TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part-I ‘Research Methodology’

S.N. Chapters Page no.

1. Research Methodology 1
2. Research 2
2.1. Definition 2
2.2. Characteristics 2
2.3. Classification 3
3. Eight Step Model for Research Work 5
4. Literature Review 8
5. Sample on Literature Review 10
6. Problem Formulation 15
7. Identifying Variables 18
8. Construction of Hypothesis 22
9. Research Design 24
10. Proposal Writing 26
11. Report Writing 27
12. Attachments:
12.1. Question for Internal Assessment 29
12.2. Solution for Assessment questions 30

Part-II ‘Statistics’
 Applied Research Methodology (MST-I/I)

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:
~Taking of resources for the benefit of mankind under sustainable development/conditions.

Nature People

Cultural Filter

What is Engineering?
 Engineering is the application of scene in the design, planning, construction and
maintenance of buildings, machines and other related things or
 It is the planning or bringing about of something

Engineering

Resources Peoples

What is Technology?
 Technology is the study, development and application of devices, machines and
techniques for manufacturing and productive process
 It is a method or methodology that applies technical knowledge or tools

How research is different from Engineering and with Technology?

Research = Re+Search {again and again)
Formulation of problem

Research Engineering Technology

application of technical
creates new knowledge design and application of plan
knowledge
result is known but the
result may be true or may be result and the methodology is
operational plan is not well
not true predetermined
defined
It is the planning or bringing it is the study, development
it is the solution to particular
about of something and application of devices,
problem
machines and techniques

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RESEARCH:

Input Process Output

Problem Re-search Solution to the project

Given Situation Better Knowledge

Process Implied:
1. To be in frame work within the premises of certain philosophies (hypothesis)
2. Should be valid and reliable (repeatability)
3. Unbiased objectives

Formal Definition
By Grennel: "Research is structured enquiry that uses acceptable scientific methodology to
solve problems and creates new knowledge i.e. generally applicable."

Characteristics/Features:
1. It should be controlled (limitation of work)
eg: the traffic safety study is limited or controlled to accident study due to pavement
condition only because of limited resources
2. Rigorous (precise to the point ~relevant ~justified ~appropriate process)
eg: The data should only related to the road conditions for particular route. Data of
accident due to other causes (road users) are not concerned
3. Systematic (in a logical sequence)
eg: There is a standard sequence of performing research work. We should first
decide to make study on accident due to road conditions; then only planning and
performing work is completed.
4. Valid and verifiable (findings are correct & can be verified by you and others)
eg: if our research showed that the pavement conditions is a main cause of accident
then if a new person performed the same task the result should be same
5. Empirical (based upon evidences, hard facts)
eg: This is the fact that the life of pavement based on the repeated axle load not on
number of vehicles; if we assume no of vehicles, it would not be empirical.
6. Critical (free from drawbacks and flaws ~ foolproof)
eg: If the collected materials showed 20% of the accidents are due to the cause of
pavement condition; then it is critical

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Classification:
I. On the perspective of application
1. Pure research (development of new techniques)
2. Applied research (solution of particular problem using some new techniques)
II. On the perspective of objectives
1. Descriptive
2. Co-relational
3. Exploratory
4. Explanatory
III. On the perspective of inquiry mode
1. Qualitative (un-structured)
2. Quantitative (structured)
Note: I, II and III are mutually inclusive

Pure Research: Pure research involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses
eg: a research about to develop Nepal standard for rigid pavement design

Applied Research: Applied research is done to solve specific, practical questions

eg: research to make origin and destination study of vehicle by applying the method of
interview

Descriptive: Descriptive research attempts to describe systematically a situation, problem,

phenomenon, service or program
eg: research about the study of the attitude of traffic police towards drivers

Co relational: We have (or given) several things, phenomenon. The objective is to find out
the interrelationship among them.
eg: the research about the strength of asphalt concrete on replacing the dust by cement

Exploratory: The task is already defined. We just go and find what are the things is to be
done. eg: feasibility study. In this example we are given two points and we find out the
alignment. We have to establish and explore whether it is possible or not. We should
include the cause, reasons why such possibility occurs or not.

Explanatory: We have given no. of things and certain phenomenon which are co-related.
We have to establish the relation by their explanation. e. g., establishment of relationship
between driver behavior and the no of accidents. If we provide the explanation on it,
showing the new type of relation between them, it is called explanatory type research work.

Structured: research process- objectives, design, sample, and the questions that you plan to
ask of respondents- is predetermined
eg: We cannot start to construct a building without preparing a foundation

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Unstructured: Research process – flexibility high enough

eg: We may start to prepare foundation of any side in first

Quantitative: It is structured and the pre-determined way of doing things, which can be
measured and counted in number or certain amount. The enquiry is carried out in certain
quantity, such as two alignments through places 1 and 2 have length of 22 and 26 km, the
shortest route should be selected. Here 22 km and 26 km are the quantitative way of inquiry
mode.

