Start in The Name of ALLAH ALMIGHTY: "Research Methodologies - Me5703"

StartinthenameofALLAHALMIGHTY
1
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES ME5703
Spring 2014
Amer Farhan Rafique
2
SEQUENCE
BRIEFINTRODUCTION
COURSEINTRODUCTION
COURSEREQUIREMENTS
Fundamental Characteristics of Science, Technology
and Scientists
3
BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF MYSELF
4
AMERFARHANRAFIQUE
EDUCATION:
BEAerospaceEngineering
MSc Engineering Management MScEngineeringManagement
PhDFlightVehicleDesignandOptimization
EXPERIENCE:
3yearsinMAJU
10yearsinPublicSectorOrganization
RESEARCHCONTRIBUTION: RESEARCHCONTRIBUTION:
12xJournalPublications
02xBookChapters
21xConferencePublications
03xSessionChairatInternationalConferences
5
BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF PARTICIPANTS
6
COURSE INTRODUCTION
7
COURSEINTRODUCTION
This graduate level course provides a comprehensive introduction to
Research methodologies,
Foundational research theories, and
Research protocols
Students in the course learn about the cyclical nature of applied research and
the iterative process of research writing.
The course teaches students how to write a proposal, research paper, and
dissertation and engage in independent studies, and work collaboratively
with a mentormentee relationship with advisor.
In summary, the course helps graduate students become novice researchers,
and it encourages them to continue looking for opportunities even after the and it encourages them to continue looking for opportunities even after the
completion of course to further develop their research skills.
The fundamental objective of the course is to develop an understanding of
the fundamental principles of research methodology which can be utilized
for research conduction all through the academic and professional career.
8
COURSEINTRODUCTION
Text Book:
Research Design, John W Creswell, 4th Edition, SAGE, 2014. Research Design, John W Creswell, 4th Edition, SAGE, 2014.
Research Methods for Business Students, Mark Saunders,
Philip Lewis, Adrian Thornhill, 5th Edition, Pearson, 2009.
Reference Material:
Your Research Project, Nicholas William, 3rd Edition, SAGE, j , , , ,
2011.
Research Methods: A Modular Approach, Sherri L Jackson,
2nd Edition, 2010.
Selected Lecture notes
9
COURSEINTRODUCTION
Evaluation Methods:
Evaluation Scheme % Age Cumulative % Age
Quizzes 10 10
Assignments 10 20
Mid Term 20 40
End Term 30 70
PROJECT 30 100 PROJECT 30 100
10
COURSEREQUIREMENTS
PROJECTS:
To encourage students to write research papers, it has been made
d fi l j mandatory as a final project.
The projects will be executed individually.
It consists of Literature Review of the related research areas.
The project will be incorporated into the course as the final
presentations and a final report in the form of Journal or
Conference paper.
Format of the final paper will be provided by instructor at later p p p y
date.
All figures, tables and references should be included in the paper.
About 5060 references (journal papers, conference papers,
books, thesis all combined).
Example of Review Paper.
11
COURSEREQUIREMENTS
Absentees in Quizzes will be marked ZERO.
All students will submit their assignments in both hard
d ft f k d t d and soft formor as asked to do so.
Iexpectprofessionalreportsfromprofessionalstudents.
Late assignments without prior approval will not be
accepted.
Submitted work for this course must be original.
Individual homework means individual effort.
Any form of cheating will lead to CANCELLATION of Any form of cheating will lead to CANCELLATION of
Assignment/ Quiz and ZERO marks AT LEAST.
Keep reading your emails and keep visiting portal daily so
as to remain in picture and knowledgeable about any new
class instructions.
12
COURSEREQUIREMENTS
Class participation is highly recommended.
Just raise your hand if you want to ask any question Just raise your hand if you want to ask any question
and I will get back to you.
Course Outline
13
FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENTISTS:
SCIENTIFIC THINKING SKILLS SCIENTIFIC THINKING SKILLS
14
OUTLINE
WHAT IS SCIENCE?
MAIN FEATURES OF SCIENCE
THE NATURE OF TECHNOLOGY
FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENTISTS
15
WHAT IS SCIENCE?????
Science is;
a particular way of understanding the natural world.
a systematic process of seeking or producing knowledge a systematic process of seeking or producing knowledge.
It generally involves:
observation and problemdefinition
development of hypothesis,
continuous testing and extensive peer review
development of theories, laws or principles
Benefits fromsome other human values like
curiosity,
creativity
imagination,
positive attitude.
