What is a Research Project?

Dr Ian Cornelius

Hello

Research Projects

Research Projects (1)

What is research?

Process of adding something new to a body of knowledge for a particular topic/field of study
Collecting and analysing information to improve our understanding
An iterative process to explain or solve an identified problem
Research is carried out to:
- get results using scientific methods
- solve problems and lead to new insights
- prove or disprove new or existing ideas

Before we set you off, and we let you begin your research project, it is beneficial to understand what the term “research” means in an academic context.

Research is the process of adding a new body of knowledge for a particular topic or field of study. It will involve a thorough investigation into what is known about the particular topic you are researching. You will be expected in most cases to examine and analyse academic articles. From these articles you will be expected to:

add depth to your understanding of the topic
strength your argument as to why your research is important
and reduce any bias and misconceptions

Research is considered to be an iterative process to explain or solve an identified process. During the progression of your research project, you may need to continuously revisit academic articles when you come across something new. This is expected, and it is why I always emphasise to my project students that writing is a continuous process; a chapter is never really finalised until you have officially submitted your final report. During the undertaking of my PhD, there were many times I revisited and tweaked my initial literature review, and Terry can attest to this.

Research Projects (2)

What is the purpose of research?

Develops and evaluates concepts, practices and theories
Gathers information on a particular topic that is lacking in knowledge
- knowledge obtained is for practical purposes
Providing facts that serve as a basis for:
- planning
- decision-making
- project implementation
- testing and evaluating
Improve upon existing techniques to develop new artefacts
- i.e. Three-Step Authentication for ATMs

Lets now have a look at the purpose of research. It assists in the development and evaluation of new concepts, practices and theories. A researcher can gather information for a particular topic area or field of study that is lacking knowledge and help in the development of new practices, ideologies that has not originally been considered beforehand.

The whole purpose of academic research is to prove a theory and/or the development of new knowledge. It helps facilitate learning. Research undertaken by you, the students, is important not just for yourselves, but also in the academic world. Knowledge is associated with research objectives and findings.

Research allows comprehending specific issues through a variety of different angles that were not identified before or talked about as much. It also enables you to highlight issues that are currently prevalent in the society and lead to personal growth. They can help in the development of new skills; a lot of the students I have supervised have always spoken about them learning a new skill in their reflective statement. These skills could be learning a new programming language, or being able to code in a more effective manner. Other skills such as being able to identify a problem and come to a possible solution are also evidenced.

However, over my time, and I am sure your supervisor could attest to this; we see some good… and bad practices that arise during research. Some of these I will cover in the next couple of slides.

Research Projects (3)

Good and Bad Practices of Research

Bad Practices

There is already an answer to the proposed hypothesis
No question to test
- i.e. using endpoint management to defend networks
Topics for the research have no resemblance to one another
- i.e. networks and kittens — how do they correlate? Cat6 cables?
Using too many buzzwords
- i.e. investigating the use of blockchain to drive web 4.0 cloud technologies with 5g

Good Practices

Originates with a question or a problem
Follow a specific plan or procedure
Divides a main problem into smaller sub-problems
Requires a collection and interpretation of data
Object and free from personal bias
Includes all necessary content and enough details to convey meaning
Excludes information that is already known

We shall first begin with the bad practices. Typically, I have seen students come to me with a project idea with an answer already for their proposed hypothesis. In this instance, there is no question in order for the student to test. For example, a hypothesis or question such as “using endpoint management to defend networks” already has a lot of predefined answers. There is nothing new to this project… unless the student proposes to do something different and novel that has not been seen before.

Another common mistake is using too many buzzwords. When it came to preparing this module, Terry and I both sat down and came up with a project title: “Investigating the use of blockchain to drive web 4.0 cloud technologies with 5g”. I think we can both agree that this title has far too many buzzwords that are currently making their rounds in academia.

There are a lot of topics within that buzzword title, i.e. blockchain, web 4.0 (is that even a thing?), cloud technologies, and 5g. All of these are quite broad topic areas that could individually have its own project within it. I am not saying that you cannot use buzzwords, but limit them. For example, cloud technologies and 5g are quite synonymous with one another that a worthwhile project idea could be found from within it.

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Finally, let’s have a look at some good practices that a research project should have. It’s not all doom and gloom in a module by me!

One of the good practices I want to highlight is that the project will originate with a question or a particular problem. This would be a problem that you do not have a pre-defined answer to it already. Having an open idea for a question or problem will allow you to broaden your horizons to how you would potentially solve that problem.

For example, my PhD dealt with the prediction of a pedestrian movement, and there was no preconceived concept that I would be using a neural network or stochastic model to answer this question at the beginning. It was only during my reading around the subject area (and insight from my supervisors) that a stochastic model could potentially be used in this context. Granted, I did end up implementing a neural network to compare my results against, however, I did not have a pre-defined plan on how I would go about answering my research question.