Qualitative: It is unstructured and do not have pre-determined way of doing things, which
cannot be measured in values. The enquiry is carried out in descriptive way like higher,
better, good, taller, narrow etc.

Physical Science Research: As resources, in physical science, things are robust (concrete,
strong), should be systematic (methodology) in logical sequence. e.g. in structure, at least
logical sequence: foundation, superstructure, can't detach one item.
 systematic
 scientific
 positivist (= everything based on facts)
Example: voting about the earth shape (a) round (b) flat. If result shows flat, what do
you do?

Social Science/Human Science Research: qualitative, ecological, naturalistic, what is good

and bad for people –long term or short term?
 holistic approach (= how to develop a country. In Kathmandu valley the vehicles are
increasing, what the condition in river)
 public participation (for instance there is disaster like earthquake, an engineer goes
on research and provide conclusion –called descriptive)

Aim (of performing research work):

 Explore: whether it is or not
 Conform: is it there, is it possible
 Quantify: measure it, how far/good/bad/useful it is
 Purpose/Use of findings or establish facts: achieve understanding at higher level
Example:
stage-I, initial elements assumed: earth, water, fire, air, sky (k[lYfjL, hn, t]h, jfo', cfsfz)
stage-II, then new elements found: H, He, Li, Be ... and assumed as they can't be divided further
stage-III, but they had divided into Protons, Electrons and Neutrons
...............and further as Positron, ... ... ..

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Comparison between quantitative and qualitative type of research:

S.N Criteria Quantitative Qualitative

1 Philosophy rationalism (reason based) empiricism
2 Approach structured Unstructured or flexible
3 Purpose extent or quantification describe the variation
4 Variables measurement & classification description
(grouping)
5 Examples more and big less and small
6 Focus narrow but more wide but less
7 Value value free {objective} authentic (but not necessarily
value free)
8 Topic find out regularities and experiences, feelings etc
establish theories
9 Analysis based upon statistics narratives and observations
10 Way of analytical way descriptive way
communication

Philosophy=attitude, view point, idea, thinking, way of life, values

Approach=method, methodology
Empiricism= based on perception not reasoning
Value free= we respect (value) for teacher, parents, seniors but in western countries if
someone pay money he will be respected/obeyed.

Stages (on research work)

Imp

Eight step model for research work:

Stage-I Stage-II Stage-III

Decide what? Plan how? Doing thing?
1. Formulation of research 2. Conceptualization/ 6. Collection of materials
work (problem) Research design (materials=similar to data;
3. Construction of tools but data is assumed as
4. Examples, sample vulgar word)
collection 7. Processing of materials
5. Proposal writing 8. Thesis/Dissertation/Report
writing

LITERATURE REVIEW

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Formulation of research work: Conceptualization or design of research work

 planning of research or research design
What are the: Variables involved?  plan how to find the ANS of problems
Hypotheses?
 if taken limited data/parameter, the
Taxonomy?
solution may be narrow or incorrect

Formulation of research work depends upon

 resources
 expertise
 time/money
 physical facilities

Construction of tools: {to do the things (one can apply numerical method or other tools)}
 knowing/identifying the tools
 identifying/testing the tools
o validity
o reliability {are the test we can apply to know about the result}
Note: then we/one will feel that something is starting

Examples:
It is sort of collection and selection of examples/alternatives/criteria
1. It should be unbiased:
A child likes to eat something that he/she is not supposed to do that
2. It should be with optimum use of resources
Give the maximum possible precisions or maximum possible achievements,
maximum possible good results
 Random, non-random, mixed are statistical tools
 tested to know what they are representing

Proposal writing:
It is not the report or thesis but a study made to know that the research is valid enough to
perform it or not. We should include the answers of
 What we are going to do?
 How you are going to do?
 Why like that way? Why these are the best way to do that?
Operational Plan (We should include in proposal)
1. Objectives: should be clear and positive
2. Hypothesis
3. Research plan design
4. Settings
a. Sort of back ground, circumstances to perform the plan design
b. Given considerations to work

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5. Tools
6. Examples
7. Processing/Procedure
8. Chapters
9. Limitations: These things are not given i.e. if you are supposed to linear relation
then you can't perform non-linear.
10. Timeframe

Collection of materials:
Present condition of our research work, the present scenario of our research work

Processing of materials: (methods)

 Type of material/data (could be quantitative way, qualitative way)
 way of communication (chart, picture etc)

Thesis/Report writing:

Example
1. Problem formulation: The aggregates(and sand, stone dust) from Sunkoshi river is
suitable or not for construction of Bhaktapur- Kathmandu road (10.2 tons axle load)
2. Research Design or Conceptualization: Materials are collected and the tests are to
be carried out (LAA, ACV, AIV, FI and sp. gr. test) The following is the concept to
accept the materials:
LAA >= 30%, ACV>= 30%, AIV >= 25%, FI >=50%, sp. Gr. >=2.6, stripping value
> 98 %
3. Construction of tools: A laboratory arrangement for the required test is then
established. which are LAA, ACV, AIV, FI and sp. gr. test
4. Examples/Collection of samples: Sunkoshi river bank is the locations for sample
collection. (At least three samples from different parts of the river bank and bed
should be collected)
5. Proposal writing
6. Collection of materials: The materials are then collected from Sunkoshi river bank
and bed and the necessary tests are carried out to get the data/ result of the tests-
say LAA= 30% (Belkhu), 40% (Kotre), 28% (Sunkoshi)
7. Processing on materials: The values (data) thus obtained are processed/analyzed in
order to decide if will be suitable for required strength of 10.2 tons of axle load.
8. Report Writing:

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LITERATURE REVIEW

(A) Functions of Lit Rev

1. To provide theoretical background
2. To establish link between the topic and the body of related knowledge
3. To fix contribution of the findings
4. To contextualize(relate/concern) the findings
Induction & deduction in aspects of literature review; from whole to part and
part to whole

(B) Lit Rev helps to:

1. Clarify and focus the topic
2. Improve methodology
Imp

3. broaden the knowledge

4. contextualize the findings Area of the
Clarify and focus the topic: Topic body of
problem related
Improve methodology: how you can improve knowledge
the methodology by seeing, searching, analyzing,
the old reports, proposals etc.
to do mistake= human right
to repeat same mistake= human crime
- don't repeat the mistakes; fine tune and improve your methodology

Broaden the knowledge: we are supposed to do things as expert in that area

Contextualize the findings: we will be projecting/telling our findings to people by publishing

in certain journal.

(C) Procedure (or steps follow):

1. Search for available literature
2. Review of selected literature
3. Development of theoretical framework (system)
4. Development of conceptual framework (concept)

Search for available literature: We read the some broad things and decide on the work;
these both processes came together. Some reading-(gives)-some idea about the topic-
(makes)-easy to search the required things to read. Again some more reading –more easy to
decide on topic and so on............
Books: - more organized, refined, universal details (+ve points)
- do not updated, needing 2-3 years to publish (-ve points)
-sources: go to library, dewey decimal, library of congress, book review index
Journals: -not in compiled form as in your need (-ve points)
-sources: sources of index articles, abstracts of articles, citations, articles index

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Review of selected literature:

 relevant or not
 look into the theory, criticism, basis, methodology and decide if it is useful or not
 check for universality; how genera, useful, particular they are
 look into differences, validation etc (how they are different and useful?)
 gaps, loops, holes; {gap=sth not done, loops and hole=weakness}

Development of theoretical framework:

Sources
Authors
Themes Perspective views
Theories
Differences in opinion

when merged
when associated
Results theoretical framework or idea

Development of conceptual framework:

Up to this step, we have a system (from step #3), number of things (from step #2); which are
taken if they are co-related at step-1.
*make use of step #3 and develop our own topic, own theme, own theory and solution of
problem.
#1 & #2 – technical (collect lots of things as many as we can; but it should be properly and
easily handled)
#3 & #4 – creative

(D) Write up of Literature Review :

There will be a chapter on literature review. we will have basically two parts:

Theoretical background: history, recent advances, current trends (how is going)

Contextualization of findings:- try to fit the findings into body of the knowledge
- try to show comparison with other work
-contradiction (why they are contradicting)
-conformation (why it is conforming someone's
work provide your logic or findings)
-difference (in which way it is better)
-we have to prove that our work is not .............

Literature Review as a chapter:

Better to have with sub-headings with above topic clearly indicated: theoretical background
and contextualization of the findings. Literature review is a very tedious and unpleasant
work, clumsy, bored, so try to cultivate from the beginning and make continue work

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Example on a Literature Review