16
MAINFEATURESOFSCIENCE
Scientific outcomes are universal
Science assumes that the universe is, as its name implies, a Science assumes that the universe is, as its name implies, a
vast single system in which the basic rules are the same
everywhere.
Knowledge gained from studying one part of the universe is
applicable to other parts.
17
Scientific ideas or conclusions are subject to change,
i.e., they are tentative.
Science welcomes revision of its outcomes (laws theories Science welcomes revision of its outcomes (laws, theories,
principles, standards etc) by continuous testing and evaluation,
peer review or replication.
In principle, any theory can change after disproof attempts and
new theories may replace the old ones.
Thus, science corrects itself.
Plasticity of thought is the very essence of the scientific process.
In this sense, science rejects dogmatism. , j g
Recall that the "quantum mechanics" replaced the "classical
mechanics (Newton's Laws)" for studying the behavior of micro
particles (atoms, electrons etc) at the beginning of this century
before which the behavior of all particles (micro or macro) were
being explained by classical mechanics).
The number of satellites of the sun is continuously changing.
18
Still, scientific knowledge is durable enough;
conclusions of science are reliable.
Although science welcomes change, it is not easy to change
the scientific outcomes once produced by scientific
standards.
Note that a hypothesis is an insufficiently tested idea
whereas a theory is said to be a hypothesis resisting
repeated disproof attempts for years or centuries repeated disproof attempts for years or centuries.
19
Science cant answer all questions.
It has limits. It has limits.
Who can answer the question: "What is the true meaning of
life?"
Or who can provide the budget to prepare a one ton single
crystal of carbon (meaning a single piece of diamond
weighing 1000 kg)?
Or who can conclude all the advances in cancer treatment at Or who can conclude all the advances in cancer treatment at
once, or in 6 months, even if we assume that we have enough
funding and resources?
20
Science demands solid evidences.
Science relies on verifiable, measurable, valid evidences, i.e., Science relies on verifiable, measurable, valid evidences, i.e.,
accurate data, at every stage of scientific process.
These evidences can be gathered by measurements by and
only by our senses, or the extensions of our senses
(instruments).
21
Scientific decisions or evaluations are not affected
by human feelings, past experience or beliefs. y g , p p
Human Factors, like prejudices, biases, hopeful or wishful
thinking, personal beliefs or priorities or preferences,
nationality, sex, ethnic origin, age, political convictions,
moral and aesthetic judgments and choices or religion, do
not affect development of scientific knowledge.
You like it or not water has a boiling point of 100 0 C every You like it or not, water has a boiling point of 100.0 C every
time, everywhere.
Science is not democratic.
22
Science is shaped by logic and imagination
(creativity). ( y)
Presence of accurate data is not enough for the advance of
science.
Scientific concepts do not emerge automatically from data or
fromany amount of analysis alone.
Logic (knowledge) and creativity are needed to shape them
into scientific outcomes into scientific outcomes.
All scientific inquiries must conform to the principles of
logical reasoning.
Testing the validity of arguments by applying certain criteria of
inference, demonstration, and common sense.
23
Science explains.
Science has the ability to show the relationships among Science has the ability to show the relationships among
phenomena which normally could be treated as unrelated.
For example, the theory of "moving continents" has emerged
by relating various concepts like earthquakes, fossil types on
different continents, shapes of different continents etc.
24
Science predicts.
Validation of scientific claims by observation is not enough. Validation of scientific claims by observation is not enough.
Theories should also have predictive power.
Otherwise how could we design new powerful theories like
the theory of "big bang" without using the predictive power
of existing theories?
In other words, how could we know that the temperature of
the universe was around 1 trillion C during the big bang the universe was around 1 trillion C during the bigbang,
without using the predictive power of other theories?
25
Science is organized into content disciplines and is
conducted in various institutions
Organizationally, science is a collection of various disciplines like
chemistry, biology, engineering (with its own subdisciplines like
mechanical engineering) etc.
Disciplines differ from one another in many ways, including
history, phenomena studied, techniques and language used, and
kinds of outcomes desired.
With respect to purpose and philosophy, however, all are equally
scientific and together make up the same scientific endeavor.
This is good for efficient research in a discipline.
But has disadvantages like difficulty of communication with the
rest of the world.
26
Science is organized into content disciplines and is conducted in
various institutions
The boundaries between disciplines are not usually clearcut. p y
For example chemistry grows in the shade of physics and mathematics.
It also has a big overlap with material sciences.
Sub disciplines, or new disciplines (like sociobiology) emerge from these
boundaries.
Science is conducted in
universities,
Industry, and
government.
