Research Fundamentals

BE Computer
4th Semester
Everest Engineering College
Pokhara University
Associate Prof. Birodh Rijal
General Objectives

• To acquaint the students with basic knowledge of research/project

work.
• To develop the skills in students to conduct research/project work.
• To develop the skills in students to work in a team.
• To develop the skills in students to write an impressive proposal
report and final research/project report and present their work orally.
• To acquaint the students with the knowledge of research ethics.
Practical Work

• Laboratory works of 30 hours per group of maximum 24 students should cover all
the concepts of research fundamentals studied in the lectures. Students must find a
new problem, write a proposal, solve the problem as their project/research work
and submit a final project/research report and present their work orally. The marks
for the practical work will be based entirely on their project/research work. The
entire project/research work shall be divided into two phases and evaluation shall
be done accordingly:
 Practical Work
• Phase I:
• The students are grouped in teams each containing at most 4 students.
• Each team chooses a problem to solve as their project/research work and they
work in a team.
• They must define clearly what the problem is, justify why they choose the
problem and how
• they will solve it and submit this as a proposal report (based on Unit 2 and 4).
• Each team presents their proposal orally.
• Phase II:
• After the approval of their proposal, they start working on the project.
• Each team follows the research process studied in Unit 2 to do their
project/research work.
• Students keep reporting their progress about the project/research work to their
instructor.
• Students complete the project/research work, develop the final project/research
report (based on Unit 2 and 5) and again present it orally.
Project Work
• Group of 2-3 Students
• Title submission
• One page descrip-on of the project
• Proposal submission
• Progress PresentaFon
• Final Report Submission
• Viva
 Research
• Research is a systemaFc invesFgaFon
• Research comprises of intellectual invesFgaFon
of human efforts aimed at discovering,
interpreFng, and updaFng knowledge on
different aspects.
• It is an organized and systemaFc way of finding
soluFons to problems
Research : Definitions

• Zora Neale Hurston said, “Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying
with a purpose with an intent to contribute to the existing body of knowledge.”
• L.V.Redman and A.V.H Mory, in their book on ‘The romance of research’, define it
as “a systematic effort to gain new knowledge.”
• C.R.Kothari, in his book ‘Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques’,
defined “research is a scientific and systematic search for relevant information on
a specific topic.”
• The Oxford dictionary defines research as “the systematic investigation into the
study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions.”
Features of Research
1. Research starts with a problem, presented in the question.
2. Research attempts to identify a problem, stated in clear, unambiguous
terms.
3. Research requires a plan. It categorizes, aims, objectives & key questions.
4. Research deals with the primary problem through appropriate sub-
problems.
5. Research seeks direction through appropriate hypotheses and draws upon
apparent assumptions.
6. Research deals with facts and their meaning.
 Research Aim
• The research aim expresses the inten+on or aspira+on of the research study.
• The aim should be specific and phrased by using SMART concept specific, measurable,
achievable, realis+c, and +me-bound.
• Although each research aim has its reason for providing an answer to the research ques+on,
the aim of the research is:
1. To achieve skilfulness or to get different opinions by inves+ga+ng a problem which is not
clearly defined (study with these objec+ves are known as exploratory or formula+ve).
2. To establish the rela+onship with something which occurs or is related i.e., study
concerning whether certain variables are associated (this is called diagnos+c research).
3. To test the hypothesis of a reasonable liaison between different variables and assessing
the plausibility by using sample data (this type of research falls into hypothesis-tes+ng
research).
Research Objective
• Sta-ng research objec-ves is the star-ng point
of research.
• Research objec+ves divide research aim into
several parts.
• To simplify, the research aim specifies WHAT
needs to be studied, and research objec-ves
comprise of a number of steps that address
HOW research aim will be achieved
 Research Objective

• Generic Research Objectives:

• To explore a new idea.
• To gain insights into the occurrence of a
phenomenon.
• To understand the characteristics of an individual,
situation, or event correctly & with accuracy.
• To identify the frequencies of occurrences of
events
• To establish a cause and effect relationship.
• To test the relationship between two variables.
Research Objec;ve

• Specific Research objectives:

