MCA 2nd Semester

RM21 - Research Methodology

Unit 1: Introduction to Research

Methodology

- Miliind S. Deshkar
 Outline of Unit - 1
Introduction to Research Methodology:
1. Definition and Importance, Importance in academic and professional
contexts
2. Objectives of Research-Exploration, Description, Explanation, Prediction,
Application
3. Types of Research-Basic vs. applied research, Qualitative vs. quantitative
research, Cross-sectional vs. longitudinal research
4. Research Process and Steps, Identifying the problem, Literature review,
Research questions
5. Research in Computer Applications-Unique aspects of research in
computer science, Common research methods in computer applications.
Definition and Importance
What does research consist of?

Usually, research consists of:

1. Asking a question that nobody has asked

before;

2. Doing the necessary work to find the answer; and

3. Communicating the knowledge you have acquired

to a larger audience.
 Definition and Importance
What does research consist of?
Research is like being a detective...

It’s when you ask a question about

something you're curious about, then look
for clues (like information, facts, or
evidence) to find the answer. You might
E.g. - If you want to know why the sky is
read books, watch videos, do experiments,
blue, you start by asking the question, then
or talk to people to learn more.
search for answers step by step until you
understand it. It’s all about learning new
things and solving mysteries.
 Definition and Importance
What is your definition of research?
Let’s have some brainstorming activity about it.

Attempt to develop
Research is = Search for facts Attempt to
and verify
Re + Search and their meanings discover
knowledge

Defining and The systematic Method of

redefining structure of studying problems
problems investigation

Collecting,
Analysing and
evaluating data
Definition and Importance
What does the research mean?

Research is an ongoing,
collaborative process with no
finish line in sight.
 Definition and Importance
Can we create a more generic definition from the given words?

The Definition… What it exactly mean?

Research is a systematic inquiry to

Research is an act of community. As a
describe, explain, predict, and control
research community member, you are
the observed phenomenon. It
building on the knowledge that others
methodically searches for new
have acquired before you and providing
knowledge and practical solutions
a road map for those who come after
through answers to questions
you.
formulated beforehand.
Importance in Academic and Professional Contexts
Why is it important in Academics?

Academic Research
Facilitates Learning

Research highlights
the issues

Research helps in
the growth of a
business

Academic research
leads to the personal
growth of students
 Characteristics of a Research
1. Generalized: Should have proper categorization.

2. Controlled: Should handle the dependencies properly.

3. Rigorous: The procedures followed to find answers to questions are relevant, appropriate,
and justified.

4. Empirical: The processes adopted should be tested for accuracy and each step should be
coherent in progression.

5. Systematic: The procedure should be carefully drafted to ensure that resources utilization is
optimized.

6. Reliability: The degree to which the result of a measurement, calculation, or specification

can be depended on to be accurate .

 Characteristics of a Research
7. Validity: The extent to which a concept, conclusion, or measurement is well-founded and
likely corresponds accurately to the real world.

8. Employs hypothesis: A hypothesis is an informed and educated prediction or explanation

about something. Research must be based on some hypothesis.

9. Analytical & Accuracy: Data collected should be reasonable and free of errors to be easily
analyzed.

10. Credibility: The extent to which an analysis of a finding can be treated to be trustworthy is
termed as credibility.

11. Critical: The process of investigation must be foolproof and free from drawbacks.
 Basic Terms in Research

Phenomenon Any segment of reality under observation/study

Concept Used to describe phenomenon

Variable Is a measurable concept

Hypotheses is a tentative fact-less statement specifying relationships

between two or more variables.

a set of inter–related concepts, definitions, and hypotheses that

Theory
present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations
among variables to explain and predict the phenomena.
 Purpose of Research
To discover Find out the hidden
answers truth
Research Objectives

Exploration Description Explanation Prediction Application

Try to find answers Just Like SDLC. Use and Evaluate

Based on data, tries
to the W4H Targets “Why” and measure the
Achieve new questions, Who,
to find out when
questions and what a solutions
insights on old What, Where,
situation will occur
problems When and How.
Survey as a tool
 Types of Research

Basic
Types of Research Research

Applied
Classification based on Research
Application

Descriptive
Research

Classification based on Co-Relational

Objectives
Exploratory
Research

Explanatory
Research
 Basic V/s Applied Research
Basic Research: Applied Research:
Formulation of theory Finding a solution

Enhancement of The Practical

Meaning
Scientific Knowledge applications of science

Scientific Discovery / Type of

knowledge / Technological
Univeral Application / Limited
Scope

Is it True? Question Does it work?