The main motivation for The main motivation for
Universities is production of knowledge, i.e., basic sciences with no immediate benefit.
Industry is mainly involved in "applied science" for immediate benefit.
Today, most universities are also involved in application of science
(production and application of technology).
The governments motivate both: universities for the advancement of science,
and industry, for the advancement of country.
27
Technology is;
The application of scientific knowledge for practical The application of scientific knowledge for practical
purposes"
(ConciseOxfordEnglishDictionary)
It is as old as human history.
A stone axe was an advanced technological tool once upon a time.
It is a powerful tool in the development of civilization.
h ld h l f h ll d Who could ignore the role of the computers, satellites, and
advanced engines in todays civic life? (research, design,
crafts, finance, manufacturing, management, labor,
marketing, maintenance, construction, medicine etc)
28
Technology;
Helps us to change our world. Helps us to change our world.
Changes" may result with unexpected benefits as much as
unexpected risks and costs.
Nobody knew it was going to be used in mobile communication when
the microwaves were invented, and nobody still clearly knows the
extend of its health hazards.
Therefore, the anticipation of the "effects of technology" is p gy
of vital importance to benefit from its advantages and
eliminate the disadvantages.
So, some background is needed for wise use of technology
29
Characteristics Properties of Technology
Technology grows on science, and it contributes to
science.
It gains inspiration, or take ideas fromscience.
Technology grew out of the accumulated practical
knowledge (knowhow) including lifelong personal
experiences in a masterapprenticeship system.
In parallel to the advance of science, masterapprentice
system eventually left its role to "engineering system eventually left its role to engineering .
30
Engineering is;
The "systematic application of scientific knowledge in developing and
applying technology".
Engineering does not only use science, but it also uses
Technology itself, and
Design strategies
Science helps to estimate the behavior of things even before
production, or direct observation, and suggest new behavior
of things.
Therefore, advanced technologies strongly depend on
science.
31
Engineers combine scientific knowledge with practical
values.
B th i d i ti t thi k d k i il l Both engineers and scientists think and work very similarly.
Therefore, the nature of "science" and "engineering" are very similar.
For example, both engineers and scientists use math, creativity, logic, and
measurability (reliable evidence).
Likewise, both have eagerness for originality.
Scientists make the world understandable whereas engineers make it
manipulable.
Scientists can not answer all questions engineers can not design Scientists can not answer all questions, engineers can not design
solutions to all problems.
The only difference is that engineers can affect (change) the social
systemeasier than scientists.
In addition to scientific judgments, their decisions may involve social or
personal values.
32
The essence of engineering is "design" under
constraints.
A successful technological product includes a successful
design; and a successful design involves a great creativity.
However there is no single perfect design which is safest,
cheapest, the most reliable, the most efficient all at the same
time.
There are always some limitations (constraints) either at the There are always some limitations (constraints) either at the
production level or at the application level, or at the social
values level.
33
These constraints may be
absolute constrains like physical laws, physical absolute constrains like physical laws, physical
properties etc.
For example silver copper is a good conductor but it can oxidise
at high temperatures.
flexible constraints like economical, political, social,
ecological, ethical limitations.
Operation and maintenance costs should also be Ope at o a d a te a ce costs s ou d a so be
considered at the design stage.
How many of us would buy a PC if we had to hire a computer
engineer for the use and repair of our PC's and laptops.
Doesn't this explain the success story of "user friendly" Microsoft
Windows?
34
Thus, the technology designs should be tested before the
final production by using one or more of:
the complete product (Beta versions),
small scale physical models (e.g., pilot plants)
computer simulations (safer, and cheaper)
analysis of analogous systems
testing of separate components only
35
All technologies involve control
Control is necessary for "proper operation". Control is necessary for proper operation .
Control requires:
feedback (fromsensors or other sources of information)
logical comparisons of measured data to standards/instructions
a means for activating changes
Today microprocessors are widely used as control units.
All control systems require human control at some point All control systems require human control at some point.
Live human intelligence should be able to interfere
automatic control systems at any level to prevent for
example the false alarms due to unprogrammed parameters,
or parameters whose effects are no longer valid.
36
Technologies always have side effects.
Every design may have unintended side effects.
They may be beneficial (e.g., safer) or harmful
For example, increasing the unemployment rate with increasing
automation
Side effects are not limited to nuclear reactors. Small technologies'
side effects may seem to be ignorable but they may have
significant cumulative effects
For examples, contribution of refrigerators and air conditioners to p , g
global warming
Prediction of side effects is not easy, sometimes impossible.
