DAR ES SALAAM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (DIT)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING.

MODULE NAME; RESEARCH METHODS FOR ENGINEERS.

MODULE CODE; GSU 07611

GROUP NUMBER 4.

Group assignment: 1

GROUP MEMBERS.

S/N NAMES REGISTRATION NUMBERS

1 KARIM SHABAN LWINDE 2106307226038

2 USSI, Mohamedi A. 2106307227069

3 DIANA E.STANSLAUS 2106307124035

4 CHRISTINE J. NSUMBA 220647428332

5 SHABANI R. ATHUMANI 2106307228976

1. What is Research?

Research is defined as the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a
new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies and understandings. This
could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it leads to new and
creative outcomes.

In the pursuit of knowledge, researchers embark on a journey of discovery, seeking to unravel

the complexities of the world around us. By formulating clear research questions, researchers set
the course for their investigations, carefully crafting methodologies to gather relevant data.
Through research, we continually refine our understanding of the universe, laying the foundation
for innovation and progress that shape the future.

Some common types of research methods include:

1. Quantitative Research: Quantitative research methods focus on collecting and analyzing

quantifiable data to draw conclusions. The key methods for conducting quantitative
research are

Surveys- Conducting structured questionnaires or interviews with a large number of participants

to gather numerical data.

Experiments-Manipulating variables in a controlled environment to establish cause-and-effect

relationships.

Observational Studies- Systematically observing and recording behaviors or phenomena without

intervention.
Secondary Data Analysis- Analyzing existing datasets and records to draw new insights or
conclusions.

2. Qualitative Research: Qualitative research employs a range of information-gathering

methods that are non-numerical, and are instead intellectual in order to provide in-depth
insights into the research topic. The key methods are:

Interviews- Conducting in-depth, semi-structured, or unstructured interviews to gain a deeper

understanding of participants’ perspectives.

Focus Groups- Group discussions with selected participants to explore their attitudes, beliefs,
and experiences on a specific topic.

Ethnography- Immersing in a particular culture or community to observe and understand their

behaviors, customs, and beliefs.

Case Studies- In-depth examination of a single individual, group, organization, or event to gain
comprehensive insights.

3. Mixed-Methods Research: Combining both quantitative and qualitative research

methods in a single study to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research
question.

The following are characteristics of a good research which are÷

● Empirical - based on observations and experimentation

● Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedure.

● Controlled - all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are kept
constant.

● Employs hypothesis - guides the investigation process

 ● Analytical - There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in their
interpretation

● Objective, Unbiased, & Logical - all findings are logically based on empirical.

● Employs quantitative or statistical methods - data are transformed into numerical

measures and are treated statistically

What is the research methodology?

A research methodology describes the techniques and procedures used to identify and analyze
information regarding a specific research topic. It is a process by which researchers design their
study so that they can achieve their objectives using the selected research instruments. It includes
all the important aspects of research, including research design, data collection methods, data
analysis methods, and the overall framework within which the research is conducted. While
these points can help you understand what research methodology is, you also need to know why
it is important to pick the right methodology.

Why is research methodology important?

Having a good research methodology in place has the following advantages:

● Helps other researchers who may want to replicate your research; the explanations will be
of benefit to them.
● You can easily answer any questions about your research if they arise at a later stage.
● A research methodology provides a framework and guidelines for researchers to clearly
define research questions, hypotheses, and objectives.

● It helps researchers identify the most appropriate research design, sampling technique,
and data collection and analysis methods.
 ● A sound research methodology helps researchers ensure that their findings are valid and
reliable and free from biases and errors.
● It also helps ensure that ethical guidelines are followed while conducting research.

● A good research methodology helps researchers in planning their research efficiently, by

ensuring optimum usage of their time and resources.

2. Why is Research Trusted as a Scientific Method of Enquiry?

The following are reasons:-

● Systematic Approach: Research follows a structured and organized process, from

formulating hypotheses to collecting and analyzing data, allowing for methodical
investigation and interpretation of phenomena.

● Rigorous Testing and Validation: Research methods often involve experiments, surveys,
or other empirical techniques to test hypotheses and gather data. This rigorous approach
helps verify the accuracy and validity of the findings.

● Evidence-Based Findings: Research relies on empirical evidence rather than anecdotal or

speculative claims. By using data and observations, researchers can make objective
conclusions supported by evidence.

● Peer Review: Before research findings are published, they typically undergo peer review,
where other experts in the field critically evaluate the methods, results, and
interpretations. This process helps ensure that the research meets high standards of
quality and credibility.

● Replication: Research results are considered more reliable when they can be replicated by
other researchers using the same methods and procedures. Replication helps confirm the
consistency and generalizability of findings.
The key components that contribute to the trustworthiness of good research are:-

● Clear Objectives: Clearly defined research goals help guide the study and ensure that the
research questions are addressed effectively.
● Robust Methodology: A well-designed methodology outlines the procedures and
techniques used to collect and analyze data. It includes details such as the research design
(e.g., experimental, observational), sampling methods, data collection instruments, and
statistical analyses.
● Reliable Data: Data should be collected using valid and reliable measures, ensuring that it
accurately reflects the phenomena being studied. Data quality can be ensured through
methods such as standardized instruments, trained data collectors, and validation
procedures.
● Transparency: Transparency involves providing sufficient detail about the research
process to allow others to evaluate its credibility and replicability. This includes
documenting the steps taken in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as
making raw data and analysis code available to other researchers when possible.
● Peer review in research: It designed to subject research papers to the scrutiny of expert
peers, where the scientific community can sift through hypotheses, methodologies, and
conclusions, enhancing the overall robustness of knowledge within a field.
● Replication: Replication involves repeating a study using the same methods and
procedures to see if similar results are obtained. Replication studies help verify the
reliability and generalizability of research findings, strengthening confidence in their
validity.
● Ethical Standards: Ethical considerations are essential in research to protect the rights and
well-being of participants and ensure the integrity of the research process. This includes
obtaining informed consent from participants, maintaining confidentiality, avoiding
conflicts of interest, and adhering to relevant ethical guidelines and regulations.
REFERENCE
1. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches. Sage Publications.
2. Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2016). Research methods for business: A skill building
approach. John Wiley & Sons.
3. Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2014). Practical research: Planning and design. Pearson
Education.
4. www.google.com