AB Transcript 1 Use Urban Planning

7/28/2019 AB Transcript 1 Use Urban Planning

1/59

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY COURSE

ULP 0010

INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

-Problem Formulation-SEM I, 11/12

Faculty of Civil EngineeringUniversiti Teknologi Malaysia


2/59

CONTENTS Objective

What is Research & Research Process Comparison between Masters and PhD

What are: Concept of Originality, Contribution &

Research Hypothesis

Research Problem

Criteria for Selecting a Problem

Formulating Research Problem

Writing of Research Problem

Evaluating Research Problem



3/59

Objective of Lecture:

(i) formulate and

(ii) structure

a research problem



4/59

(i) Findingout

(iii)Controlled

(iv) Application of thescientific approaches to

study a problem

W at isResearch?

(ii) ProblemSolving

concerning acertain event

or events(v) Systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of natural

phenomena guided by theory and hypotheses about the presumed

relations among such phenomenaINSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


5/59

(Basic)

Comparison Between Masters and

Ph.D Research

Masters: Ph.D

To solve a

problem using

the

methodologythat you have

learned

Using the

methodology that you

have learned and

experience ofsolvingproblem, to produce

something new



6/59


7/59

(Phillips, M. and Pugh, D.S.,1994)

Setting down a major piece of new information in

writing for the first time

Continuing a previously original piece of work

Concept of Originality ?

supervisor

Providing a single original technique, observation, or

consult in an otherwise unoriginal but competent

piece of research Having many original ideas, methods and

interpretations all performed by others under the

direction of the postgraduateINSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


8/59

Showing originality in testing somebody elses idea

Carrying out empirical work that hasnt been done

before

Concept of Originality ?(Phillips, M. and Pugh, D.S.,1994)

Using already known material but with a new

interpretation

Trying out something in this country that has

previously only been done in other countries

Taking a particular technique and applying it in a

new area



9/59

Bringing a new evidence to bear on an oldissue

Bein cross-disci linar inte ration and

Concept of Originality ?(Phillips, M. and Pugh, D.S.,1994)

using different methodologies

Looking at areas that people in the

discipline havent looked at before Adding to knowledge in a way that hasnt

previously been done before



10/59

Contributions made to the field is identified

Gap filled

Inadequacies addressed

Contribution ?

Results of research could be applied for

practice / in wider field

Implications for future research indicated New territory

Unfinished business

Extension of workINSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


11/59

Having a questioning attitude, can think ofimportant question

Can use a wide range of question answering

Intellectually Independent ?

methods and tools and know which ones touse to answer the particular questions

Able to evaluate their own as well as others

answers

Can thoughtfully plan and manage intellectual

taskINSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


12/59

Able to

Get to know and critique the field of

scholarship within which the research is

Intellectually Independent ?

Identify precisely what is being researched

and why

Competently identify, gather, analyse,interpret relevant data

State the contribution that the research makes

to the fieldINSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


13/59

Problem Identification

Reviewing Information

Followcertain

Research Process

ata o ection

Analysis

Conclusions

steps(systematic)

Characteristics of ResearchCharacteristics of ResearchCharacteristics of ResearchCharacteristics of Research



14/59

Research followsScientific Method

Makes anintegrateduse of :

Inductivereasoning

Research Process

reasoning

The basic assumption of the scientific method is that everyeffect has a cause. It starts with the construction of hypotheses

from casual observations and background knowledge (inductivereasoning) to reasoning out consequences or implications ofhypotheses (deductive reasoning), followed by testing of theimplications and confirmation or rejection of the hypotheses



15/59

Existing structure

of knowled e

Casual observation

Generation of hypothesis

Implications of

hypothesis

Scientific method of acquiringknowledge of problem solving

Operationally

specific testing

situation

Research becomes cyclic and dynamicINSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


16/59

HYPOTHESIS

Is an educated guess. It is an attempt to explain the nature

of the relationship between the variables identified in theproblem. A hypothesis is an attempt to suggest a possibleanswer to the problem based on available facts or

The tentative proposition suggested as a

solution to a problem or an explanation

of some observed state of affairs. It is astatement of the problem solvers

expectations about a relationshipbetween variables, within a problem.


Definition:


17/59

- to set a destination A statement serves to provide an answerto

the research question Mental technique or the principal intellectual

instrument in research

HYPOTHESIS

e p one sees e s gn cance o researcto direct investigation

Use as tools & could be modified as researchprogresses

( Very personal matter but must resist temptation tobecome too attached to own hypothesis )



18/59

1. Selecting and defining a problem

2. Describing the method of research

Step in Conducting Research

3. Collecting data

4. Analysing and interpreting results



19/59

Three phases of research process (in engineering)

Phase One - Starting the research,choosing a general topic (area of research),

RESEARCH PROCESS

information

Phase Two - Recording information,

organising ideas and analysis Phase Three - Writing, documentationand presentation



20/59

DECIDING ON A TOPIC

To interpret the gathered information. Someinitial questions about a topic might include:

RESEARCH PROCESS

What background information should I read?What additional areas of the topic should Iinvestigate?