Systematic risk analysis is needed.
Risk analysis and even the definition of the risk is complicated,
and sometimes is very expensive.
37
All technological systems can fail.
Most modern technologies are fairly reliable. Most modern technologies are fairly reliable.
Yet, the reliability decreases as the complexity of the design
increases.
So called "failsafe" systems are designed for technologies
having costly consequences if they fail.
For example, it is very difficult to prevent car accidents but it
is possible to lower the injuries or death incidences by using is possible to lower the injuries or death incidences by using
safety windows, or airbags.
AutoPilot systems of aircrafts.
38
Possibility of failures can be reduced by
collecting more data, collecting more data,
using more variables,
building more realistic models (high fidelity),
doing computer simulations,
using tighter quality control, and
building autocorrection systems.
39
Human presence is an important issue in
technology.
We, the human beings, have the capacity / ability to
dominate the nature and "shape the future" rather than just
responding to it.
This ability (through the use of technology) has few
advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
h d i d d i d f cheaper and easier access to goods and services and comfort
(transportation, communication, nutrition, health care etc..)
Disadvantages:
new risks both to us and other species (pollution, ozone layer, global
warming etc..)
40
FUNDAMENTALCHARACTERISTICSOFSCIENTISTS
Scientists are conducting science as a complex social activity.
Scientists, men or women from all nations or ethnic backgrounds are
involved in development or applications of science
Their cumulative power have strong impacts in the society or development
of their own country or territory.
Scientists work in various places like universities, hospitals, business and
industry, government, independent research organizations, and scientific
associations.
They may work alone, in small groups, or as members of large research
teams.
Their places of work include classrooms, offices, laboratories, and natural
field settings from space to the bottom of the sea. g p
They communicate with each other or other segments of society through
special communication tools like publications in scientific journals,
conferences, books, internet forums or blogs, professional associations etc.
They form national and international networks for better collaboration.
They also form interdisciplinary networks for sophisticated scientific
products.
41
Scientists are responsible, honorable and
trustworthy individuals; they conduct science y ; y
through ethical principles.
Strict ethical principles are carefully, respectfully, and
proudly followed by scientists in order to keep the science
on top of the most valuable human assets.
Scientists posses scientific integrity in their lifestyles.
42
Within this context:
they have a commitment to intellectual honesty, and they act responsibly,
they never deviate from accuracy (cheat) for the sake of no human they never deviate from accuracy (cheat) for the sake of no human
benefit,
they represent collegiality in scientific interactions, including
communications and sharing of resources
they demonstrate transparency in conflicts of interest or potential
conflicts of interest,
they protect human subjects, animals and environment in the conduct of
science and research,
th dh t t l ibiliti b t th i t d they adhere to mutual responsibilities between their own teams and
other scientists or researchers.
Otherwise, how could we trust on science and scientists?
Ethical issues are very important in science, therefore, we will
cover this in detail later on.
43
Scientists not only serve science, but they
are also involved in public affairs as experts
or knowledgeable citizens or knowledgeable citizens.
They have an advisory role
They lead the society itself, or leaders, or
administrators of the society
by helping to differentiate between the
"facts" and "opinions", or
"true" and "false", or
"possible/probable" and "impossible" possible/probable and impossible .
Thus, their opinions are treated/perceived as "truth"
by ordinary citizens.
Therefore, they need to be careful on declaring
opinions such that they don't mislead the society on
the issues they do not have enough expertise.
44
Scientists think critically (scientifically).
Critical thinking is actually a broad term including the Critical thinking is actually a broad term including the
scientific thinking.
Critical thinking means "correct thinking" for reaching or
producing relevant and reliable knowledge, conclusions,
beliefs or values.
A critical thinker can;
ask appropriate questions ask appropriate questions,
gather relevant information,
efficiently and creatively sort through this information,
reason logically fromthis information, and
come to reliable and trustworthy conclusions.
45
A critical thinker can focus, identify and clarify problems and
issues, and try alternative ways or methods to solve them.
A person who practices critical thinking can achieve a
productive, successful, ethical, happy, and, ultimately, a
satisfying and fulfilling life or profession.