Finally, I want to touch upon the following plan and/or procedure. It is pretty contradictory of me; however, a good plan will help you succeed in a good research project. I am not just talking about a Gantt chart to lay out when a particular chapter or artefact needs to be created by… instead plan the actual project itself.

For example, if your project is about pedestrian movement prediction, you may want to think about the following:

do I want to be concerned about tracking pedestrians from real-life footage?
or will I be just using CSV files and inserting data into my model that way?

Depending upon the direction you went in, then it can alter some knowledge and exploratory research that will need to be undertaken. For example, if I wanted to use real-life footage of a pedestrian moving, then I would need to consider the following:

how would I detect that pedestrian? Would I be using a pre-defined pedestrian detection algorithm or create my own?
once I have detected a pedestrian, how will I collect the movement data? would it be the velocity at which they are moving, or would it by pixel displacement?

This would then infer the type of literature you would want to review. For example, what is the best pedestrian detection algorithm to use? Would I need to be concerned about the framerate dropping and the data being irrelevant? Having a good plan can answer some of these questions and put you on the correct path to ensure that you will arrive at your final destination: the solution to your problem.

It means you can capture all the various sub-problems that you may have not considered when you devised the initial project idea.

Characteristics of Research

Characteristics of Research (1)

What are the characteristics of research?

There are eight typical characteristics to research
1. Empirical
2. Logical
3. Cyclic
4. Controlled
5. Hypothesis-based
6. Analytical
7. Objective
8. Statistical Treatment

Characteristics of Research (2)

Empirical and Logical Research

Empirical

Conclusions and decisions are based on valid data or evidence collected
Analysed quantitatively or qualitatively
Instead of using just logic, focuses on direct observations and assessment
Useful for research in topic areas such as law and medical

Logical

Follow sequential procedures that are based on valid principals
Research is implied by logical reasoning rules
Also follows the logical process of induction and deduction
- induction: the reasoning process from a part to the whole
- deduction: reasoning from the premise

The first characteristic we shall be looking at is empirical research. This type of research is based upon the observation and measurement of phenomenas that have been directly experienced by the researcher. The data collected may be compared against a theory or a hypothesis, but the results are still based upon the researchers’ real-life experience. The type of data that is collected is primary data, although secondary data may be collected from literature reviewed which may form the theoretical background.

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The second characteristic is logical research. This type of research is based upon valid procedures and principals. The research is often implied by logical reasoning rules and follows the process of induction and deduction. The difference between induction and deduction process is that inductive reasoning is aimed at developing a theory whilst “deductive reasoning” is concerned with testing an existing theory. It is not uncommon to combine both of these into one large field of study.

Characteristics of Research (3)

Cyclic and Controller Research

Cyclic

Starts and ends with a question
A cyclic process of steps that identifies problems
Involves the following:
- reviewing literature
- specifying a purpose for the project
- collecting and analysing data
- forming an interpretation of the information

Controlled

Investigations are performed with rigorous measures
Keeps all research variables constant
- excluding those under investigation
- i.e. compares results from a controlled group to a non-controlled group

The third characteristic of research is cyclic, and this type of research often starts with a problem and then ends with a problem. In this instance, the research may complete their study, discuss their findings and draw a conclusion or recommendation. However, in their recommendation, there may be several new studies that can be conducted and as such,
their research is considered to be cyclic.

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The next characteristic is controlled research. When it comes to real-life, there are many factors that can affect the outcome. A single event can often result in several factors. However, when we test a similar event in research, due to the broad nature of factors that affect the event, then some of these factors will be taken as controlled factors. Meaning that these factors should be controlled rigorously and not impact the results of the research.

Characteristics of Research (4)

Hypothesis-based and Analytical Research

Hypothesis-based

The research you will be undertaking
A statement about a scientific study’s expected outcome
Requires three attributes to form a genuine hypothesis:
1. specificity
2. testability
3. falsifiability
Produces evidence to satisfy the research objectives
- will prove or refute the hypothesis

Analytical

Data is generated and analysed using proven techniques
- ensures a high accuracy and repeatability whilst minimising any potential errors
Often used during studies to find the most relevant information
Use of these necessary details will inform new ideas for artefacts being produced

The fifth research characteristic is hypothesis-based research, and this will be the type of research that you will be undertaking. This is not saying that there may be certain other characteristics your research may employ, but this is generally the main characteristic of research undertaken in third-year projects.

With this type of research, a statement is made about the project’s expected outcome. This is often the initial starting point of any project and would translate the research questions into predictions. There are three attributes to follow to form a genuine hypothesis:

specificity: it should be specific; considering a medical test for diagnosing a disease, specificity would refer to the test ability to correctly reject healthy patients without a condition.
testability: it should have enough scopes to encourage conducting further tests
falsifiability: there is capacity for the hypothesis to be proven wrong

The hypothesis should be clear and concise enough that it can be considered to be reliable. It should also be explained in a manner that is straightforward and should be easily understood. The simplicity of a hypothesis is not related to the significance of it.