Running Head: Railway in Nepal

Railway in Nepal, a study

Bishnu Prasad Devkota

Tribhuvan University

Institute of Engineering

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Introduction:
There are different modes of transportation. They are: Land, air, water and cable
transportation (Source: TRUST, 2000). At present Transportation needs of Nepal are being
met by either roads or air travel. Janic Milan (1997), Comparison of the quality of train and
air network in West, Central and Eastern Europe. The only operating railway line in the
country is from Jayanagar (India) to Janakpur (22km). In order to meet the growing
passenger and freight transport demand, it has long felt the necessity of development of
railway as an alternative land transport mode for faster and cheaper movement of freight
and passenger. Jiwan Acharya , Suman Basnet, Karuna Sharma, Prem Sagar Subedi and Yuba
Raj Adhikari; PREGA National Technical Experts from Winrock International Nepal (2006)
have carried out the pre-feasibility study of East West railway in Nepal. MOPPW/
Government of Nepal has commissioned the association of RITES Ltd of India & SILT
Consultants of Nepal (2010) to carry out feasibility of constructing new Railway lines in
Nepal. Peter Nijkamp (1995) had tried to sketch the need for European cooperation in the
railway sector. Ryuichi Kitamura, Santoshi Fujii and Eric I. Pas (1997), Time-use data, analysis
and modeling: towards the next generation of transportation planning methodologies. It is
hypothesized that the time-use data, analysis and modeling under economic principles for
international network operation in south Asia (and a connection with China through Nepal)
will provide a better solution for the current issues in Nepal. The following five literature
reviews attempt to demonstrate and support the hypothesis.

Development of railway network:

In a research paper by Nijkamp, (1995) the pentagon prism cycle of critical success factors
for the European railway system were introduced as: Hardware, Software, Orgware,
Finware, Ecoware and again Hardware. The tangible material aspects of transportation
infrastructure (e.g. technical equipment, terminals, stations) were referred as Hardware
where as Software referred both computer software used to control sophisticated hardware
facilities and related services (viz. information systems, computerized booking and
reservation system, communication facilities, banks, route guidance system) offered to the
user of the railway system. Orgware was assumed to comprise of all regulatory,
administrative, legal, management and coordination activities and structures regarding both
the demand and supply side of railway operation. Finware was assumed to refer not only
the socio-economic cost-benefit aspects of new investments, but also to the ways of
financing and maintaining new railway infrastructures, fare structures, state contracts for
guaranteed finances for public transport deficits etc. Lastly ecoware was assumed to include
environmental and ecological concerns (including safety and energy questions) in the
railway sector. The presentation of data with the inclusion of challenges in Europe in railway
sector is seemed to be good enough. In conclusion the researcher had suggested to practice
the economic principle for international (railway) network operations. Such suggestion may
be the key point for the similar type of railway network in Nepal as well as in south Asia.

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Comparison of rail network with air network:

Next, the topic of comparison of the quality of rail and air networks in West, Central and
Eastern Europe. The research article by Milan J. (1997), dealt with an analysis of the rail and
air passenger transport network spreading over West, Central and Eastern Europe. The rail
network consists of the railway stations located in the particular places (cities) assumed to
be the network nodes and single/double tracks (being a portion of railway infrastructure)
connecting them (a network links). The air transport network consists of the airports located
close to the particular places (cities) assumed to be the network's nodes, and the flights
scheduled between them (the links of the air transport network). The analysis was found to
be useful for the following purposes – various comparisons of the quality of service offered
by different transport networks serving the passenger flows in Europe; synthesizing the
generalized travel cost functions; determining the conditions for choice of transport mode
under given circumstances; design of specific monitoring tool being convenient for
registrating the significant changes in the supply of transport capacities. Actually such
comparison in Nepal is not a practical thing to perform because of the lack of domestic
railway network; however it is better to simulate a theoretical comparison of the suggested
railway network with the available and planned air nodes. This modeling on the basis of the
proposed scheduled materials will sufficiently provide the information for the planner to
categorize the hierarchy of the nodes and network in the context of Nepal (Eastern, Central,
Western, Mid-western and Far-western) as well as for south Asian links.

Transportation modeling:
The next research journal by Kitamura R. et al. (1997) argued that transportation
methodologies must be built on the central thesis of the activity-based approach to travel
demand modeling, namely, that travel is a derived demand that reflects people's desire and
need to participate in activities. The paper had discussed why this foundation for
transportation planning methodologies is necessary to address contemporary planning and
policy analysis issues. The paper also argued that the introduction of time-use data, analysis
and modeling is a key element in the development of the next generation of transportation
planning methodologies. The concepts advanced in paper were illustrated with two brief
numerical examples. These examples show how model systems based on time-use data can
be used to (i) estimate the number of induced trips that would result from a reduction in
commute travel time, and (ii) evaluate the impacts of alternative transportation
improvements projects. The travel time from east to west through road network in Nepal at
present condition takes more than 24 hrs. The estimated duration for proposed rail network
is only 6 hrs. Due to a large reduction in time and facilitating the schedule, more trip was
expected than that of road network. On the other hand the evaluation with road as an
alternative project had already done by government bodies. The research by Kitamura was
useful in Europe; the result concluded by the research in the context of Nepal may vary

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whether the methodology for investigation is same. Hence it is necessary to demonstrate a

model for above two different numerical examples.
Railway in Nepal:
In the prefeasibility study; Acharya J. et al. (2006) 'East-West electric railway' is a
presentation of materials (data) about the present context and future expansion in
transportation in Nepal as benefit for two cases: (i) about the energy consumption as the
proposed railway is based on electric power which will considerably saves the national
property that required to spent in order to import the fossil fuel of same amount. (ii)
However Nepal relied on a road dominated transport system; the main road itself is very
basic. Hence there is a requirement of a systematic, strategic and well-conditioned
transportation mechanism. The author claims along with his materials and presentation, the
electric railway which is already been used by India and China is most suitable in the context
of Nepal as this project has an enormous potential to contribute to Nepal's sustainable
development and help to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The author
had included a lot of data from various sources. But these materials actually are presented
by some energy sector organization. Hence there is a need of no of research work on the
basis of transportation planning methodologies.