• Specific research objectives essentially focus on
answering the 3W1H questions by understanding
problem constraints.
• These 3W1H are What, Why, When, and How.
 Types of Research
• All types of research can be classified into two major divisions, basic and applied.
• Basic Research – Basic research is fundamental research driven by a scien+st’s curiosity. The purpose
and objec+ve of this category of research is to present assimilated knowledge in an organized form,
which may be eventually shared and put to use by others.
• Applied research – Applied research, on the other hand, is designed to solve prac+cal problems,
rather than to gain knowledge. The orienta+on of applied research is on tes+ng out facts and
associa+ons vis-à-vis presen+ng data, which was the focus of primary research.
• E.g., a management ins+tute is trying to arrive at associa+ons between low student involvement in
classes and increasing degree of absenteeism to a plethora of reasons like abstract course design,
faulty layout, outdated teaching pedagogy, to name a few. The aPempt is to understand causes in
order to find correc+ves or to eliminate the nega+ng elements.
Descriptive Vs. Analytical

• Descrip)ve research includes surveys and fact-finding studies

• Descrip)ve research consists of inquiries or inves)ga)ons of
Descriptive different kinds.
• The primary purpose of descrip)ve research is an
explana)on of the set of circumstances as given.

Analy/cal • Analytical research uses real facts or information for analysis

to make a critical evaluation.
Applied vs. Fundamental
• Applied research refers to finding a solution for a specific,
practical problem.
• The problem is often associated with various fields faced
Applied by an individual, society, industries, or sectors like
economics, politics, health, business, etc.
• The primary aim of applied research is to find out a
solution to some critical practical problems.

• Fundamental research, also called basic research or pure

research, is mainly concerned with the formulation of a
theory and improvement of scientific knowledge.
Fundamental • fundamental research is handling towards finding
information that has an overall sense of application to
already existing knowledge.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
• In natural sciences and social sciences, quantitative research is related to an
object that is expressed in terms of quantity or something that can be counted.
Such type of research involves a systematic experimental analysis of observable
phenomenon via statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques in
Quan%ta%ve numerical form such as statistics, percentages, and more.

• Quantitative research is a variable-based measurement of the phenomenon

under study, whereas qualitative research is an attribute- based study on
subjective assessments like desires, opinions, behaviors, preferences.

• Qualitative research is a concern relating to quality or variety.

Qualitative • Such type of research is typically descriptive and more laborious to analyze than
quantitative data.
• Qualitative research involves looking in-depth at non-numerical data.
Conceptual Vs. Empirical
• Conceptual research relates to some abstract idea.
• It focuses on the concept and theory that explain
the concerned problem under study.
Conceptual • Logicians, philosophers, and theorists use it to
develop new concepts or to again understand the
existing ones.

• Empirical research relies on experience or

observation alone. It is a way of gaining knowledge,
utilizing direct and indirect observation or
Empirical experience.
• We can also refer to it as an experimental type of
research.
The 6 P’s of Research
Par)cipants

Purpose Process

Presenta)on Project

Paradigm
The 6 P’s of Research
• Purpose: The founda+onal element, the purpose defines the research ques+on or problem you
aim to address. A clearly ar+culated purpose establishes the project's ra+onale and guides
subsequent steps.
• Products: These are the tangible deliverables of your research. They could be scholarly
publica+ons, novel theore+cal frameworks, prototypes for prac+cal applica+ons, or even policy
recommenda+ons. The products should directly address the research purpose and contribute
meaningfully to the exis+ng body of knowledge.
• Process: This encompasses the methodological framework guiding your research journey. Key
aspects include literature review, data collec+on strategies (surveys, experiments, etc.), data
analysis techniques, and rigorous interpreta+on of the results. The process should be clearly
defined, logical, and adhere to established research methodologies within your field.
The 6 P’s of Research
• Participants: This refers to the human subjects, animals, or even large datasets involved in your
research. The ethical implications of participant involvement must be carefully considered and
addressed through ethical approval processes where applicable.
• Paradigm: This delves into the underlying philosophical assumptions and theoretical lens shaping
your research approach. Common paradigms include positivism (emphasizing objective reality),
interpretivism (focusing on subjective experience), and critical theory (exploring power dynamics
and social structures). Selecting an appropriate paradigm influences how you frame your research
question and conduct your analysis.
• Presentation: This signifies the dissemination of your research findings to the broader academic
community and potentially the public. Effective presentation can take the form of peer-reviewed
publications, professional presentations, informative posters, or even interactive websites. The
presentation should be clear, concise, and professionally produced to maximize the impact of
your research.
 Purpose of Research
• Research has a number of purposes, but at its core it's about acquiring knowledge and using it to understand
the world around us. Here are some of the key goals of research:
• Discovery: Research can help us explore new areas and make fresh discoveries. This could be anything from
uncovering new planets to understanding animal behavior.
• Explanation: Research allows us to explain why things happen the way they do. Scientists use research to
test theories and develop new models for how the world works.
• Application: Research is the foundation for progress. By understanding a problem or phenomenon,
researchers can develop solutions and applications that improve our lives. This could lead to new medical
treatments, technological advancements, or social programs.
• Description: Sometimes research is simply about gathering detailed information about a topic. This can be
important for understanding the current state of affairs or for identifying trends.

