2.0 Selecting and Defining a Research Problem
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2.0 SELECTING AND DEFINING A RESEARCH PROBLEM Engr. (Prof.) Azikiwe Peter ONWUALU FNSE, FNIM, FAEng, FAS African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja. Former Visiting Professor, National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja. Former Director General, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja. Email: [email protected]: [email protected] Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 1 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja LECTURE MODULES • 2. Selecting and defining a research problem • 2.1 Problem formulation • 2.2 Criteria for selecting a problem • 2.3 Identifying variables • 2.4 Evaluating problems • 2.5 Functions of a hypothesis • 2.6 Experimental design & Statistical analyses of data • 2.7 Preparations before conducting your research • 2.8 Disruptive research and innovation • 2.9 Product oriented/market driven research Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas African University of Science and Technology, Abuja 2 TRAINING METHODS Lectures Case Study Questions Discussion Assessment Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 3 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja TEXTBOOKS AND RESOURCES (1) • Agbaje, A. 2010. Introductory Lecture Notes on Research Methodology. University of Ibadan, Ibadan. • Asika, N. 2012. Research Methodology in the Behavioural Sciences. Learn Africa Plc. Ikeja. • Eko, E.E. 2015. Effective Writing and Communication. HEBN Publishers Plc, Ibadan. • Gupta, S.C. Fundamentals of Statistics. Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai. • Kothari, C.R. and Garg, G. 2014. Research Methodology . 3rd Edition. New Age International Publishers., New Delhi. • Northrop, R.P. Introduction to Instrumentation and Measurements. 2nd Edition. Taylor and Francis, Florida. Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 4 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja TEXTBOOKS AND RESOURCES (2) • Onwualu, A.P. 2012. Commercialization of ST&I Spin off. A Paper delivered at the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology Capacity Building Program held in Abuja. • Onwualu, A.P. 2013. Research and Development Spill overs Patents and the Incentives to Innovate in Nigeria. A paper delivered at the one day public seminar on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (IPTT) at the Assembly hall, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. • Onwualu, A.P., Obasi, E., Olife, I.C. and Inyang, A. 2013. (Eds.) Unlocking the Potentials of Nigeria’s Non-Oil Sector. Pitmak Publishers Ltd, Abuja. by Raw Materials Research and Development Council. ISBN: 978-978-52367-2-9 • Onwualu, A.P., Ogunwusi, A.A., Olife, I.C. and Inyang, A. 2013. (Eds.) Raw Materials Development for the Transformation of the Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria. Published by Raw Materials Research and Development Council. ISBN: 978-978-52367-1-2. • Onwualu, A.P. 2015. Optimizing the potentials of research in a university: case of University of Port Harcourt. Invited Keynote paper presented at conference to mark 40th anniversary of University of Port Harcourt, Centre for Research Management, University of Port Harcourt. • Onwualu, A.P. 2015. Academia industry collaboration as a strategy for commercialization of research output in Nigeria. Invited keynote paper Strategic Academia Industry Interface, University of Benin, Benin City. 24th August, 2015. Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 5 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja TEXTBOOKS AND RESOURCES (3) • Ugonna, U.D and Onwualu. A.P. 2016. Beyond Research and Development: Policy Options for Overcoming the Obstacles to Commercialization of R&D in Nigeria. International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialization (Accepted for publication). • Onwualu, A.P. 2016. Benchmarks for research for the generation of exploitable intellectual property. Workshop on Intellectual Property, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. 12th – 13th April, 2016. • Onwualu, A.P. 2017. Research Methodology and Communication (in press). • Onwe, O.J. (Undated). Research Methodology. National Open University of Nigeria Lecture Notes MGS 731. • Osuala, E.C. 2013. Introduction to Research Methodology. Africana First Publishers Plc, Onitsha. • Sing, Y.K. 2006. Fundamental of Research Methodology and Statistics. New Age International Publishers, New Delhi. • Spiegel, M.R. and Stephens, L.J. 2008. Theory and Problems of Statistics. 4th Edition. Schaum’s Outline Series, McGraw-Hill, New York. Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 6 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja 2.2 CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A PROBLEM Researcher’s Ecosystem Scientific Content Novel, revolutionary, transformative Potential Local, regional, global impact Scalable Feasibility Sustainability Requirements of funding agency . Summary . Questions and Discussion Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 7 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this session, you should be equipped with knowledge on the criteria to consider when selecting a research problem. Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 8 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja RESEARCHER’S ECOSYSTEM Background training of researcher. Researcher’s competence. Past Experiences and knowledge. Career track and future career. Researchers interest and passion. Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 9 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja SCIENTIFIC CONTENT New models (mathematical or statistical) New designs and products Products can be goods or services New procedure or technique Intellectual property (patents) Contribution to knowledge, extending what is scientifically known Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 10 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja NOVEL Out of the box strategic thinking Revolutionary Transformative Disruptive Big idea that can change the world Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 11 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja LOCAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL IMPACT Local Impact (solving local problems such as power, transport, water, food) Regional Impact (problems that cut across regions such as Africa, ECOWAS) Global Impact (global problems such as communication, entertainment, global warming, global conflicts, infectious diseases, food safety, high volume products and services) Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 12 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja SCALABLE Possibility of commercialization Potential Market and end user Challenges of Market entry Challenges of infrastructure for moving from idea to product Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 13 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja FEASIBILITY Technical Feasibility Economic Feasibility Social Feasibility Research Facility Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 14 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja SUSTAINABILITY Funding Post funding Environmental issues Gender issues Leadership and mentorship Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 15 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja REQUIREMENTS OF FUNDING AGENCY In some cases, for donor funded projects the criteria are already set by the funding agency. The researcher should endeavor to meet these requirements. In most cases, the criteria listed above are the similar to what is usually prescribed. In addition, the area of focus will be specified by the funding agency. Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 16 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja MAJOR DIRECTION OF GLOBAL RESEARCH Energy (green, renewable, clean energy) Materials (value addition, new materials) ICT (mobile apps, bid data, smart systems) Food security (high yielding and disease resistant varieties, food production inputs, post harvest systems, marketing and packaging, food safety, mechanization) Environment (climate change, desertification, erosion, pollution control, recycling) Healthcare (vaccines, organic drugs, infectious diseases, public health) Advanced Production and Manufacturing Systems (3D printing, superconductors, GMOs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Space Systems) Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 17 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION • Questions from participants ??? • Discuss two major research projects as case study Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 18 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja 2.3 IDENTIFYING VARIABLES . Meaning of variables in research . Types of Variables . Quantitative and Qualitative Variables . Steps in Identifying Variables . Controlling Variables . Summary . Questions and Discussion Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 19 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this session, you should be equipped with the knowledge and skill to identify, understand and control variables in a research project. Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 20 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja MEANING OF VARIABLE A concept is an abstraction based on characteristics of perceived reality. For example, the concept “height” is used to measure how tall or short a human being is. A variable is a concept that can vary in the course of an experiment. It is important to identify all variables in a research project at inception, in order to avoid obtaining spurious results. It may not be possible to study all the variables but one must know that those variables are important for the study. Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 21 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja EXAMPLES OF VARIABLES A study of waste water or effluent from a brewery: The water quality can be measured by different variables including level of acidity (pH). This is affected by a number of other variables, thus; pH = f(T, SS, COD, H, G, Mg, Cl) Where T=temperature; SS=suspended solids; COD=Chemical Oxygen Demand Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas 22 African University of Science and Technology, Abuja TYPES OF VARIABLES Dependent