In order to meet the growing passenger and freight transport demand, Government of
Nepal has long felt the necessity of development of railway as an alternative land transport
mode for faster and cheaper movement of freight and passenger. For this purpose,
MOPPW/Government of Nepal has commissioned the association of RITES Ltd of India &
SILT Consultants of Nepal to carry out feasibility of constructing new Railway lines in Nepal.
It is found that the research had included the area of economy, environment and easy. But
there is a need of international network of railway in south Asia and a connection with
China through Nepal. Some research work along such direction is expected as important for
this project.

Conclusion:
In conclusion; Nijkamp P. (1995) completed his research work on the basis of interoperable
network in Europe and analyzed the cooperation field and method preferred in the
countries. It is known that East-West railway of Nepal also lies in Asian route. The proper
analysis of time-use date and modeling in the context of Nepal is really a new thing in order
to adopt the particular methodology for the planning of next generation model; however
this topic is introduced in Europe by Kitamur R. et al in 1997. Milan J. (1997) had published
the comparison of rail network with respect to the air transportation. The real-time data
analysis of railway in the context of Nepal however not possible due to unavailability of
sources (date); however there is a need of analysis for theoretical material for proper future
planning. The analysis and model should be based on strategic international network to
connect east west and north south (it is more challenging) of the country along with the
south Asia and China railway network.

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Bibliography:

Janic Milan (1997) Comparison of the quality of train and air network in West, Central and
Eastern Europe. Transportation policy, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 85-93

J. Acharya, S. Basnet, K. Sharma, P. S. Subedi and Y. R. Adhikari. PREGA National Technical

Experts from Winrock International Nepal (2006) a prefeasibility report on
development of east west railway in Nepal.

MOPPW/Government of Nepal in association with RITES Ltd of India & SILT Consultants of
Nepal(2010) feasibility study of Mechi-Mahakali and Kathmandu-Pokhara electric
railway, Nepal.

Peter Nijkamp (1995) From missing networks to interoperable networks The need for
European cooperation in the railway sector. Transportation policy, vol. 2, no. 3, pp.
159-167

Ryuichi Kitamura, Santoshi Fujii and Eric I. Pas (1997) Time-use data, analysis and modeling:
towards the next generation of transportation planning methodologies.
Transportation policy, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 225-235

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PROBLEM FORMULATION:

Starting with beginning and starting with at least the topic by identifying (knowing),
specifying (limiting) the problem such that it will withstand the requirements.

Things/Factors that problem formulation depends:

 knowledge of methodology
 knowledge of subject
 knowledge of issue or what area we are choosing
 extent or magnitude of knowledge

Way to find the problem:

Engineering
4P (are sources where from we
pick u our problems)
People Resources  people
 problems **
 programs
 phenomena

Problems Programs Phenomena

** try to facilitate people in order to provide better life by interfering whatever to the
happening or to the natural process (eg: rock bedding, water flow) by introducing
programs (rock to aggregates, water to electricity etc) under certain phenomena
(crusher and hydropower)
black and white life—yes or no
brown life???-its ok ...may be//

Considerations (things to be considered when we do problem formulation)

1. Is it of your interest ?
2. Magnitude {what are the resources (time given, money and expertise) on related
problem, doable and manageable?}
3. Measurement of concepts (If we have to do research in traffic engineering,
variables will be number of vehicles, accidents etc. Sometimes variables may be
required; to be under a new way of defining or relating the research work)
4. Level of expertise (If we don't know; don't think to do the work (design of bridge
etc) or do research work
5. Relevance (Related, it should be rich enough with respect to someone others)
6. Availability of materials (information/data)
7. Ethical issues (also thinking about next generation environmental problem etc)

Steps to follow for problem formulation:

