Lawrence John C.

Tagata
• Meaning and Definition of Research
• Characteristics of Research
• Types of Research
• Research in the Field of Engineering
Engineers develop, design, produce or construct and use devices,
structures, machines, and systems of economic and societal value.
Five sources of evidence in the pursuit of truth:

Custom and Personal

Authority
Tradition Experience

Deductive Scientific
Reasoning Inquiry
Problem/ Collect Organize/ Analyze/
Plan Conclusion
Question Data Present Interpret
• RE: again, SEARCH: find
• From the French word “recerchier” meaning “to seek or to
search.”
• Research is a process of collecting/gathering data and
information by a scientific or logical procedure that aims to
solve a particular scientific problem.
• An attempt to solve or gain a solution to a problem.
• the search for knowledge through objective and systematic method
of finding solution to a problem
• the systematic method consisting of enunciating the problem,
formulating a hypothesis, collecting the facts or data, analyzing
the facts and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of
solutions(s) towards the concerned problem or in certain
generalizations for some theoretical formulation.
• a scientific way of answering questions and testing hypothesis.
 The Advanced
D. Slesinger and M.
Learner’s Dictionary Redman and Mory Anonymous
of Current English Stephenson

• “A careful • “A systematized • “A movement • “The manipulation

investigation or effort to gain new from the known of things, concepts
inquiry specially knowledge.” to the unknown. or symbols for the
through search for It is actually a purpose of
generalizing to
new facts in any voyage of extend, correct or
branch of discovery.” verify knowledge,
knowledge.” whether that
knowledge aids in
construction of
theory or in the
practice of an art.”
Research is comprised of (Clifford SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Woody) • a systemic, controlled, empirical, and
• defining and redefining problems; critical investigation of hypothetical
• formulating hypothesis or suggested propositions about the presumed
solutions; collecting, organizing and
evaluating data; relations among observed phenomena.
• making deductions and reaching
conclusions; and
• carefully testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit the
formulating hypothesis.
GENERALIZED

The analytical information obtained from studying samples

should be given a fair idea of total population

CONTROLLED

The study must be set up in such a way that it minimizes the

effects of other factors
RIGOROUS

One must be careful in ensuring that the procedures followed

to find answers to questions are relevant, appropriate and
justified.

SYSTEMATIC (METHODICAL)

Follows systematic methods and procedures, appropriate

tests, and without bias
EMPIRICAL

Based on direct or practical experience and observation by

the researcher

RELIABLE

The result of a measurement, calculation, or specification

can be depended on to be accurate
VALID and VERIFIABLE
A concept, conclusion or measurement is well-founded and
likely corresponds accurately to the real world

EMPLOYS HYPOTHESIS

Involves testing the hypothesis, and then examining the results

of these tests as they relate to both the hypothesis and the
practical world
ANALYTICAL and ACCURATE
Utilizes proven, analytical procedure in gathering data.
Accurate in a sense that each research process, instrument,
and tool is related to each other.

CREDIBLE
The analysis of finding can be treated to be trustworthy

CRITICAL
Entails careful and precise judgment
 Pure/ Basic/
Applied/ Decisional
Fundamental
• mainly concerned • aims at finding a
with generalizations solution for an
and with the immediate problem
formulation of a facing a society or an
theory industrial/business
organization
Pure/ Basic/ Fundamental Applied/ Decisional
Tries to expand the already existing Uses the scientific study that is helpful in
scientific knowledge base solving real-life problems
Purely theoretical Has a practical approach
Universally applicable Applied only to the specific problem, for
which it was carried out
Develops scientific knowledge and Stresses on the development of
predictions technology and technique with the help
of basic science
Adds some knowledge to the already Directed towards finding a solution to
existing one the problem under consideration
 Descriptive Correlational Explanatory Exploratory

• description of • measures two • explain why • finds a solution

the state of variables, events occur, to for a problem
affairs as it exists understands and build, elaborate, that has not been
at present assesses the extend or test a studied more
relationship theory. clearly, intended
between them • concerned with to establish
with no showcasing, priorities,
influence from explaining and develop
any extraneous presenting what operational
variable we already have definitions and
improve the final
research design
 Quantitative Approach Qualitative Approach

• involves the generation of • concerned with subjective

data in quantitative form (a function of researcher’s
which can be subjected to insights and impressions)
rigorous quantitative assessment of attitudes,
analysis in a formal and opinions and behaviour.
rigid fashion. • the techniques of focus
group interviews,
projective techniques and
depth interviews are used.
 Experimental
Inferential Approach Simulation Approach
Approach
• a sample of population is • is characterised by much • involves the construction
studied (questioned or greater control over the of an artificial
observed) to determine research environment environment which
its characteristics, and • some variables are permits an observation
it is then inferred that manipulated to observe of the dynamic
the population has the their effect on other behaviour of a system
same characteristics. variables. (or its sub-system) under
controlled conditions.
• useful in building models
for understanding future
conditions.
 Conceptual Empirical

• associated to some • relies on experience or

theoretical idea(s) or observation alone, often
presupposition and is without due regard for
generally used by system and theory.
philosophers and thinkers to • data-based research, coming
develop new concepts or to up with conclusions which
get a better understanding are capable of being verified
of an existing concept in by observation or
practice. experiment

Types of Research
• A proposition stated or put forward for consideration,
especially one to be discussed and proved or to be
maintained against objections;
• A subject for a composition of essay;
• A dissertation on a particular subject in which one has done
original research, as one presented by a candidate for a
diploma or degree.
• a careerism • a source of • outlet for • development • generalisations
or a way to livelihood new ideas of new styles of new theories
attain a high and insights and creative
position in work
the social
structure;

Philosophers Literary Men Analysts and

Students Professionals and Thinkers and Women Intellectuals
1. It allows them to discover new knowledge, learn about new theories,
principles, and ideas that can inform the development of new
technologies and solutions.
2. It allows engineers to identify areas of improvement upon existing
technologies by studying and analyzing current systems.
3. It allows engineers to identify new problems and develop solutions that
are more effective than existing ones.
4. It gives engineers up-to-date information about new technologies,
materials, and methods that can improve their work.
5. It allows engineers to have a better understanding on the needs and
requirements of their clients leading to the development of solutions
that are tailored to their specific needs.
 Formulating the Extensive
Development of
research literature
working hypotheses.
problem. survey.

Execution of the Collecting the Determining Preparing the

project. data. sample design. research design.

Generalisations
Analysis of data. Hypothesis testing.
and interpretation.
 Identify the
Research
Problem
Choose a
topic that Narrow your Do
topic to background Report and
you are Evaluate Review the
something information Literature
interested manageable. and facts. Research
in!

Analyze and Specify a

Interpret Data Research
Purpose

Collect Data