Should I concentrate gathering informationmore on one area of the subject than on other

areas?INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


21/59

SELECTING AND

DEFINING A PROBLEM

This marks the beginning of a research study

and is the most difficult and important steps.The steps are:

a. identifying and stating the problem in specific form

b. identifying the variables in the problem situation and

defining them adequately

c. generating tentative guesses (hypotheses) about the

relation of the variables, or writing explicitly the questionsfor which answers are sought; and

d. evaluating the problem for its researchability.



22/59

WHAT IS

RESEARCH PROBLEM

Is a situation, quantitative or otherwise,

that confronts an individual, that requiresresolution, and for which the individual

sees no apparent orobvious means or

path to obtaining a solution.

Is the focus of a research investigation

a problem that a researcher wishes toinvestigate



23/59

(Contd)

Are questions about state ofaffairs in the field.

WHAT IS

RESEARCH PROBLEM

Although there are different typesof research problems, all involve

a question, whereby the answer

is being sought in the research



24/59

Begin with two important questions:

FORMULATING RESEARCH PROBLEM

SOLVED?

HOW CAN THE PROBLEM BE

SOLVED?



25/59

PROBLEM IS A TASK

In which the researcher is

interested and engaged forwhich he/she wishes to obtain a

For which the researcher does

not have a readily accessiblemeans or ways by which to

achieve that resolution



26/59

PROBLEMOF

Data and

method areknown

Data but notthe method is

known

Method is

STUDY

known butnot the

data

Neither themethod or thedata is known

Research problems include only those problemswhich the method and the data, necessary

to achieve the goal, are not known



27/59

Existing

The problemselected mustpoke (exit) the

boundary of

existingknowledge

now e ge(from comprehensiveliterature search)

Boundary of

knowledge



28/59

Criteria for Selecting

Interest

Size

Capabilities&

Limitations

Own interest

Own,

a Problem

EconomyUniqueness

large

Time,

money

,

peoples support

Do not duplicate: If similar study

- can use different method,

design or sample, or perform

different statistical analysesINSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


29/59

HOW DO YOU SELECT

A PROBLEM??

Personal Practical

eg. From workplace



30/59

HOW DO YOU SELECT

A PROBLEM??

From past studies, i.e look for

Solution already found in parallel situation Incomplete solution

Result unclear, doubtful, debatable, etc.

Sources: books, journals, periodicals, annual reports.

NOTE

Need a Critical Study of the literature to: Define the problem

Limit the problem area Avoid unnecessary repetition Search for new approaches

Recommend suitable methodsINSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


31/59

Consultation / interaction with

others Ask experts in area of interest industries, universities, etc

HOW DO YOU SELECT

A PROBLEM??

Study current developments andtrends newspaper, Examine the theoretical structure of

the field Explore areas of dissatisfaction, publicinterest journal, magazine



32/59

Websites of various organisations

govt., private sectors, etc.

HOW DO YOU SELECT

A PROBLEM??

Requests ForProposals (RFPs)


Maintain anidea notebook

Brainstorming

FORMULATING


33/59

FORMULATING

THE RESEARCH

PROBLEM

OBJECTIVES:

To focus on a subject for research To examine a subject in multi facets

(to apply creat v tyMethods

or Processes

Subdividing

Free

Association

Questioning

Combined

Approach



34/59

Free Association Approach

Write down words or phrases that

,

without worrying about order,

spelling, usefulness, applicability,

or any other judgement



35/59

Subdividing Approach

Divide the general area

units, subdividing it untilone reaches a subject

that is interesting to

research



36/59

Asking Questions Approach

WHO? WHAT*? WHERE?

* mostcommon

WHEN? WHY*?

HOW*?People

,

things, ideas Places

Past,

present,

future

Causes, reasons,

results, conditions

Methods,

techniques,

mechanisms



37/59

Combined Methods Approach

To combine the above

approaches informulating a research

problem

(more satisfactory practice)



38/59

Affinity Diagram / Conceptual Map

to Identify Problem and Purpose

1. Identify Large Topic Area

2. Determine what is attached. Make a conceptual mapidentifying related topics

3. Which part do you wish to explore now? (Fence off

place in diagram)

4. What part is most important? Identify "real" problem

area. What is the most important and possible

relative to scope and scale of study?

5. Identify purpose area. What question most interests

you about the purpose area that meets the

requirements of#4. Construct refined conceptual

map of the purpose area.INSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS


39/59

Affinity Diagram /

Conceptual Map

Example

o en y ro em

and Purpose


40/59

Evaluating theResearch

Too broad?Feasible?