1. Identify the area, discipline or topic of interest
 choose very broadly not specific

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2. Dissect the area/discipline/topic which you have chosen in 1. into sub areas/sub
topics etc.
3. Select some of them which are on your interest
 how to select them: method of elimination
4. Ask research questions on these topics or subtopics
eg: how can labor intensive work be optimized)
convert them (questions) to objectives.
how to find out .......................................to find out
research question formulated
objectives
5. Formulate objectives (very technical one)
a) main objective (general formulation of objectives)
b) specific objectives
to define ............. main objective = problem
statement
to explore ...............
to determine ..................
eg: general objective—statement of a geometry theorem (class-9,10) i.e.
discriptive
specific objective—theorem proof, listed with bullets and numbers
establishment of operational definition is similar to formulation of objectives
Formulation of objectives: Clear + Complete + Specific + Identify the main
variable to be co-related + Identify the direction of the relationship
6. Assess the objectives
Again check the objectives/operations steps already listed; ~check how money
you have on your pocket ~check it before taking the order of lunch etc...
7. Double check
Double checking is done from different angles example not only money but also
the time, environment, enthusiastic or enjoy etc. eg: time not enough ~6 months
is to be added to learn about more mathematical knowledge

Type of problem formulation/research work:

1. Descriptive
A type of problem formulation which has the objective of
 clear
 complete (beginning and end)
 specific (certain defined area or task
eg: earthquake

2. Co-relational (with or without explanation etc)

=descriptive + Identify variables: we will find out the causes (variables) and trying
to define them

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3. Hypothesis checking
something that we are trying to verifying and establishing when to do
=co-relational +relationship among the variables in various direction
example: a person's behavior, interest, hobbies, i.e. how/what are taken as descriptive
how he do things, his/her power and relation with other is taken co-relational
check whether he/she will perform the given task or not, i.e. hypothesis testing

Example:
step-1; Area identification:
Road accident
step-2; Dissection of area:
a) accident due to pedestrians
b) accident due to drivers
c) accident due to traffic condition
d) accident due to traffic signals and management
e) accident due to other causes (shops on foot pathetc)
step-3; Selection of one sub-area or sub-topic
Accident due to pedestrians
step-4; Ask research questions:
a) what are the main causes of accidents
b) how to encourage people to use overhead bridge
c) how to encourage people to use Zebra-crossing
d) what are the indicators, variables
step-5; Formulate objectives:
main objective: To reduce the accidents in Kathmandu valley due to
pedestrians
Specific objectives:
a) to identify the main cause of accident between pedestrians and
the vehicle in Kathmandu
b) to develop indicators, variables which may be number of people
crossing the road through road surface directly and through over-
head bridge in the same location
c) barriers on road side
step-6; Assess the objectives:
 The research work is performed by Msc students of IOE studying on
Transportation engineering
 The test is conducted at the Thapathali Chowk (Intersection)
 Data will be collected for 3 months; 15th Baishakh to 15th Shrawan
 Financially support is provided by DoR, Nepal Government
Step-7; Double check:
 The test is extended to Maitighar from Thapathali Chowk (Intersection)
 Duration is higher than that of finance availability so it is reduced to 1 month
only keeping the same start date.
 All other plans are ok

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IDENTIFYING THE VARIABLES:

Concept is mental image or perception

Theoretical knowledge is required to develop/ form concept of available
variables
It is operational
In order to operationalize the concepts, you need to find out indicators and
variables
Concept of a beam
 strength (it should bear the load)
 stability (it should stable)
 stiffness (deflection should be within the limit)
Concepts- - - Operational

indicators, variables
should be properly chosen should be quantified or measurable
In order to operationalize the concepts you need to find out indicators and variables
which will support our ideas or concepts

1. think in analytical way

Concept Indicator Variable
2. which can be used directly as concrete thing beam should not F=0 F,M
Indicator—criteria which will reflect or represent move and fail M=0
concept V=0
Variable—it should be measurable
—it should have logical links to concept and indicator

Variables

Cause-effect Study method Measurement

Independent Active Quantitative Qualitative Continous Random

dependent Attribute Constant

Intervening Dichotomous

Extraneous Polytomous

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Active—we have control over them

Attribute—we don't have control over them
Measurement—quantifying
Quantitative—we give number; 80%, Rs 1,00,000
Qualitative—degree of goodness or badness; distinction, sufficient amount to buy
laptop
Discrete—value on block wise
Constant—forest, hill, water bodies
Dichotomous—categorical statement; dividing into-2; inside & outside; national &
international
Polychotomous—when we have more than two-eg divisions of highway; but it is limited
divide religious- Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian etc

status quo=do nothing

Interaction

Cause Effect

change variable/agent intervening variables dependent

Cause Effect
vehicles—variables –no of vehicles Pollution—variables—level of pollution
--Independent variable --dependent variable

example: y=3x2-5x+7: here x=independent variable but y=dependent variable

Extraneous Variables: Kathmandu is valley so air cannot move properly as in terai; this
is extraneous variable

Theoretical knowledge is required for developing the concept for the available variables

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 Applied Research Methodology (MST-I/I)

