest in the reader for him to read the entire paper ?

Checklist for Technical Article or Paper Preparation

Body of Paper Have you given necessary background material? Is it too much? Is the problem, concept, or system adequately and accurately cover the theory, test results, applications, methods of implementation? Did you make a point ? Conclusion What was the original problem? How was it solved? Has a conclusion really been made ?

Checklist for Technical Article or Paper Preparation

9. Revise the draft as required. 10. Have it typed double-spaces with at least one copy (or follow the journals or conferences format). 11. Proofread manuscript carefully. 12. Review with you supervisor. 13. Submit.

What a Manuscript (Technical Paper) Looks like

Title Page Abstract Text including the Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion References Appendices Author Note Footnotes Tables Figure Captions Figures

Title Page A running head for the publication The title of the manuscript A byline, or the authors listed in order of their contribution (and not necessarily alphabetical order) along with their institutional affiliation (for each author if different)

Example of a Title Page

TUNING OF A NEURO-FUZZY CONTROLLER BY GENETIC ALGORITHM Teo Lian Seng, Marzuki Khalid*, and Rubiyah Yusof Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, University Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Semarak, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Email address: [email protected] Tel: 03-26913710 Fax: 603-2697081 5 (All correspondence should be sent to *)

The Abstract A one sentence statement of the purpose A description of the participants used in the research including the number, their age, gender, ethnicity, special conditions, and other identifying characteristics The results Any conclusions being offered

Example of an Abstract
ABSTRACT Due to their powerful optimization property, genetic algorithms (GAs) are currently being investigated for the development of adaptive or self-tuning fuzzy logic control systems. This paper presents a neurofuzzy logic controller (NFLC) where all of its parameters can be tuned simultaneously by GA. The structure of the controller is based on the Radial Basis Function neural network (RBF) with Gaussian membership functions. The NFLC tuned by GA can somewhat eliminate laborious design steps such as manual tuning of the membership functions and selection of the fuzzy rules. The GA implementation incorporates dynamic crossover and mutation probabilistic rates for faster convergence. A flexible position coding strategy of the NFLC parameters is also implemented to obtain near optimal solutions. The performance of the proposed controller is compared with a conventional fuzzy controller and a PID controller tuned by GA. Simulation results show that the proposed controller offers encouraging advantages and has better performance.

The Text This would normally consist an Introduction section, followed by a section on the main algorithm that has been used such as the fuzzy theory, neural networks, etc. A good introduction orients the reader to the importance of the problem by providing a sufficient background material. This is not the place for an extensive historical review of the important literature. It should mention only the most important works that have been done and illuminate the importance studies. Basically, your goal is to provide the reader with sufficient information to understand and appreciate the importance and scope of the problem.

Example of the Text

Method This could be divided into several sections and subsections (if needed). The method section of the manuscript describes how the study was conducted. This information is reported in sufficient detail so that any one can refer to this section and duplicate the study exactly as it was originally done.

Example of the Method

Results and Discussions Next in the next of the manuscript is the Results section where the reader can find what statistical techniques were used to analyze the data and what the result of the analysis were. [This is not the place for a presentation of the actual results of the analysis, but for only information about how the analysis was done.] This depends also on the type of paper.

Example of the Results

Results would normally discussed about the experiments

Results and Discussions The Discussion section is where the author of the manuscript is free to explore important relationships among what has been done in the past, the purpose of the study, the stated hypothesis, and the results of the current study. Now it is time for an evaluation of what has been done and a measuring up to see if the reported results fit the researchers expectations. Most technical papers combined the Results and Discussion sections as in the paper we discussed (contrary to the point raised in the box).

Conclusion
This section sums up the whole paper. Here is an opportunity for the researcher to sum up the purpose and findings reported in the manuscript. It is here that you will find any statement as to what contribution might have been made by the current research and how well the original question was answered. This section could also be the place where the implications and limitations of the current study are discussed as are suggestions for future research.

Example of a Conclusion

References The references are a list of sources that were consulted during the course of the research and the writing of the manuscript. References can be anything from a book to a personal communication, and all references have to be entered in the reference list in a particular format. The way the references are written in the text and also in the references section very much depend on the style/format of the journals or conferences.

Example of references in an IEEE journal

Appendices An appendix usually contains information that is not essential for understanding the content of the manuscript but it is important for getting a through picture of what happened. Usually, an appendix will contain original data or drawings.

Author Notes Author notes include any ancillary material that is important to understanding the content of the manuscript but does not belong in any of the previous sections. Footnotes Footnotes are used to elaborate upon references or some other technical point in the manuscript.

Tables Tables are text arranged in columns or rows, and are most often used in the results section. Figure Captions A figure caption identifies each of the figures with a number and a title. A figure caption should have enough description of the figure you are presenting. Figures Here is where the actual figures for the manuscript are physically placed. Every figure must be explained in the text.

