This textbook introduces the general points of view of research methodology in the scientific and engineering fields of studies and presents an overview of the technical and professional communication needed for article publication in journals. It comprises several practice exercises that will give beginners the confidence to move on the communicative activities. Every chapter provides problem sets that will help readers check their understanding of each concept. The book will also help readers formulate specific research topics, research questions, and hypotheses; conduct literature reviews relevant to the research topics; develop applicable research methodologies; and write and present their research outlining the key elements of the proposed projects. It is very useful for students and researchers opting for a course on research methodology and for seminars at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Introduction
Overview
Impact Factor
Research Criteria
Format of Paper
Status of Report
Problems
Selection of Topic
Topic of the Study
Basic Research
Applied Research
Problems
Clarity of Abstract and Conclusion
Abstract
Conclusion
Grammar
Problems
Introduction to Report
Literature Survey and Developing a Conceptual Framework
Introduction of the Problem
References
Problems
Data Collection Methods
Experiment Method
Design and Construction
Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Problems
Data Analysis of Report
Results and Discussion
Problems
Research Ethics
Ethics
Plagiarism Checker
Problems
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Poster Presentation
Research Proposal
Problems
Biography
Kitsakorn Locharoenrat is associate professor at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand. He obtained his BS in chemical engineering (1994) from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand; MS in processing technology (2000) from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand; and PhD in physical materials science (2007) from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Japan. His current research interests are synthesis of nanomaterials, optical microscopy and spectroscopy, and optical imaging.
"Researchers, especially the non-native speakers, must overcome all difficulties from drafting a research plan to summarizing the research results. This book entitled Research Methodologies for Beginners, written by skillful researcher Dr. Locharoenrat, will be the best guide map for them."
—Dr. Yoshihiro Miyauchi, National Defense Academy, Japan
"This is an essential handbook for students and researchers, especially those who are beginners in the field of science and engineering. It gives an overview of the main methods used in research, including recent literature and examples. What makes this book stand out from other methodology books, however, is the simple language and the student-friendly approach that the author has employed in the book. It is a compass that will guide new researchers from their starting point to their destination."
—Dr. Jessada Salathong, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