Example:
Give a concept and the variables involved on a road safety
Concept Indicator Variable
~Road Safety --Accidents --Speed Limit
--Injuries --Road Condition
--Death --Traffic Signs and Signal
Effect Cause

Example:
Suppose we are studying about the relation between the condition of road pavement
and the number of accidents causing by it. List out the Independent, Extraneous and
dependent variables involved.
Solution:
Independent Variables
Dependent Variables
Road pavement condition
number of accidents per
10,000 population
Extraneous Variables
 behavior of road users
 vehicle condition
 speed
 traffic control system

Example:
Suppose we are conducting research work for the measurement of life of pavement on
the basis of the design. Illustrate variables (independent, dependent, extraneous,
intervening) showing the inter-relationship among them.
Solution:

Independent Variables Intervening variables Dependent Variables

Road pavement design Quality control during Life of pavement ( in
standard (IS, AASTO, construction (Marshall years)
CBR etc) Stability rest, shear test,
binder content test etc)

Extraneous Variables
 material's property/type
 final density or the degree
of compaction
 repeated axle load
 maintenance work applied
during the period of study

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Example:
Give the examples of active and attributive variables

Attribute variables: Active variables:

 Type of road  Gravel, bituminous, cement concrete
 type of vehicle  heavy, medium, light
 weather condition  cloudy, clean, rainy, sunny

Example:
Explain various types of variables with examples on the basis of measurement

Constant Dichotomous Polytomous Continuous Qualitative Quantitative

bus day/night old <20 years low accident per
truck hot/cold season young 20-30 years medium 10,000
taxi child 30-40 years high vehicles
>40 years

Problem: list out some important indicators and variables that should be included
during the research work about the solution to the traffic problem in Kathmandu valley.

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CONSTRUCTION OF HYPOTHESIS

~Newton see the apple falling from tree and hypothesize ...........................
~If we hypothesize for working, walking it do not be in account; but if we hypothesize
for flying # this assumes the possibilities of the construction of plane
discover of: --analytical geometry..........by dream
--screw.................................by gardener
--matrix.................................by cheating in compact way

Basic defn: Hunch, assumption, suspicious, assertion, or an idea about a phenomenon or

relationship, situation reality or truth of which not known but can be basis from inquiry.

GAIA hypothesis ???....earth....

checking of hypothesis ~may be right, partially right or wrong

which one is hypothesis and which one is not ?
 It should be tentative proposition
 validity
 specific relationship among the variables

stages of creating hypothesis:

 formulate hunch or assumptions
 collect data or information to support the assumptions
 analyze the data to establish the hypothesis true or not true

advantageous:
 which collect/reject
 correct objectives
 enhance our knowledge to enhance the true/false

Hypothesis should be:

 Simple, specific and conceptually clear (one point one idea)
 verifiable (such that we can verify it)
 based on body of knowledge
 operationalizable
 measurable

Types of Hypothesis:

Null

Research Difference
Hypothesis
Alternative
Association
(null)

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Research Hypothesis

True False

Decision Accept Ok Type-I

To error
Reject Type-II Ok
error

Example:
Construct the hypothesis about the electric railway network in Nepal
Solution:
An electric railway is constructed in Nepal in following four networks:
 connecting the east (Kakadvitta) to west (Mahendranagar)
 connecting Kathmandu with Pokhara
 a link connecting these two networks
 a route as transit between India and China

Example:
Above 75% of the accidents in Kathmandu valley are happens when drivers are
violating traffic rules and regulations

:This is just a hypothesis. We do not know it is true or false. But we do not say
anything without any logic. There should be basis of something, with which this
hypothesis is constructed. How to know this is true or false?

: In order to prove this; a research is planned and designed. From the selected
location the sufficient data are collected. With the help of certain statistical
analysis the hypothesis is tested. If the result lie within the range the assumption
is correct else the assumption is wrong.

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RESEARCH DESIGN

how to do?? -- objective enough

-- accurate enough
-- operational plan and logistic plan
Research design is done --to emphasize the quality of whole procedure or o/p will be
good enough; valid; accurate

A research design is a procedural plan that is adopted by the researcher to answer

question validly, objectively, accurately and economically.

Formal definition by Selltiz et al:

' a research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in
a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economic
procedure.'

Components or Elements

Change in Change because change because change because

dependent = of independent +/- of extraneous +/- of Chance
variable variables variable variable

Study variable
area weather condition
and don't take into account

eg, I am trying to say the reinforcement (longitudinal) detail; what will be the strength
behavior of the beam.
Task: is to have study over variable
Task: is to eliminate chance and extraneous variable such that only one variable will be
concerned but we can't eliminate that one, hence we measure it-chance variable and
extraneous variables are eliminated for easiness of the work and thus only one
independent variable is made.
1. measure
2. separate
3. have control group
4. take them into account
5. ignore them

not so well defined format for engineering research work as in the case of social case;
we should have arrange them in proper order and format.