Overall, research is a driving force behind human progress. It helps us learn, grow, and make the world a better place.
 Purpose of Research
• Discovery:
• Astronomy: A research project might aim to discover new exoplanets (planets outside our solar system) by
analyzing data from telescopes.

• Explanation:
• Psychology: A researcher might design a study to investigate the factors that contribute to childhood
anxiety, with the goal of explaining why some children experience anxiety more than others.

• Application:
• Medicine: Researchers might conduct clinical trials to test the effectiveness of a new drug for treating a
specific disease. The purpose here is to determine if the drug can be applied as a treatment option.

• Description:
• Sociology: A sociologist might conduct a survey to describe the demographics and social attitudes of a
particular community. This descriptive research helps paint a picture of the current state of that community.
 Product of Research- outcomes of research
• The products of research can vary depending on the field and the specific research project. Here are some of the common outputs:
• New Knowledge: This is the foundaAon of most research. Research findings can add to the exisAng body of knowledge in a parAcular field.
This new knowledge can be enArely new discoveries or deeper understanding of exisAng concepts.
• Theories and Models: Research can lead to the development of new theories that explain observed phenomena. These theories can be
frameworks for further research and can guide future invesAgaAons. Similarly, research can also lead to the creaAon of models that
represent complex systems or processes.
• Inven4ons and Innova4ons: Research is the engine behind innovaAon. By applying research findings, new products, technologies, or
processes can be invented. This can range from life-saving medicines to cuGng-edge gadgets.
• Solu4ons and Answers: Research is problem-solving endeavor. By invesAgaAng challenges and quesAons, research can provide soluAons
and answers that improve our lives.
• Data and Methods: The research process itself oIen generates valuable data sets and methodologies. This data can be used by other
researchers to build upon exisAng knowledge and the methods developed can be applied to future invesAgaAons.
• Publica4ons and Reports: Researchers typically share their findings through publicaAons in academic journals, reports, or presentaAons.
These publicaAons document the research process, the findings, and their implicaAons.
• Policy Recommenda4ons: Social science research can inform the development of new policies and programs by providing evidence about
the effecAveness of different approaches.
Research and Project
• Project:
• A project is defined as a specific, finite
activity that produces a visible and
measurable result under specific
preset requirements.
Research and Project
• Research and projects are related but serve distinct purposes.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
• Goal:
• Research: Focuses on discovery, explanation, and understanding. It
aims to expand knowledge and develop new theories.
• Project: Focuses on achieving a specific outcome or creating
something. It's about applying knowledge and resources to deliver a
tangible product or service.
• Scope:
• Research: Can be broad or specific. It can explore a new field entirely
or delve deeper into a particular aspect of an existing field.
• Project: Tends to be more focused with a clearly defined goal and
timeline.
Research and Project
• Methodology:
• Research: Emphasizes systematic investigation. Researchers use
established methods like experiments, surveys, or data analysis to
gather evidence and test hypotheses.
• Project: May use a variety of methods depending on the project's
nature. It could involve applying existing knowledge, developing
new techniques, or using creative problem-solving approaches.
• Deliverables:
• Research: Outputs can be written reports, new theories, models,
or data sets.
• Project: Delivers a tangible outcome like a product, service,
prototype, or implemented solution.
Research and Project
• Examples:
• Research: Studying the effects of climate change on different ecosystems is an example of research. It involves
gathering data, analyzing trends, and potenKally developing new models to explain these effects.
• Project: Designing and building a solar-powered phone charger is a project. It uses exisKng knowledge about
solar energy and electronics to create a specific product with a defined purpose.
• Here's an analogy:
• Imagine research as a detecAve invesAgaAng a crime. They need to gather clues, analyze evidence, and potenAally change
their approach based on new findings.
• A project, on the other hand, is like building a house. There's a blueprint, specific materials needed, and a set of steps to
follow for compleAon.

• Overlap:
• Research projects: SomeKmes research is conducted as part of a larger project. For instance, a project to
develop a new medicine might involve research on the target disease and potenKal drug candidates.
• Project-based learning: Research skills can be honed through project-based learning. Students might research
a topic to inform their project goals and approach.