This document discusses research and development. It defines research as systematic investigation to establish or confirm facts, while development refers to growing, progressing, or improving something. Research and development comprise creative work to increase knowledge and develop new applications.
The document then classifies research into three types: basic research which expands general knowledge; applied research which applies basic knowledge to solve problems; and experimental development which applies known facts and theory to solve particular problems through exploratory studies.
Finally, the document discusses research methods, distinguishing quantitative methods which use numerical data and controls to measure phenomena, from qualitative methods which probe contexts deeply to obtain in-depth understandings of participant perspectives.
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ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
MS-322
Lec # 16
Research & Development
Research & DevelopmentResearch & Development
Research
Research is the systematic investigation into existing or new knowledge. It
is used to establish or confirm facts, reaffirm the results of existing or
previous work.
Development
The act or process of growing, progressing, or developing. In general it
means expand, organize and improving something.
While the Research and Experimental Development comprise creative
work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of
knowledge to devise new application.
Like The development of the software to create a computerized algebra
program that incorporates an individualized mastery learning approach to
teaching basic algebraic concepts.
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Research & Development Cont...Research & Development Cont...
Classification of research/ Components
Research and Development is, in principle, generally define as being the sum
of the following three exhaustive and mutually exclusive activities.
Basic research: Work of a general nature intended to apply to a broad range
of uses or to new knowledge about an area.
• Universities and large corporations
• New scientific discoveries like antibiotics
Research & Development Cont...Research & Development Cont...
Classification of research/ Components
Applied research: Work involving basic knowledge for the solution of a
problem.
• Moving basic research towards new products like Dyson vacuum cleaner
Experimental development: The application of known facts and theory to
solve a particular problem through exploratory study.
• Several prototypes may be developed
• Design improvements occur
Purpose of R & DPurpose of R & D
• Development of effective products
• Designed to meet educational needs
• To improve educational systems
• For betterment of distance education
• Providing information to solve the problems
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Research & Development Cont...Research & Development Cont...
Research Methods
Two general categories of methods currently being used in educational
research
• Quantitative
• Qualitative
The general purpose of a quantitative method is Collect and analyze data to
explain, predict, or control phenomena of interest. It describe the current
conditions and the Investigate relationships.
Assumptions of the researcher
• We live in a stable, uniform, and coherent world
• We can measure, understand, and generalize about our world
• Generally regarded as a positivistic perspective
The characteristics including,
• Numerical data
• Use of formally stated hypotheses and procedures
• Use of controls to minimize the effects of factors that could interfere with the outcome of the
research
• Large numbers of participating subjects
• Use of pencil and paper tests, questionnaires, etc
Research & Development Cont...Research & Development Cont...
Research Methods
A qualitative method is used to probe deeply into the research setting to
obtain in-depth understandings about the way things are, why they are like
that, and how participants perceive them. It allows the researcher to uncover
subtle, less overt personal understandings .
Assumptions of the researcher
• All meaning is situated in a particular perspective or context
• Different people and groups often have different perspectives and
contexts, so there are many different meanings in the world
• Generally regarded as a post-positivistic perspective
Regarding its characteristics
• Phenomena are examined as they exist in a natural context, and they are viewed
from the participants’ perspectives
• Data analysis is interpretative in nature
• The researcher interacts extensively with the participants