This document provides an overview of research methodology for a master's degree in computer science. It defines key terms like research, hypothesis, theory, and law. It discusses the benefits of conducting research and qualities of good researchers. The scientific method is explained as a process involving observation, hypothesis development, experimentation, and evaluation. Research methodology refers to general research approaches while research methods provide precise procedures. The document outlines the typical steps in the research process from identifying a problem to publishing results.

1. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
MASTER DEGREE
COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
TIKRIT UNIVERSITY
DR. MAHMOOD MAHER SALIH

2. LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION
• What is Research?
• Motives for Doing Research
• Benefits of Conducting Research
• Characteristics of Good Research
• Qualities of a Researcher
• Hypothesis, Theory, Law, Fact
• The Scientific Method
• Experimental Research and Scientific Method
• Research Methodology and Research Methods
• The Research Process
• Reference

3. WHAT IS RESEARCH?
• Research is a systematic search for answering a particular question, solving a
problem, or gathering information, especially for a project, literary work, cinema, or
a television series.
• In academic fields, the term research is used to denote activities such as defining,
redefining, and solving problems; observing facts and their interpretation;
formulation of hypotheses and their testing through experiments; revision of
existing theories and laws; and practical application of information already
generated.

4. MOTIVES FOR DOING RESEARCH
• Excitement of discovery (‫االكتشاف‬ ‫)إثارة‬
• Pursuit of prestige (‫الهيبة‬ ‫وراء‬ ‫)السعي‬
• In depth knowledge on a subject
• Service to society (‫للمجتمع‬ ‫)خدمة‬
• Need for publications
• Obtaining a higher degree
• Better management
• A tool in defense
• Research in everyday life

5. BENEFITS OF CONDUCTING RESEARCH
• Expanding frontiers of knowledge (‫المعرفة‬ ‫حدود‬ ‫)توسيع‬
• New inventions and discoveries (‫الجديدة‬ ‫واالكتشافات‬ ‫)االختراعات‬
• Solving problems affecting the society
• Increasing efficiency and reducing costs
• Research strives to make life easier
• Luxury and comfort (‫والراحة‬ ‫)الرفاهية‬
• Infotainment: Information plus entertainment (‫والترفيه‬ ‫)المعلومات‬
• Economic growth

6. CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH
• Research is based on the work of others (This does not mean that you are copying the work of others, but look to the work that
has already been done to provide a basis for what and how you might conduct your work)
• Research is a blend of logic and imagination (Research is guided by the rules of logical reasoning, and the logical processes of
induction and deduction. Imagination and thought are used for making hypotheses and theories)
• Research tries to identify and avoid bias
• Repeatability (Repeatability is an important characteristic of good research. If we repeat the research, we should get the same
results)
• Research must be generalizable to other settings
• Research is systematic
• Research generates new questions
• Research is an apolitical activity (‫سياسي‬ ‫غير‬ ‫نشاط‬ ‫)البحث‬

7. QUALITIES OF A RESEARCHER
9. Honesty and truthfulness (‫والصدق‬ ‫)النزاهة‬
10. Open-mindedness (‫)االنفتاح‬
11. Above-average intelligence (‫عالي‬ ‫ذكاء‬ ‫)مستوى‬
12. Knowledge(‫)المعرفه‬
13. Imagination (‫)الخيال‬
14. Self –confidence (‫بالنفس‬ ‫)الثقة‬
15. Search for perfection (‫الكمال‬ ‫عن‬ ‫)يبحث‬
16. Team spirit (‫الفريق‬ ‫)روح‬
1. Scientific attitude (‫العلمي‬ ‫)السلوك‬
2. Research aptitude (‫البحثية‬ ‫)الكفاءة‬
3. Persistence (‫)إصرار‬
4. Self –motivation (‫الذاتي‬ ‫)الدافع‬
5. Courage to ask questions (‫األسئلة‬ ‫لطرح‬ ‫)الشجاعة‬
6. Skepticism and receptivity (‫والقبول‬ ‫)الشك‬
7. Objectivity (‫)الموضوعية‬
8. Industriousness (‫)االجتهاد‬

8. HYPOTHESIS, THEORY, LAW, FACT (REFER TO
PAGE 22 TO 25 IN REFERENCE BOOK)
• In science disciplines, hypothesis, theory, law, and fact are four very different types of reasonable or scientifically
acceptable statements offered to explain natural phenomena.
• Hypothesis: is a idea that is still in the process of active testing; it may or may not be correct.
• Theory: is a hypothesis supported by enough experimental. In other words, a theory is a corroborated
hypothesis.
• Law: is a theory that survived many confirmations and not falsified by convincing and repeatable experimental
evidence may eventually get the status of a ‘law’.
• Fact: in science, the word ‘fact’ has a special meaning. A fact is something that has been repeatedly confirmed;
and for all practical purposes, it is accepted as true or factual.

9. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD (REFER TO PAGE 26 TO 28
IN REFERENCE BOOK)
• Scientific Method: is a broad term for the diverse processes through which the sciences are built up. It depends on observation,
measurement, prediction, experimentation, or verification, thus differentiating science from other fields of knowledge.
• The scientific method is often described as comprising the following main actions
1. Make observations or gather information
2. Develop a hypothesis
3. Predict results
4. Design an experiment
5. Conduct the experiment and collect data
6. Evaluation and conclusion
7. Acceptance, modification, or rejection of the hypothesis.

10. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC
METHOD
• The scientific method is broader in outlook than experimental research. For a more
formal, systematic, and intensive process of conducting a scientific investigation after
formulating a hypothesis, we generally use the term ‘experimental research’.
Experimental research is usually conducted in a formal setting as that of an academic
institution.

11. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH
METHODS
• Research methods mean the methods and procedures a researcher employs to accomplish a
research task. Research methods provide precise and detailed procedures of how to start,
implement, and complete a research project. These include the research techniques, data
collection methods, statistical techniques for the analysis of data, evaluation of research
results, etc.
• Research methodology is used in a wider perspective. Research methodology deals with the
general approaches or guidelines for conducting research. It is the science and philosophy
behind research methods. Research methodology can be defined as the systematic study of
the research process starting from the planning process to reporting the results.

12. THE RESEARCH PROCESS
• The research process starts from identifying a research problem and completes by the
publication of research results.
• The following are the important steps in the research process.
7. Conduct the research work and collect data
8. Analysis of data
9. Interpretation of data
10. Preparation of the thesis/report
11. Presentation of results
12. Publication of reports.
1. Identify the research problem
2. Review of literature
3. Develop the objectives
4. Decide the research design
5. Formulate the research protocol
6. Get approval from competent authorities

13. REFERENCE
• Thomas, C. G. (2015). Research methodology and scientific writing. Springer Nature.