Chapter One: Introduction and Overview of Research

1.1. What is Research and not Research?

Research is a systematic investigation aimed at discovering new knowledge or validating
existing knowledge. It involves formulating a hypothesis, collecting data, and analyzing results
to draw conclusions. Activities like gathering information, rearranging known facts, or
conducting sales pitches are not considered research.

1.2. Scientific Research

Scientific research is a structured process of inquiry designed to collect, analyze, and interpret
data to answer specific questions or solve problems. It adheres to established scientific principles
and methodologies to ensure reliability, accuracy, and validity of findings.

1.3. Objectives, Motivations, and Significance of Research

The objectives of research include gaining familiarity with a phenomenon, accurately portraying
characteristics, establishing relationships, and testing hypotheses.

Motivations can range from personal curiosity to societal needs.

The significance lies in its ability to advance knowledge, solve practical problems, and inform
policy decisions.

1.4. Requirements and Characteristics of Research

Research must be systematic, controlled, rigorous, valid, verifiable, empirical, and critical. It
should focus on priority problems, be logical, replicable, and action-oriented. Good research is
also characterized by clarity, accuracy, and reliability.

1.5. Types and Approaches of Research

Research can be categorized into qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Qualitative
research explores phenomena through in-depth exploration, quantitative research measures
variables using statistical methods, and mixed methods combine both to provide a
comprehensive understanding.

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1.6. Research Methods and Problem Solving
Research methods include experiments, surveys, interviews, observations, and case studies.
Problem-solving involves identifying a problem, analyzing it, brainstorming solutions, and
implementing the most effective one. Both require a systematic approach and critical thinking.

1.7. Effective Report Writing Principles and Criteria for Good Research
An effective research report should be focused, accurate, clear, and concise. It should include a
well-defined structure with sections like introduction, method, results, and discussion. The report
must be free from personal bias and use proper language suitable for its audience.

1.8. Evaluating and Reviewing Research Results

Evaluating research involves assessing its credibility, relevance, and contribution. This
includes reviewing the research design, methodology, data collection, and analysis. Peer reviews,
meta-analyses, and systematic reviews are common methods for evaluating research.

1.9. What is Research in Computing?

Research in computing involves the use of computational resources to solve complex problems
across various domains. It includes the invention of new algorithms, data structures, systems, and
the study of how these ideas shape and are shaped by the world.

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 Chapter 2: Processes in Conducting Research
2.1. Overview of Current State of the Art Areas and Techniques in Computing
This section covers the latest advancements and methodologies in computing, such as artificial
intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing.

2.2. Actors, Roles, and Relationships

Understanding the key participants in the research process and their interactions is crucial.
 The student: Responsible for conducting the research, collecting data, and writing the
thesis.
 The Supervisor: Provides guidance, support, and feedback throughout the research
process.
 The Examiner/Evaluator: Assesses the quality and validity of the research work.
2.3. The Process
A step-by-step guide to conducting research.
 Developing Research Proposal: Crafting a detailed plan outlining the research objectives,
methodology, and significance
 Developing Problem Description: Clearly defining the research problem and its context
 Following the Objectives: Ensuring the research stays aligned with its initial goals
 Presenting and Analyzing the Data: Using appropriate methods to interpret and display
research findings
 Drawing Conclusion and Identifying Future Work: Summarizing findings and
suggesting areas for further research
 Presenting and Defending Orally: Preparing for and conducting an oral defense of the
research.
 Preparing Final Research Documentation (Thesis): Compiling the research into a
formal document.
2.4. Proposal Preparation
Steps to create a strong research proposal.
 Choosing a Subject Area: Selecting a broad field of interest.
 Choosing a Problem within the Subject Area: Narrowing down to a specific research
question.
 Quality Assurance of Initial Ideas: Ensuring the research question is viable and
significant.
 Write Research Proposal: Drafting the proposal with clear objectives, methodology, and
expected outcomes.

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  Sample and More Acceptable Research Proposal Structure: Following a standard
format for clarity and coherence.
 Research Proposal Check-list: A final review to ensure all components are included and
well-articulated.
2.5. Literature Reviews
The role and execution of literature reviews in research.
 Importance and Roles of Literature Review: Establishing the foundation and context
for the research.
 Skills and Keys to Effective Literature Review: Techniques for thorough and critical
analysis of existing literature.
 Literature Sources: Identifying credible sources such as journals, conference
proceedings, books, reports, and theses.
 Literature Review Writing: Structuring and writing the review to support the research
objectives.
Reasons for Literature Review: (Group Assignments)
i. One of the early steps in planning a research work is to review research … this gives the
worker an indication of the direction.
ii. To be up-to-date in his information about the literature
iii. To avoid the replication of the study of findings. You can justify endeavor in the field.
iv. It provides as source of problem of study, an analogy may be drawn for identifying and
selecting his own
a) Problem of research
b) Formulates his hypothesis on the basis of review of literature
c) The rationale for the study
d) He results and findings of the study can also be discussed at length
Literature sources
 Books, Periodicals
 Abstracts, Encyclopedias
 Internet, Newspaper
 References on International Education
 Specialized Dictionaries
 Dissertations and Theses

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Organizing Your Literature Review
 Topical Order—organize by main topics or issues; emphasize the relationship of the
issues to the main “problem”.
 Chronological Order—organize the literature by the dates the research was published.
 Problem-Cause-Solution Order—Organize the review so that it moves from the
problem to the solution.
 General-to-Specific Order—(Also called the funnel approach) Examine broad-based
research first and then focus on specific studies that relate to the topic
 Specific-to-General Order—Try to make discuss specific research studies so
conclusions can be drawn.
2.6. Assessment Criteria
Standards and benchmarks have to be set for evaluating the quality and impact of the research.
They can include:
 Research purpose: Whether the research question is important and clearly defined.
 Methodology: Whether the methodology is appropriate for the research question.
 Data analysis: Whether the data analysis is valid and useful.
 Ethics: Whether the research considers ethics and bias.
 Conclusions: Whether the conclusions are legitimate.
 Conflicts of interest: Whether there are any potential conflicts of interest.
 Research procedure: Whether the research procedure is described in enough detail for
another researcher to repeat it.

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