Researchable?

Worthwhile?

Evaluating Research Problem

ro em

Specific?

Too large(global)?

Too narrow?

Significant?

Having considered these questions, it is wise

to consult others for their honest opinions



41/59

how long the research will take toaccomplish

im ortant ethical constraints that need

Is the problem Feasible?(practical/possible for me to do it)?

consideration can achieve the needed cooperation to take

the project to its successful conclusion

how significant are the costs of conductingthe research



42/59

Is the problem Researchable?

The questions include:

Has the problem been specified?

Is the problem too large?

How is the availability of the data?

Am I capable of solving the problem?



43/59

Will the result be Significant?

The questions include:

Will the result advance knowledge?

Will the research have some value? Will the results be ofinterest to others?



44/59

Typical General Questions

asked by Examiners

Why do you choose the research problem

(topic) who will benefit?

What contribution to knowledge you feel

The appropriateness of your choice ofmethodology and data analysis

Outcome that are publishable

How the research can be extended (furtherworks?)



45/59

STATEMENT OF

RESEARCH PROBLEM

- To state the basic problem

that prompts the research -

May be written in two forms:

Statement form

Research Question form


STATEMENT OF


46/59

-Example

Problem written in question form:

STATEMENT OF

RESEARCH PROBLEM

individualised programme had on the skillacquisition of technician students in aprinting course?


STATEMENT OF


47/59

Problem written in statement form:

This study is designed to measure theeffect the introduction of an

STATEMENT OF

RESEARCH PROBLEM

-Examples

technician course.

A statement of purpose: (see the diff. from both

The purpose of this study is to investigate theimpact the introduction of an individualisedprogramme has had on technician courses.



48/59

DEVELOPING PROBLEM QUESTIONSOR RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The significance:

A clearly stated research question or research

problem would streamline a research effort

Usefulness: (The research question should) guide subsequent work

influence information gathering

guide data analyses

influence the content of the writing

Thus it focuses the effort,

minimises false starts, and

save time and unnecessarywork



49/59

Content ofResearch

(UTM context)



50/59

Chapter 1 Introduction

Background of the problem (to give scholarlybackground & rationale for the investigation)

Statement of the problem (to state in general &

Content of Research Proposal

specific way)

Objectives of the study (should be measurable)

Scope of the study (what is covered?)

Significant of the study (refers to the rationale for

the study & its relationship to theory, knowledge

or practice)



51/59

Chapter 2 Literature Review*

Review of relevant research to providerationale of the work eg:


,

methodFindings of others that is being challenged

and extended

* [Should give an up to date & critical appraisal of review of literatureShould demonstrate awareness of the debates & issues raised

for PhD, need to demonstrate that proposed work has not been

studied before identify niche]


THESIS EXAMINATION


52/59

(Beginning)

Does the thesis contain a concise critical review of whatis currently known?

- WHAT EXAMINERS LOOK FOR

clearly identified and the significance of addressingthem been established?

Is there sufficient background provided, so that

examiner can appreciate the research problemsthat need to be tackled?

Are the objectives clear and justified?


A note from


53/59

an external examinersviewpoint

.. The most acceptableintroduction is one which explains in a

candidate became interested in thesubject, what made him/her considerit important enough to spend a

substantial part of his/her lifeinvestigating it, and what outcomeswere expected .



54/59

Chapter 3 Research Methodology

Research Design & ProcedureOperational Framework

Sub ects or data sources


Instrumentation & Data AnalysisAssumptions & Limitations

Research Planning & Schedule

Chapter 4 Expected Findings andSummary

ReferencesINSPIRING CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE MINDS

THESIS EXAMINATION


55/59

(The work itself)

Are the materials and methods detailed enough toensure that the work is reproducible?


Is the use of novel or non-standard methods orapproaches, fully justified?

Is the experimental design clearly articulated

appropriate to the objectives

Are the methods ofstatistical analysis appropriate?


WRITING THE RESEARCH


56/59

PROBLEM (THESIS)(IN GENERAL FORM)

Normally in Chapter 1:

THE PROBLEM AND SIGNIFICANCE

OF THE STUDY

Introduction

Background of the problem

Statement of the problem

Purpose of the study


WRITING THE RESEARCH


57/59

Theoretical frameworkStatement of hypothesis or research question

PROBLEM (THESIS)(IN GENERAL FORM)

Importance of studyObjective and Scope of study

Definition of termsSummary


THESIS EXAMINATIONWHAT EXAMINERS LOOK FOR


58/59

The End:

Is the significance of the results fully explored inrelation to current literature?


Are the substantive discussion points brought up withfinality? Can one sees clearly what the candidate hasconcluded?

Has the ownership of the contribution beenestablished? Something new?



59/59


Documents

AB Transcript 1 Use Urban Planning