Thus, critical thinking is a MUST for scientists and
researchers (no alternative)
46
Critical thinking welcomes thinking styles like:
Rational (logical) thinking,
empirical thinking empirical thinking,
skeptical thinking,
pragmatic thinking (recognizes that wishes and hopes do not make a
belief true or even worth holding.),
reflective thinking (stopping and revising the basis of your beliefs),
creative thinking (ability to think in newand innovative ways),
comprehensible thinking (using empirical, repeatable, testable,
verifiable, analyzable and objective evidence for firmconclusions),
reasonable thinking (emotions are not evidence and feelings are not reasonable thinking (emotions are not evidence, and feelings are not
facts),
quantitative thinking (using quantitative terms to describe the nature),
analytical thinking (a conscious and reasoned process of analysis,
clarification, comparison, inference and evaluation),
statistical thinking.
47
Critical thinking rejects thinking styles like:
illogical thinking,
i t iti thi ki ( i it f i d' ) intuitive thinking (superiority of mind's power),
hopeful/ wishful thinking,
authoritarian thinking (unquestioned acceptance of knowledge by
an authority figure or institution),
dogmatic thinking (resistance to accept new knowledge or
change),
idealistic thinking,
absolutist thinking (black or white thinking) absolutist thinking (black or white thinking),
closeminded thinking (reliance on old),
mystical thinking,
emotional thinking,
qualitative thinking (using ambiguous and imprecise qualitative
terms)
48
The most basic characteristics of critical thinking:
Empirical Thinking Empirical Thinking
Logical Thinking
Skeptical thinking
Empirical Thinking, or Empiricism:
The use of empirical (experimental) evidence to make vital p ( p )
decisions and reach sound conclusions
49
Logical Thinking, or Rationalism
Logic allows us to reason correctly. g y
Logic can be learned through education (either through taking
logic courses, or taking science courses; especially Mathematics).
The use of logic is not easy.
Logical reasoning may even be painful since it may require
fighting with your inner world, and sometimes deny your feelings.
Thus, true scientists are conscious enough about this phenomena,
and know how to stay away from wishful, hopeful, or emotional
thinking.
Furthermore, the scientists are conscious enough about logical
fallacies and faulty reasoning. They are not trapped with false
logic, falsehood and misconceptions.
50
Common sources of logical fallacies
Incorrect assumption of cause/effect relationship
(For example: "every time I wash my car, it rains; therefore, if I wash
my car, it will rain.
Inaccurate or distorted use of the interpretation of
numerical statistical information.
Example: "Fatal traffic accidents decreased by 83 % after increasing
the traffic fines (monetary penalty) the last month."
(1 month statistics is not comparable to years' statistics. Drawing
such a conclusion requires at least 1 year measurement)
Faulty analogy, comparison carried too far, or comparison of
things that have nothing in common.
For example "Apples and oranges are both fruit and grow on trees;
therefore, they taste the same
51
Oversimplification. Potentially relevant information is ignored in order to
make a point.
Example: (No color change was observed; therefore compound A and B does not p ( g ; p
react" (What if the product is colorless? Or if you are sure that it is colored, then
have you tried at other reaction temperatures?)
Stereotyping. This is the application of an oversimplified label to entire
group of people or objects.
Example: "All Hispanic Americans speak Spanish; therefore Spanish language
advertising will appeal to all of them.
Ignoring the question, digression (deviation from the main point),
obfuscation (lack of clarity, confusion) are used to avoid answering a
question.
For example, "When asked about a tax increase possibility, a politician replies, I
have always met the obligations I have to those I represent.!!
Faulty generalization. It is a judgment based on insufficient evidence.
Example: Ducks and geese migrate south for the winter; therefore, all waterfowl
migrate south for winter.
52
Skeptical thinking, or skepticism
Scientists repeatedly and rigorously examine (question) their beliefs and
conclusions in order not to be trapped by self deception or deception by
others.
Self deception is a very common human failing, especially among ordinary,
uneducated people.
The problem is that it goes unrecognized since nobody wants to deny
themselves.
Thus scientists compare the logical consequences of their beliefs with
objective reality (as measured by empirical evidence).
If they match, the scientists conclude that their beliefs are reliable
knowledge, i.e., their beliefs have a you can conclude that your beliefs are g , , y y
reliable knowledge (that is, your beliefs have a high probability of being true.
Some people believe that scientists are closeminded, i.e., they resist
changing.
But just opposite is true, "true scientists" are undogmatic, and they are
willing to replace their old beliefs when there are more reliable evidences or
sound reasons for change.
53

Start in The Name of ALLAH ALMIGHTY: "Research Methodologies - Me5703"

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Start in The Name of ALLAH ALMIGHTY: "Research Methodologies - Me5703"

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Start in The Name of ALLAH ALMIGHTY: "Research Methodologies - Me5703"

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

StartinthenameofALLAHALMIGHTY

You might also like