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The sixth characteristic is analytical research. This is a specific type of research that often involves critical thinking and the evaluation of facts and information that is relative to the research being undertaken. This type of research is often used to find the most relevant information about a given topic area or field of study.

Analytical research is often used to find new information. Articles, data and other important facts that pertain to a project are compiled, and after the information has been collected and evaluated, these sources will be used to approve or disprove the hypothesis. By using critical thinking, a person is able to effectively find small details to form a greater assumption about the project.

Characteristics of Research (5)

Objective and Statistical Treatment Research

Objective

Sound judgement is used to ensure that the findings are valid
Often classified as:
- descriptive
- correlational
- exploratory
- explanatory

Statistical Treatment

Statistical methods are applied to a data set to transform it
- goes from something meaningless to meaningful
Converts available data into something in which information can be derived from

Finally, moving onto the last two characteristics. The seventh characteristic is objective research, and this is research that is often unbiased and impartial. You may consider this type of research is like a judge who attempts to give a fair hearing to both sides of a legal dispute. The judge will listen to both sides of the dispute without giving any sort of undue consideration to either side. Any research undertaken under this characteristic will be unbiased and logical and are logically based on empirical research.

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Lastly, the eighth characteristic is statistical treatment. It makes use of various tools and analytical techniques to deal with the data that has been collected. There are some key types when it comes to the statistical analysis of data, and these are:

descriptive: this type of analysis is used to describe the data; it will show or summarise the data in the form of tables, charts, and graphs.
correlational: used to discover whether there is a relationship between datasets or variables; it will also provide some sort of insight into how strong that relationship may be.
exploratory: this type of analysis will render a preview of the data, and it will assist in gaining insights into the data that has been collected; it fully focuses upon analysing patterns in the data to recognise potential relationships.
explanatory: this is a step further to exploratory statistical analysis; instead, we are concerned with explaining what has happened and how/why it happened; you may also want to investigate what should happen next.

Types of Research

Types of Research (1)

What are the different types of research?

Research can be split according to their purpose:
1. Fundamental
2. Applied

Fundamental Research

The beginning of searching new knowledge
Provides a foundation for knowledge
- often generalisable to many areas of study
Considered with the methods, theories and ideas
Driven by the curiosity of the researcher
- or a particular interest in the scientific question
The main motivation is to expand a person’s knowledge
- does not involve implementing an artefact

Examples: Fundamental Research

How to prevent phishing attacks.
How to prevent social engineering attacks
Can Cyber Warfare Become a New Arena of Conflict?
Is Cyber Warfare the Future of War?

Applied Research

A scientific study to solve a practical problem
Find a solution to an everyday problem
- does not acquire knowledge for the sake of it
Applies and tailors knowledge to address a practical issue
- towards the development of more efficient technologies

Examples: Applied Research

Three-Step Authentication for ATMs
Cryptography Process for Secure Storage System

So we have looked at the various characteristics that can make up a research project. You may want to think about which characteristics may be applied to your project and look into them further. However, we shall now move onto how research can be split into two respective categories, depending upon their purpose. There are two types of research fundamental and applied.

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Fundamental research, sometimes referred to as “basic or pure” research does not usually generate findings that have an immediate application at a practical level. This type of research is often driven by curiosity and the desire to expand your knowledge in a topic area. Any research associated with this type would make a specific contribution to the academic body of knowledge in that topic area.

Studies that employ this particular type of research will tend to make generalisations about the study and is often explained as: “gathering knowledge for the sake of knowledge”. Researchers would want to answer questions of “why, what or how” and they tend to contribute to the pool of knowledge. There is often no artefact or implementation that arises from this type of research.

Some key advantages to this type of research are that you will typically expand the knowledge of a particular research area. The findings can often be applicable in a wide range of cases and scenarios, and there is usually no strict deadline to adhere to. Although with this project module, there is a strict deadline and that is your final report submission.

However, as there is advantage, there is also a level of disadvantages that come with this type of research. Most notably, being that this type of study often has little or no practical implications. In other words, these types of studies do not resolve a particular problem.

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The second type of research is applied research. This type of research is associated with finding a solution to an immediate problem. It is considered to be a non-systematic inquiry and usually used to address a specific problem. This sort of research can be divided into three categories:

Evaluation Research: focuses on the analysis of pr-existing information to generate objective research outcomes
Research and Development: focuses on the development of a new artefact
Action Research: this study focuses on tackling a specific problem, its method to learn about things that happen in everyday life

An advantage to applied research is that it can be considered to be bias-free, as it tests for empirical evidence to arrive at a valid outcome. There is also a systematic process to which it will arrive at a solution and is therefore highly useful when it comes to finding solutions for a specific problem.

Goodbye

Goodbye (1)

Questions and Support

Questions? Post them in the Community Page on Aula
Additional Support? Visit the Module Support Page
Contact Details:
- Dr Ian Cornelius, ab6459@coventry.ac.uk
- Mr Terry Richards, ac6860@coventry.ac.uk