This document provides an introduction to research, including definitions of research, the differences between thesis and project work, steps in the research process such as identifying a topic and finding background information, research as a process involving conceptual approaches and data collection techniques, tracks in research, and qualities of a successful researcher.

1. Introduction to
Research
Md. Humayun Kabir
Assistant Lecturer
Dept. of Computer & Communication Engineering (CCE)
International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC)
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2. ✓ Research is defined as careful consideration of study regarding a particular
concern or problem using scientific methods.
✓ Research is a careful and detailed study into a specific problem, concern, or
issue using the scientific method.
✓ Research is defined as a group of methods used to create new knowledge or
use the existing knowledge in newer creative ways in order to generate state-
of-art concepts, methods, as well as understanding the existing theories in a
new light.
✓ Research refers to the systematic inquiry for describing, explaining, predicting,
as well as controlling an observable phenomenon. Research involves the use
of both inductive as well as deductive methods.
What is
Research?
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3. Thesis
Vs
Project
Thesis Vs Project
Thesis: Theoretical Focus.
✓ Developing a theoretical framework; testing the theory; and contributing
to new knowledge generation.
Project Work: Empirical Focus.
✓ Understanding the Situation; Analyzing it; and Solving Current Problems.
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4. Follow these steps in this guide to get started with your research:
✓ Identify a topic
✓ Refine your topic
✓ Search for information about your topic in books and articles in databases
✓ Evaluate the information
✓ Write your paper
Research
Steps
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5. Identify a Topic:
Choosing a topic is the first, and often the most difficult, phase of the research
project.
✓ Consider your own interests
✓ Talk with classmates
✓ Review class readings
✓ Scan recent issues of journals or magazines
✓ List keywords to define your topic
✓ Gather background information on your topic
Research
Steps:
Identify a
topic
Discuss your ideas with your course instructor.
Discuss your ideas with a reference author.
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6. Research
Tracks
Intelligent Computing, Signal and Multimedia Processing Track
✓ Algorithms & Information Systems
✓ Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & IoT
✓ Computer Vision, Robotics & Human-Computer Interaction
✓ Computer Graphics & Multimedia Systems
✓ Signal, Image, Audio & Video Processing
Data Science and Software Engineering Track
✓ NLP, Fuzzy, Neural Networks & Computational Intelligence
✓ Distributed, Mobile & Cloud Computing
✓ Database, Data Mining & Big Data
✓ Engineering Ethics, E-Commerce & E-Governance
Power and Energy Systems Track
✓ Transmission System Technologies, HVDC and FACTS
✓ Distribution System and Substation Automation
✓ Integration of Renewable Energy Resources, and Microgrids
✓ Smart Grids and Advanced Metering Infrastructures
✓ Smart Technologies in Different Energy Systems
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7. Research
Tracks
Electronics, VLSI, Embedded Systems and Materials Science Track
✓ Electronic Components, Circuits, Devices and Systems
✓ Remote Sensing and Sensor Design
✓ Advanced Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems Design
✓ Robotics, Instrumentation and Industrial Automation
✓ Materials Science and Nanotechnology
✓ VLSI Design and Fabrication
Communication and Computer Networks Track
✓ 5G/6G Networks and Wireless Technologies
✓ Computer Networks, and Optical Networks and Systems
✓ Communication and Information Systems Security, and Sustainable
✓ Communication Systems
✓ Smart Grids, M2M, Drones, UAV, V2X and Hybrid Communication
✓ Antenna and Wave Propagation
✓ Powerline, Underwater, Satellite and Space Communications
✓ IT in Structural Health Monitoring and Environmental Science &
Engineering
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8. Research
Steps:
Testing
the Topic
Before you commit to a specific topic for your research, do a scan to make sure
that your topic isn't completely covered in another paper; at the same time
ensure that there is enough information available to complete the project. This
can be particularly important if you are planning on using data in your research.
If in doubt, ask your supervisor.
If you are finding too much information and too many sources, narrow your
topic.
Finding too little information may indicate that you need to broaden your topic
by using a more general term or terms in your search.
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9. Research
Steps:
Finding
Background
Information
Finding Background Information
Once you have identified the main topic and keywords for your research, find one
or more sources of background information to read. These sources will help you
understand the broader context of your research and tell you in general terms
what is known about your topic. They will give you an idea of how much and
what kind of information is available on a given topic.
Finding books, articles, and other materials
How do I find it?
Find Article Link:
✓ MDPI: https://www.mdpi.com/
✓ IEEE: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp
✓ Elsevier: https://www.elsevier.com/books-and-journals
✓ Springer: https://www.springer.com/gp
✓ Hindawi: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/
Find Dataset Link:
✓ Kaggle: https://www.kaggle.com/
✓ Tensorflow: https://www.tensorflow.org/
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10. Research
Steps:
Finding
Background
Information
Free Downloading Article / Books / Conference Paper Link:
✓ Sci-Hub: https://sci-hub.se/
✓ ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/
✓ Library Genesis: http://libgen.rs
http://libgen.is
http://libgen.st
https://1lib.sk
http://bookfi.net
✓ PDF Drive: https://www.pdfdrive.com/
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11. Research
as a
Process
Research can be seen as a series of linked activities moving from a beginning to
an end. Research usually begins with the identification of a problem followed by
formulation of research questions or objectives. Proceeding from this the
researcher determines how best to answer these questions and so decides what
information to collect, how it will be collected, and how it will be analyzed in order
to answer the research question.
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12. Research
as a
Process
As you can see there are numerous choices to be made within the research
process. Planning your research involves the consideration of four overlapping
themes.
✓ The conceptual approach – the philosophical underpinnings of research
✓ Research design – how data collection is organized
✓ Data collection techniques – how data are collected
✓ Sampling – from whom data are collected
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13. Research
as a
Process
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14. Successful
Researcher
Steps to be a successful Researcher
Find Your Ultimate Goal in Research
Strengthen Your Knowledge and Research Skills
Find Your Role Model & Mentor
Build up Your Research Network and Legacy
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15. Successful
Researcher
Important Skills in Research
✓ Outstanding & High Impact Mentality Skill
✓ Outstanding Inner Self Skill
✓ Self Learning Skill
✓ Literature Review Skill
✓ Identifying Problem Statement Skill
✓ Problem Solving & Critical Thinking Skill
✓ Writing Skill
✓ Presentation Skill
✓ Influencing Skill
✓ Coaching Skill
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16. Remember
“My Success can only come
from Allah. In Him I trust,
and unto Him I look.”
Quran 11:88
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