Theoretical / Research Technological

Intellectual Curiosity Approach / Application / Limited
Purpose
To add new knowledge to To solve specific practical
existing knowledge Uses
questions faced by the society
Basic Research Example
Applied Research Examples
 Qualitative V/s Quantitative
Qualitative Research: Quantitative Research:
Subjective Analysis Objective Analysis

Exploring Ideas / Formulating hypotheses Focus Testing hypotheses or theories

or theories

Categorizing, Interpreting Analysis Math and Statistical Analysis

Words Expressed in Numbers, Graphs, Tables

Research
Exploratory / Open Ended Methodology / Conclusive / Closed ended
Question
Understanding Characterized By Testing, Measurement

Take Survey, Gather

Uses Test the information
information

Colour, Religion, Gender, Typical Data Measurable Quantities like,

Nationality Length, Size, weight, mass
 Qualitative Research Examples

Conducting in-depth interviews observing classroom dynamics to

with customers to understand analyze teacher-student
their motivations behind interactions,
purchasing a product.

Analyzing case studies of

Studying a specific community individuals with a particular
to understand their cultural medical condition to explore their
practices experiences in depth.
Quantitative Research Examples
 Cross-Sectional V/s Longitudinal
Cross-Sectional Research: Longitudinal Research:
One Timepoint Multiple timepoints

Repeatedly examining the sae

Collecting data from many different
Involves subjects to detect changes over a
individuals at a specific point of time
period of time

Different samples Observes Same samples

Outcome / Observe change at group and

Snapshot of entire population What we get ? individual level

How much
Less time / time / cost Time consuming /
Inexpensive it takes ? Expensive

Quick Conduct Vary from a few

years to decades
 Cross-sectional Research Examples

Comparing academic
Determining the prevalence of
performance between students in
a specific disease like asthma
different socioeconomic
within different age groups in
backgrounds at a single grade
a community.
level.

Surveying a sample of
consumers to understand their Studying the prevalence of
current product usage and depression across different age
preferences regarding a new groups within a community.
product launch.
Longitudinal Research Examples
 Finally, the definition of Research

A systematic investigation aimed at

discovering new knowledge, solving problems,
or proving hypotheses. It follows a structured
process to ensure reliability, validity, and
accuracy in findings.
 Research Process and Steps

 Select a broad area of interest.

1. Identifying the Research Problem
 Narrow it down to a specific problem.
 Ensure the problem is researchable and
significant.

 Collect relevant information from books, journals,

2. Reviewing the Literature
articles, and credible online sources.
 Identify gaps in existing research.
 Avoid duplication and refine the research
problem.

3. Formulating Research Objectives &  Define clear, specific, and measurable objectives.
Hypotheses  Develop a hypothesis (if applicable) to test
relationships between variables.
 Research Process and Steps
4. Research Design and Methodology  Choose the appropriate research design (qualitative,
quantitative, or mixed-method).
 Define the population and sample selection methods.
 Decide on data collection techniques (surveys,
experiments, interviews, case studies).
 Establish ethical considerations.

 Gather information using selected tools such as

5. Data Collection questionnaires, observations, or experiments.
 Ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability in data
collection.

6. Data Analysis and Interpretation  Organize and process collected data.

 Use statistical or qualitative analysis techniques.
 Interpret results in line with research objectives.
 Research Process and Steps
 Structure the research report with clear sections:
7. Presentation and Report Writing introduction, literature review, methodology,
findings, discussion, and conclusion.
 Use charts, graphs, and tables to present data
effectively.
 Cite sources correctly following a standard format
(APA - American Psychological Association MLA -
Modern Language Association. etc.).

 Summarize key findings.

8. Conclusion and Recommendations  Provide actionable recommendations based on
results.
 Suggest areas for further research.
 Step1: Identifying the Research Problem
It involves recognizing an issue, gap, or challenge that needs investigation.

Steps to Identify a Research Problem:

1. Observation & Exploration 2. Background Research Review

Identify real-world issues, gaps in past studies to determine
existing research, or areas needing unresolved questions or
improvement. contradictions.

3. Practical & Theoretical

4. Narrowing the Scope Relevance
Focus on a specific, manageable Ensure the problem is significant,
aspect of the problem meaningful, and contributes to
knowledge or practice.

Example:
5. Defining the Problem Statement "How can AI improve real-time
Clearly articulate the issue, its traffic management in smart
importance, and potential impact. cities?"
 Step2: Literature Review
It is a systematic analysis of existing research related to the topic. It helps in understanding the current state of
knowledge and identifying gaps.

Steps to Conduct a Literature 2. Gather Relevant Literature

1. Define Keywords & Search Strategy
Review: Collect books, journal articles,
Identify key terms and databases
conference papers, and credible
(Google Scholar, PubMed, IEEE, etc.).
online sources

5. Identify Research Gaps 4. Organize the Review 3. Evaluate & Analyse Sources
Determine where further Group studies by themes, Summarize key findings,
investigation is needed theories, or methodologies methodologies, and conclusions

6. Summarize and Synthesize Types of Literature Reviews:

Create a coherent narrative
Narrative Review – Provides a broad overview
linking previous studies to the
research problem
without a structured methodology.
Systematic Review – Uses a structured and
Example: reproducible approach to analyze literature.
A literature review on AI in traffic management may Meta-analysis – Statistically combines results from
discuss previous studies on predictive analytics, IoT multiple studies.
sensors, and real-time optimization models.
 Step3: Defining Research Objectives & Questions
It guide the study and define what the researcher aims to explore or solve.