 Control sample/example
 random sample/example

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Example:
The operation cost of railway is found to be less than that of roadway and airways.
Design a research how economic development of the people of Nepal will be better if
East-West and Kathmandu-Pokhara railway with a link between them is constructed.

Solution:
We have the standard elements of research design with a logical links as:

Change in Change because change because change because

dependent = of independent +/- of extraneous +/- of Chance
variable variables variable variable

Each elements for the solution

variable of above problem may be explained as:
 Dependent variable:
Rate of economic development of the people of Nepal
 Independent variable:
Construction of east-west electric railway in Nepal
 Extraneous variable:
attitude of people towards railway engineering
experts involved during design and construction stages
source of economy
level of service of railway network
safety
alignment
 Chance variable:
climatic conditions during design
natural hazards (earthquake, flooding) during operation

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 Applied Research Methodology (MST-I/I)

WRITING THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

An effective proposal may be defined as "An assertive statement, in which an offeror

convinces a sponsor or customer to purchase some product, service or project."

It must prove four claims:

1. It must convince the sponsor than exactly expressing the things
2. can execute the plan
3. price; excellent value
4. desirable price, idea, reliability than other competitor

Components:
1. The technical components
a. Introduction
b. Product/offering
c. Approach
2. The management components
a. a work plan
b. description of your management control
c. a description of your staff and table of organization
d. a description of your company's capabilities and experience
3. The budget components

Subsidiary components:
i. The front matter
a. an attractive outer cover of frontispiece
b. the title page
c. the table of contents, exhibits, figures etc
d. an acknowledgement
e. a summary
f. an introduction
g. a disclosure protection (or proprietary statement)
h. transmittal letters
ii. Attachments
i. complete, long resumes
j. long brochures
k. long project description
l. excerpts/samples
m. feature articles
n. testimonials
o. technical appendices
p. papers
q. stockholder's reports

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 Applied Research Methodology (MST-I/I)

WRITING THE RESEARCH REPORT

Report is a message written to fulfill an assignment.
A good report will
 fulfill the assignment
 begin in a way that engages the reader
 be organized according to a logic that the reader can perceive
 move forward in a continuous flow
 separate facts from opinions
 be free from excessive detail
 be "just right" in length
 use the least-formal "style" acceptable
 observe good communication manners
 make intelligent use of exhibits
 provide frequent guides and aids for the reader

Components of a report

1. Front material
Everything necessary to capture the interest of the readers and convince them to read
the longer document
 title page
 identification of the author
 table of contents and exhibits
 acknowledgements
 foreword
 preface
 abstract
 summary

2. Beginning
Explains why the report was written, or why the work that led to the report was
undertaken

3. Middle "The Body" or "The Story"

Tells how the work was done 1. Beginning
2. Middle
4. End
Offers the results or reward of the work 3. End

5. Attachments
Anything that expands or "backs up" the message but not integral or essential to the
presentation
 Appendixes
 supplements
 glossaries
 reference materials

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The structure of report:

Informative Report:

Persuasive Report:

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Internal Assessment
on
Applied Research Methodology
SET A
1. Define Research, Classify it to its application, objective and mode of inquiry. Give
examples for each classification. ......................................................................(2.5)
2. Considering the effect of monsoon rains in the Kathmandu valley, develop a research
concept to improve the wearing course of metalled roads and identify the variables
involved in it. ...................................................................................................(5)
3. Differentiate between concepts, variable in research work? Define classify and
explain the variables with examples. ...............................................................(2.5)
4. A study is to be done to determine the best means of transportation from among air,
highway or cableways for Nepal. Suggest the steps to follow in formulating a
research problem to do the study. ....................................................................(5)
5. Steps involved in formulating a research problem and explain each of them...(2.5)
6. The issue is to support the 'outer ringroad project for the Kathmandu valley'
Formulate objective of the research study for this purpose. …........................(5)

SET B

1. Give eight step model of the research process and group them into three logical
stages. Explain them with an example...........................................................(2.5)
2. Considering the congestion of pedestrian paths due to encroachment of the hawkers
and shops in the Kathmandu valley develop a research concept to improve the
situation and identify the variables involved in it............................................(5)
3. List out the characteristics of a research work and explain them with
example...........................................................................................................(2.5)
4. A study is to make to determine the factors causing traffic accidents at chabahil
stretch of road of shree pasupatinath in Kathmandu. Give steps in formulating
research problem to do the
study.................................................................................................................(5)
5. What are the concepts, indicator and variable in a research work? Explain with an
example. .............................................................................................................(2.5)
6. The issue is to prevent the “outer ring road project for the Kathmandu valley” from
materializing. Formulate objective of the research study for this
purpose..............................................................................................................(5)

Solution:

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The-End

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