Research Methodology Rabi Mahapatra Texas A&M University (Taken from IUCEE slides of PM)
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Transcript of Research Methodology Rabi Mahapatra Texas A&M University (Taken from IUCEE slides of PM)
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Agenda
Research Definition
Types of Research
How to Read a Paper?
Research approaches
Conference and Journal publications
Writing Technical Papers
Conclusion
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What is Research?
Art of investigation of new and innovative idea in any branch of studies
Search for knowledge through objective and systematic method of finding solution to a problem.
Formulate hypothesis, analyzing data, deriving, experimenting, suggest solutions, deducting new conclusions.
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Research Needs
A culture that continually quests for innovation
An attitude of dedication, perseverance and hard work
Motivation to stay active without following any schedule or time sensing approaches
Should not be pursued for glorification.
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Motivation
To attain higher level of understanding on fundamental concepts on the field of your studies
To enjoy challenges of solving unsolved problems,
Provide long-lasting contributions towards the advancement of mankind and society
Intellectual satisfaction for one’s creative work
Financial benefits and respect
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Disclaimer!
Research can not be taught
There is no “one size fits all” model
Research dictates its own pace and direction and not to be imposed upon.
Continuous nourishment is essential
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Types of Research
Descriptive: Surveys, comparative and correlation method
Analytical: to make critical evaluation of information
Applied: address practical problems and solutions for near-term benefits
Fundamental: theory for generalization
Quantitative: numerical results to validate any claim
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Types of research Contd.
Qualitative: comparative development of enhancing the usage of patterns and experiences
Conceptual: Abstract ideas or theories
Empirical: Relies in experience and observations
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How to Read a paper?
Quick Review/Scan
To determine if you need to read this paper further
Read with Care
To grasp the contents and summarize the main thrust
Detailed Reading
Fully understand the paper
Helps in identifying ideas for further work
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Quick Scan
Read title and introduction
Skim the sections/subsections/headings
Read conclusion
Glance over the references
Try to answer the following:
context,
contributions and
clarity
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Detailed Reading
Read the whole paper but with non-uniform emphasis
Identify relevance to your topic
Think and ask questions
Scribble important points, thoughts
Identify papers from reference list for further reading list
Learn good presentation and reading list
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Important Task!
Defining and scoping out the research problem
Identify:
What is specific goal of your problem?
Why you want to pursue (motivation)?
How do you intend to do it?
How does it fit into your overall research goal?
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Basic Steps
Research Steps: Problem formulation – Solution Efforts – Dissemination
Efforts on problem formulations may guide to solutions
Also, opens avenues for other avenues
Dissemination (presentation in writing) of research is vital for recognition and further use by the community
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Discomfort Zone
Comfort zone inhibits innovations and creativity
Step out from comfort zone and walk into discomfort zone
Learn to build bridges and avenues between various comfort and discomfort zones
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Low-hanging and high-hanging
Forest and Trees!
Low-hanging: Easy efforts and typically found in new areas
High-hanging: Hard to work, usually seen late in to well investigated topics/areas.
Would be very rewarding.
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Critical Suggestions
Methods are tools
Use them; don't let them use you.
Think on a clean slate
To think outside of the box, you need to step outside the box too
Question yourself
About why you are doing, what you are doing
Motivate your problems and evaluate your solutions
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More Suggestions
Could start with incremental efforts left undone in prior studies; follow through until completion
Explore the abstractions of simple problems that hinders or impacts usage of technology
Applications could be the drivers of your thoughts
Can you make the current state better?
It is always rewarding to scope out new problem definitions – try hard!
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Basic Approach
Abstraction of the thoughts provides a guided approach
Simplicity should be always the quest
Start with the simplest approach and tune it as you dive deeper; complexities added as and when needed
Keep enriching and exploring new concepts
Write in parallel with your work
Every now and then, check if you are not getting lost in the forest
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Cross-area approaches
Can the concepts and methods used in one area be adopted to solve a problem in a completely different area?
Ant colonies
Biological evolutions
Game theories
Social networks
Putting things together from multiple areas
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Faculty-Faculty Work Environment
Work with colleagues with complimentary expertise
Realize that the workload does not have to be shared evenly
Share the credits and be upfront about the contributions and respective credits
Different level of engagements and contribution can be played in multiple efforts
Senior faculty should provide valuable mentorship to junior faculty
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Conferences and Journals
Publishers
Reputations
Professional Societies
Stay away from private self‐serving one
Quality and Metrics – Impact factors– Citations – Accessibility to researchers
Electronic Versions / Web‐based
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Publishing a Paper
Focus on quality rather than quantity
Impact of your research
Do not wait till the completion of your work to start writing
Choose appropriate venue
Quality of writing is important
Research presentations are excellent opportunities
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Types of Paper Types:
Survey papers
Original Research and Contributions
Survey papers
Do not cut‐shake‐paste
Have a theme and carry on that
Focused on motivations, issues, and challenges
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Research Paper Details
Statement of the problem
Be precise, provide motivation, significance, and applications
Proposed solutions
Algorithm
System design and development
Evaluation (performance, reliability, security, etc)
Theory
Results and inferences
Sufficient details for validation
Novel aspects, Significance, limitations, and impact