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Possible Research Methods

Possible Research Methods. Observe Solicit expert opinion Collect and synthesize information from published and unpublished sources Conduct tests Make calculations Create preliminary designs. Research: Discovering and Developing Information. Published Resources

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Possible Research Methods

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  1. Possible Research Methods Observe Solicit expert opinion Collect and synthesize information from published and unpublished sources Conduct tests Make calculations Create preliminary designs

  2. Research: Discovering and Developing Information • Published Resources • Printed articles, books, catalogs, etc. • Electronic databases • WWW • Unpublished Resources • Oral and written (but unpublished) records • interviews, correspondence (email) • Empirical Studies • surveys, observations, experiments, tests

  3. Evaluating all Sources of Information • Does the information answer important questions for your research? • Is the information current? Can you determine the date of publication? • Are presented facts and figures from reliable sources? • Can you detect any biases in the way that information is presented? • Can you determine the author’s credentials and qualifications? • Is the publisher/sponsor credible? (for WWW sources, check the domain).

  4. Evaluating Internet Sources 7.Is the site updated regularly? -- check dates 8. Is the site well designed? 9. Is the writing grammatical and clear? 10. Does the source make any biases absolutely clear? Does it make its purpose clear? -- check “About” page

  5. Research Ethics: In-Class Exercise • Assume you are writing a paper on global warming for an Environmental Engineering Conference. On a scale of 1 (most credible) to 5, rate the following sources in terms of credibility with youraudience. • http://www.greenpeace.org/ • (Greenpeace’s URL) • http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/ • (The EPA’s page on global warming)

  6. Evaluating Internet Resources Caveats • Where does page originate? Is a single individual as reliable as university, major company, or government agency? • Beware of ~NAME in directory path of URL. Page may be in personal directory. • Check the domain. If source is a company, is the page advertising?

  7. Evaluating Internet Resources • A reliable site should make clear how it is organized and maintained. At least one page should include development info. When was site last updated? • Check out this resource: http://www.library.ubc.ca/home/evaluating/

  8. Other Problems with Researching(list those you encounter) • On Web: • Using other sources:

  9. Strategies for Researching • Be as specific as possible in your search. • Learn how to combine keywords. • Choose the best search engine. • Google loads faster than other engines. • See this article on search engines. • Consult a librarian. • Set a timetable for research. • People are also sources of info., but they have to be reliable and credible

  10. Search Strategies • Subject search • uses keywords • Snowball search • moves back in time – begins with recent publication • Citation search • moves forward in time -- begins with key paper

  11. Snowball (a) and Citation (b) Douglas (2003) Physical Rev. Letters, MIT Nicol et al. (1998) (a) Gaiver (1996) Phys. rev. Letters Bardeen (1994) Glasser (1995) IEEE Trans Auschnitt (1986) Applied Phys Lett Haus (1978) Internat’l J of Elect (b) Lugovoi (1976) Optics Haus (1975) IEEE Journal

  12. Search Tools • Science Citation Index • a CD-ROM in the McKinney Library • Applied Science and Technology Index • Covers trade and industrial publications as well as journals published by professional societies. • Engineering Index • also the Engineering Index Annual (abstracts) • Dissertation Abstracts

  13. More Search Strategies • Star search • looks at “star” journals or institutions • Comprehensive database search • needs a search profile • Consult with librarian.

  14. Collecting Information: Interviewing • Gather necessary information • Prepare effective questions • focused • few yes/no • one at a time • Don’t interrupt • Allow time for response • Convey interest • tone of voice & body language • Write thank-you letter

  15. Documenting Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism • Don’t plagiarize unintentionally -- copying more than 5 words in a row from another source without attribution is plagiarism in engineering writing. • Consider these writing strategies: • Quotation, paraphrase, summary • If in doubt about whether to cite source, cite it! • Improper citation is way better than no citation. • UT’s Scholastic Dishonesty policy

  16. Developing your Project Investigation Evaluation Time constraints Research discoveries Refined criteria Problem/Need Possible Solutions Report Topic Feasible Solutions Conclusions Legal constraints Criteria Client constraints Solution Recommendation

  17. Collecting Information: Surveys • Use random but representative sample • Ask short, mainly yes/no, simple questions • Ask very few open-ended questions • Avoid vague or overly general words • Be cautious about jargon and slang • Use easy-to-complete, attractive design • no more than one page • Collect answers yourself whenever possible

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