Characteristics of Good Research Clear & Concise – Easy to understand.

Questions: Focused & Specific – Not too broad or vague.
Researchable – Can be answered using empirical evidence.
Relevant & Significant – Contributes to the field of study.

Research Objectives:  Define what the study aims to achieve.

 Provide direction for the research.

Research Questions:  Must be specific, researchable, and

significant.
 Can be descriptive, comparative, or
explanatory.

Example:
What is the accuracy of AI-based traffic management models compared to traditional
systems?

How does real-time data influence AI decision-making in smart cities?

 Research in Computer Applications

Definition:
Research in computer science involves investigating,
creating, and evaluating new theories, algorithms, and
technologies to solve real-world problems.

Goals:
Advancing knowledge, improving computational
efficiency, and developing innovative systems.
Unique Aspects of Research in Computer Science and Applications
Rapidly Changing Landscape: Researchers must stay updated with the latest
advancements to remain relevant

Interdisciplinary Nature:
Collaborates with diverse fields such as healthcare,
business, and education

Algorithmic Problem Solving: Involves designing algorithms to solve problems

efficiently and accurately.

Focuses on computational complexity,

optimization, and scalability.

Emphasis on Software and System Design: Computer applications research often results in
tangible systems, frameworks, or tools.

Prototypes and working models are frequently

required
Unique Aspects of Research in Computer Science and Applications
Applied and Theoretical Balance: Research can be purely theoretical (e.g., cryptographic
algorithms) or applied (e.g., real-time patient monitoring
systems using cloud computing).

Simulation and Modeling: Many studies rely on simulations or models (e.g.,

CloudSim for cloud computing).

Researchers often test ideas in virtual environments

before real-world deployment

Research increasingly relies on massive datasets,

Big Data and Data-Driven Insights: requiring expertise in data mining, machine learning, and
visualization.

With increasing cyber threats, privacy and security play a

Focus on Ethics and Security: significant role.

Researchers must consider ethical implications, especially

in AI and sensitive data usage.
Common Research Methods in Computer Applications
1. Theoretical Research Focus: Enhancing theories, models, or algorithms.
Example: Proposing a new machine learning model
for fraud detection.

2. Experimental Research Focus: Designing experiments to evaluate new

systems, algorithms, or applications.
Example: Testing the efficiency of a sorting
algorithm under different conditions

3. Simulation Based Focus: Employs simulation tools to model and test

system behaviors.
Example: Using CloudSim to simulate cloud
resource allocation

4. Survey and Data Analysis Focus: Collects data through surveys, logs, or APIs
to understand trends or user behavior.
Example: Analyzing user interaction patterns on
mobile apps.
Common Research Methods in Computer Applications
5. Case Studies: Focus: In-depth analysis of specific
technologies or systems.
Example: Studying the adoption of AI tools in
healthcare.
.
6. Design & Development Research: Focus: Involves creating new software,
frameworks, or architectures to solve specific
problems.
Example: Developing a scalable database
system for IoT devices.

7. Comparative Studies Focus: Compares two or more technologies,

algorithms, or systems to determine the best
solution.
Example: Comparing the performance of
different cloud storage platforms.
Common Research Methods in Computer Applications
8. Systematic Literature Review (SLR): Focus: Analyses and synthesizes previous
research to identify trends, gaps, or future
directions

Example: Reviewing research on blockchain

applications in supply chain management.

9. Prototype Implementation: Focus: Involves building and testing prototypes to

validate concepts.
Example: Creating a chatbot for real-time
customer support

10. Ethnographic Research : Focus: Observes and studies user interaction with
systems in their natural environments
Example: Understanding how students interact
with e-learning platforms
 Key Areas of Research in Computer Applications
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Focus on building systems that learn and make
decisions.
Examples: Natural language processing, computer
vision.

Data Science and Big Data: Focus on Analyzing and processing large datasets.
Examples: Predictive analytics, data visualization.

Cybersecurity: Focus on Protecting systems and data from threats.

Examples: Cryptography, ethical hacking.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): Focus on Designing user-friendly interfaces.

Examples: Augmented reality, virtual reality.
 Key Areas of Research in Computer Applications
Quantum Computing: Focus on Exploring computing using quantum
mechanics principles.
Examples: Quantum algorithms, quantum
cryptography.

Networking and Communication: Focus on Developing efficient and secure networks.

Examples: 5G technology, IoT communication.

Software Engineering: Focus on Improving software development processes.

Examples: Agile methodologies, automated testing.
Tools and Techniques in Computer Science Research

Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++, R.

Frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hadoop.
Tools: MATLAB, Jupyter Notebooks, GitHub.
Platforms: Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Simulators: For testing algorithms in controlled
environments

End of Unit 1