INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS

Introduction to Research Methods

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Research Methodology

Q 1.

Designing an experiment

Scientists use an experiment to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. In other words, they design an experiment so that changes to one item cause something else to vary in a predictable way. These changing quantities are called variables. A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. An experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled. The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. To insure a fair test, a good experiment has only one independent variable. As the scientist changes the independent variable, he or she observes what happens.

The scientist focuses his or her observations on the dependent variable to see how it responds to the change made to the independent variable. The new value of the dependent variable is caused by and depends on the value of the independent variable. (Greene, 2007)

For example, if you open a faucet (the independent variable), the quantity of water flowing (dependent variable) changes in response--you observe that the water flow increases. The number of dependent variables in an experiment varies, but there is often more than one.

In a good experiment, the scientist must be able to measure the values for each variable. Weight or mass is an example of a variable that is very easy to measure.

Research question

How much water flows through a faucet at different openings?

Independent Variable

Water faucet opening (closed, half open, fully open)

Dependent Variable

Amount of water flowing measured in liters per minute

Hypothesis development

If I open the faucet [faucet opening size is the independent variable], then it will increase the flow of water [flow of water is the dependent variable].

Q2)

Environment Canada (2005). Municipal Water Use, 2001 Statistics (Report). Cat. No. En11-2/2001E-PDF. ISBN 0-662-39504-2. p. 3.

EPA (2010). "How to Conserve Water and Use It Effectively". Washington, DC.

Geerts, S.; Raes, D. (2009). "Deficit irrigation as an on-farm strategy to maximize crop water productivity in dry areas". Agric. Water Manage 96 (9): 1275-1284

Pimentel, Berger, et al. (2004). "Water resources: agricultural and environmental issues". BioScience 54 (10): 909

Vickers, Amy (2002). Water Use and Conservation. Amherst, MA: water plow Press. p. 434. ISBN 1-931579-07-5.

Q3)

Adrian, R. J., editor (1993); Selected Papers on Laser Doppler Velocimetry, S.P.I.E. Milestone Series, ISBN 978-0819412973

Chanson, Hubert (2008). Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV) in the Field and in Laboratory: Practical Experiences. in Frédérique Larrarte and Hubert Chanson, Experiences and Challenges in Sewers: The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, Dec., pp. 49-66. ISBN 9781864999280.

Cornish,D (1995) Instrument performance.Meas.Control,27(10):323-8

Holman, J. Alan (2001). Experimental methods for engineers. Boston: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-366055-4.

Roger C.Baker. (2007) Flow Measurement Handbook.Cambridge university press. ISBN 978-0-521-01765-7

Q4)

Research has demonstrated that concept mapping is a skill that requires time for mastery. However, a metalanalysis conducted by Morgan, (2007) has shown that positive effects were achieved in studies than ranged in length from 2 to 22 weeks, with an average duration of six weeks. As a study tool, concept mapping is ...