research methodology eph 7112 lecture 4: analysis phase
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Research Methodology
EPH 7112
LECTURE 4: ANALYSIS PHASE
Contents
Analysis phaseObjectiveDescribe problemSet performance criteriaInvestigate related workIdentifying the objectives of the studyAssignment: Critical Review
Analysis phase
Stems from the Greek wordAnaluein – to undoAna – throughoutLuein – to loosen
Analysis phase
Implies fundamental process of analysis
To disassemble something Into its component parts
Analysis phase objective
Gain thorough understanding
of the components of the problem
leading to a specific objective
for the task
Analysis phase steps
Describe problem Set performance criteria Investigate related work State objective
Car breaks down
Study the symptoms Read the manuals Call your friend Call AAM Sldnflsn Sdnfks slndflnd
Step 1: Describe problem
What seems to be the problem?
“I have a sore throat” “What is this rash on my
arm?” “Please find out what’s
causing these terrible headache”
Describe problem
“I have a sore throat” - Complaint “What is this rash on my arm?” -
Question “Please find out what’s causing these
terrible headache” - Requirement
Describe problem
Doctor will diagnose illness Explore background Objective: run test to diagnose illness Hypotheses determine what test Synthesis carry out test Validation: conclusion Research Task – acquire
knowledge
Describe problem
“Please treat my tonsillitis” Doctor will provide medication Development task
Apply existing knowledge to create an effect
Problem statement
Expressed as an interrogative sentencedeclarative sentenceimperative sentence
that summarizes a question, complaint or requirement
Problem statement
Background to problem required Minimize initial conditions To allow innovation
Step 2: Set Performance Criteria Requirements any solution to problem
must fulfill Clearly defined Explained and justified
Set performance criteria
Avoid performance criteria that are: Excessively precise Conflicting
Hard rules vs. Soft rules Limitations limit innovation
Set performance criteria
Development projects constrained byMarket demandApplication domain
Set performance criteria
Aerospace new plane to carry 450 passengers maximum range > 10,000 km
Result of market survey Profitable routes
Set performance criteria
Microchip manufacturer
run 3 times faster than closest competitor heat dissipation and power requirement
suitable for laptop
Step 3: Investigate related work
Investigate what has been done before
To avoid reinventing the wheel
Investigate related work
The objective may have been achieved in the past
Results can be acquired and applied Especially if industrial research Purchase the solution! Buy vs. Make
Investigate related work
Postgraduate – academic research Need original and significant contribution No news is good news Secure publication fast
Investigate related work
How to investigate? Typically from literature searches Printed version Online version
Investigate related work
Printed version
Investigate related work
Online version
Investigate related work
Library resourcesOnline databasesOnline JournalsThesis collectionBooksE-booksSerial collection
Investigate related work
Books Monographs Technical reports Internet Newspaper Magazine Manufacturer technical specification
Investigate related work
Easily accessible Often overlooked
discussion with colleaguesnetworking at conferences and
meetingstechnical seminarsVendors and suppliers
Investigate related work
Critical review Scrutinize ideas & findings
Step 4: State objective
To express what to achieve Single objective Highly specific Realistic expectation
State objective
S. M. A. R. T. S – specific M – measurable A – attainable R – realistic T – time frame
Conclusion
Analysis phase is fundamental to the Scientific Method
To seek understanding of the problem Carried out iteratively and recursively