RES701 Research Methodology Lecture6_Devaprakasam

DEVAPRAKASAM DEIVASAGAYAMProfessor of Mechanical Engineering

Room:11, LW, 2nd FloorSchool of Mechanical and Building Sciences

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

RES701: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (3:0:0:3)

Devaprakasam D, Email: [email protected], Ph: +91 9786553933

Parts of a Scientific paperThe TitleThe AbstractThe IntroductionMethodsResults(tables and figures)the DiscussionAcknowledgement References


The IMRAD StructureIntroduction answers “why’’Methods answers “when, where, how, how much?’’Results answers “what?’’AndDiscussion answers “so what?”


The Title

Title should catch the imaginations of the readers.A good title is defined as the fewest possible words

that describe the contents of the paper.An improperly titled paper will get lost and will never

be read. Informative and specificConciseUnderstandable


How to Prepare the Title

Make a list of the most important keywords

Think of a title that contains these words

The title could state the conclusion of the paper


Title Page

The following information needs to be on the title page:

The title of your research paperFirst name and surname of the author(s)Affiliations, AddressesCorresponding author(s) email(s)


Abstract

Abstract reflects the essence of the entire research work presented in the article.An abstract presents a brief summary of your

research. The aim of the abstract is to briefly provide the

reader with the most important information from the entire text.


Abstract

It should be written in clear and simple words, as it is the first and sometimes the only part of the manuscript read.It should provide a complete and selective summary

of the most significant ideas and informationDescribe the methods usedSummarize the results, and State the principal conclusions


Criteria of the Abstract

It should not exceed 250 wordsIt should be written in one paragraph.Long words should be followed by its abbreviation

which would be used through out the abstract and paper.It should never give any information or conclusion

that is not stated in the paper


Introduction

Background, Known Information

Knowledge gap, Unknown Information

Hypothesis, Questions, Purpose Statement

Approach, Plan, Proposed solution.


Introduction

The first part of your research paper is your introduction.

This is where you provide an introduction to the topic of your research: you give the context in terms of content of the research work.


Introduction

The introduction should answer the following questions:What was I studying?Why was this an important question?What did I know about this topic before I did this

study?What model was I testing? andWhat approach did I take in this study?


AREA OF FOCUS

The significance of the study will mainly focus on the question “Who will benefit from the study?”.

This section will state the contribution of your study and the usefulness of your study in the society.


Related LiteratureIn this part you must get your data and information from any books, magazines, and news papers. You must label your published material with local or foreign.

• 1. Must be also organized to cover specific problems.• 2. Must take all the evidences about the problem with the author’s

experiences.• 3. As much as possible, get the latest published materials. Avoid old

published materials.• 4. It must be related to your topic. If not, do not get it.• 5. On the last part of this part you must have a statement how this

old published material helps the researcher in their current study and relate it to your study.


Research Questions

The problem must be reflected to your title or the readers must know your problem by just simply reading your topic.

The problem must not be answerable by yes or no and must be arranged in the flow of your documentation or study.


Methods• Be precise, complete and concise.• Include only relevant information-no unnecessary

details, anecdotes, excuses or confessions.• Detailed experimental procedures• Questions such as “how” or “how much” must be

answered and not left to be puzzled over• Explains analytical techniques used


Data Analysis And Interpretation

Data may be analyzed quantitatively or qualitatively depending on the level of measurement and the number of dimensions and variables of the study.Analyze in depth to give meaning to the data

presented in the data presented in the table. Avoid table reading.State statistical descriptions in declarative

sentences, e.g. in the studies involving:


Interpretation of Data

Establish interconnection between and among dataCheck for indicators whether hypothesis/es is/are

supported or not by findings.Link the present findings with the previous

literature.Use parallel observations with contemporary events

to give credence presented in the introduction.


Result (tables and figures)

It is the core or heart of the paperIt needs to be clearly and simply stated since it

constitutes the new knowledge contributed to the worldSummarize and illustrate the findings in an orderly

and logical sequence, without interpretation Should guide the reader through the findings,

stressing the major points


Tables and Figures

Tables and Figures are the foundation of your story

Figures and tables should stand alone and tell a complete story

The reader should not need to refer back to the main text


Tips on Tables and Figures

Use the fewest figures and tables needed to tell the story.

Do not present the same data in both a figure and a table


Discussion

It is the hardest section to write.Its primary purpose is to show the relationships

among observed factsIt should end with a short summary or conclusion

regarding the significance of the work.State your conclusions as clearly as possibleSummarize your evidence for each conclusion


Discussion

Answer The Questions Asked

Support Your Conclusion (Your Data, Other’s Data)

Defend Your Conclusion

Give The Big Picture “take Home Message’’


Recommendations

They should be based on the findings and conclusion of the study.Recommendations may be specific or general or

both. They may include suggestions for further studies.They should be in non-technical language.They should be feasible, workable, flexible, doable,

adaptable.


References

What is referencing?

Referencing is a standardized way of acknowledging the sources of information and ideas that you have used in your document.

A list of ALL the references used in the text must be written.


Reference List

• Any papers not cited in the text should not be included.

• Reference lists allow readers to investigate the subject in greater depth.

• A reference list contains only the books, articles, and web pages etc that are cited in the text of the document.


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RES701 Research Methodology Lecture6_Devaprakasam

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