[6]

Writing Research Reports and Thesis

6.1:Writing research/project proposals? 6.2:Why the need to write papers and reports? 6.2:Writing a research report 6.3:Writing a technical paper 6.4:Contents of a thesis

Contents of a Thesis
Abstract (1 page) Declaration Acknowledgments Table of Contents List of Symbols and Figures Chapter 1: Introduction
Background Objectives of Thesis Layout of Thesis

Chapter 2: Theory on the Research

Contents of a Thesis
Chapter 3: Proposed Methodology Chapter 4: Implementation Chapter 5: Experimental Results and Discussions Chapter 6: Conclusions and Further Work References Appendices

[7] Writing Research Proposals (for Grants Applications)

7.1: Why do we need to write research proposals? 7.2: Research Grants in Malaysia 7.3: How to write good research proposals? 7.4: Case Study

Some Information on CAIRO Set up on January 1st, 1997 One of 30 Centres of Excellence in UTM One of the Most Active Research Centers in Malaysia Grants totalling RM4 million (US$1 million) We received a total of 14 IRPA Grants and 2 IGS Grants Involving Process Automation, Robotics and AI Applications

Some Examples of CAIROs Research Grants

[7]

Writing Research Proposals (for Grants Applications)

Why do we need to write research proposals (for grants)? Research Grants in Malaysia How to write good research proposals? Case Study

7.1: 7.2: 7.3: 7.4:

Why do we need to write Good Research Proposals?

Good research proposals will lead to successful research grants. Academicians need research grants to carry out their research. Research grants will help to pay for research officers/assistants, research equipment, accessories, attend conferences, etc. Good research will lead to good publications, recognition and appraisals.

Factors affecting writing good research proposals?

Scope does not reflect research theme Objectives not clear Project Outputs- not clear Research methodology not clear Unreasonable budget Hasty in a hurry to finish proposal Deadlines too near Does not meet national /sectoral objectives Often research team do not meet and discuss

Factors affecting getting successful research grants!

Following the scope of the research theme Good research proposals Reputation Research Leader/ Team Unreasonable budget Evaluation Panel

[7]

Writing Research Proposals (for Grants Applications)

Why do we need to write research proposals (for grants)? Research Grants in Malaysia How to write good research proposals? Case Study

7.1: 7.2: 7.3: 7.4:

Available Grants for UTM Academicians

IRPA (MOSTE) ~ 85% of the time RMC Short Term Grant (UTM) ~10% IGS (MOSTE) ~5% Contract Research from Companies (TNB, Guthrie, etc.) MGS (MDC) DAGS (MIMOS) CRDF (MTDC) FELDA Grant (FELDA) Overseas Grants (EU, Japan, etc.)

~5%

Approved RM8 Research Grants

[7]

Writing Research Proposals (for Grants Applications)

Why do we need to write research proposals (for grants)? Research Grants in Malaysia How to write good research proposals? Case Study

7.1: 7.2: 7.3: 7.4:

How to write Research Proposals? What are the contents of a Research Proposal?

Most research proposals already have a format. Lets see the IRPA Research Proposal Format

The IRPA Research Grant

(Application Format)

IRPA Research Proposal Format [1]

Project number [Given by RMC] Project title Project leader Organisation Key words Specific objectives of project Research background of project
Project status (new, modification, or extension) Literature review summary Related research

IRPA Research Proposal Format [2]

Type of research
Scientific research (fundamental research) Technology development (applied research) Product/process development (design end engineering) Social/policy research

Socio-economic objective Target Area, Research Theme, Programme Fields of research

IRPA Research Proposal Format [3]

Direct customers/beneficiaries of the project Outputs expected from the project Technology transfer/diffusion approach Organisational outcomes expected Sectoral/national impacts expected

IRPA Research Proposal Format [4]

IRPA Research Proposal Format [5]

Research organisations involved in the project Industry linkages Research methodology Project activities Key milestones Risks of the project Duration

IRPA Research Proposal Format [6]

Project Schedule (Gantt Chart)

IRPA Research Proposal Format [7]

Project Costs

IRPA Research Proposal Format [8]

Project Costs (Continued)

IRPA Research Proposal Format [9]

Project Funding

IRPA Research Proposal Format [10]

Project Funding (Continued)

IRPA Research Proposal Format [11]

IRPA Research Proposal Format [11]

Appendix A- CV Appendix B- Institutional Background

(Given by RMC)

Appendix C- Summary of Past Research Projects

IRPA Research Proposal Format [12]

Appendix D: Staff Cost Estimation Worksheet

IRPA Research Proposal Format [13]

Appendix E: Direct Expenses Estimation Worksheet

SUMMARY OF THIS MODULE Writing Research Reports and Thesis Research/project proposals Judgment on a project proposal Research report Writing a technical paper Contents of a thesis Writing Research Proposals (for Grants Applications) Why do we need to write research proposals? How to write good research proposals? Case Study

Have the course objectives been met?:

understand some basic concepts of research and its methodologies identify appropriate research topics select and define appropriate research problem and parameters prepare a project proposal (to undertake a project) organize and conduct research (advanced project) in a more appropriate manner write a research report and thesis write a research proposal (grants)