Department of Industrial Chemistry

Research Methods and Experimental Design

Course code: Iche-4131

Prepared by: Maru Dessie (Ph.D.)

 RESEARCH METHODS & EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

RESEARCH DEFINITION:

 Research is a scientific approach to answering a research

question, solving a research problem, or generating new
knowledge through a systematic and orderly collection,
organization, and analysis of data to make research findings
useful in decision-making.
In essence, research is about:

Seeking Information: Gathering evidence and insights to deepen

understanding.
Solving Problems: Addressing real-world issues by testing ideas
or methods.
Generating Knowledge: Building on what is known to create new
concepts or refine theories.
 When do we call a research is scientific?

Any research endeavor is said to be scientific if:

o It is based on empirical and measurable evidence subject to

specific principles of reasoning
o It consists of systematic observations, measurement, and
experimentation
o It relies on the application of scientific methods and harnessing
of curiosity
o It provides scientific information and theories for the
explanation of nature
o It makes practical applications possible, and
o It ensures adequate analysis of data employing rigorous
statistical techniques.
Importance of research in academic and real-world applications

1. Advancing Knowledge and Theory Development

• In academics, research drives the development of new theories

and refines existing ones.
• This advancement of knowledge builds the foundation of
education and expands the understanding of various fields.
 2. Solving Practical Problems
• Research addresses real-world challenges by identifying
solutions to social, economic, environmental, and health issues.
• Applied research, in particular, targets specific problems, like
improving medical treatments, developing new technologies, or
creating sustainable practices.
3. Informed Decision-Making
Research provides data-driven insights that support
policymakers, businesses, and educators in making well-
informed decisions.
 4. Economic and Technological Development

• Research fuels innovation, leading to technological

advancements that can drive economic growth.
• Through research, new products, services, and technologies
emerge, boosting productivity and opening new markets.
5. Improving Quality of Life
• In fields like medicine, environmental science, and social
sciences, research leads to improvements in health, safety, and
well-being. For example, medical research can discover new
treatments, while social research can inform policies that enhance
public welfare.
 6. Promoting Critical Thinking and Lifelong Learning

• Engaging in research cultivates skills such as critical thinking,

problem-solving, and analytical reasoning.
• These skills are essential in academia and the real world, as they
encourage lifelong learning and adaptability to changing
environments.
 7. Supporting Policy Development and Social Change

• Research contributes to social change by uncovering and

addressing societal issues such as inequality, justice, and
environmental sustainability.
• Policymakers rely on research findings to create laws and
regulations that serve the public good.
 Characteristics of Research

Some desirable characteristics of research:

1. The research should focus on priority problems.

2. The research should be systematic. It emphasizes that a
researcher should employ a structured procedure.
3. The research should be logical. Without manipulating
ideas logically, the scientific researcher cannot make
much progress in any investigation.
4. The research should be reductive. This means that one
researcher’s findings should be made available to other
researchers to prevent them from repeating the same research.

5. The research should be replicable. This asserts that there

should be scope to confirm previous research findings in a new
environment and different settings with a new group of
subjects or at a different point in time.
6. The research should be generative. This is one of the
valuable characteristics of research because answering one
question leads to generating many other new questions.
7. The research should be action-oriented. In other words, it
should be aimed at solving to implement its findings.
8. The research should follow an integrated multidisciplinary
approach, i.e., research approaches from more than one
discipline are needed.
9. The research should be participatory, involving all parties
concerned (from policymakers down to community members) at all
stages of the study.
10. The research must be relatively simple, timely, and time-bound,
employing a comparatively simple design.
11. The research must be as much cost-effective as possible.
12. The research results should be presented in formats most useful
for administrators, decision-makers, business managers, or
community members.
 Scientific Method Overview

1. Observation
• Researchers begin by observing a phenomenon, identifying a
problem, or recognizing a question of interest. Observations often
stem from curiosity about natural events or from noticing patterns
or inconsistencies.
2. Question
• Based on the observation, a clear, focused research question is
formulated. This question guides the research process and provides
a specific area of investigation.
3. Hypothesis
• A hypothesis is a testable prediction that provides a possible
answer to the research question. It typically includes an "If...then..."
statement that specifies the expected relationship between variables.
A hypothesis must be measurable and falsifiable.
4. Experiment
• Researchers design and conduct an experiment to test the
hypothesis. This step involves creating a controlled environment to
manipulate independent variables and measure the effect on
dependent variables. Control groups and consistent conditions are
crucial for accuracy.
5. Analysis
• After collecting data from the experiment, researchers analyze
the results to determine if they support or refute the hypothesis.
Data analysis can involve statistical testing, calculations, and
interpretation of results.
6. Conclusion
• Based on the analysis, researchers draw a conclusion that
addresses the hypothesis. If the hypothesis is supported, it may
become part of a broader theory. If it is refuted, researchers may
revise the hypothesis or explore alternative explanations.
 The scientific method is the foundation of research because it
provides a systematic, objective, and reliable approach to
inquiry.
 By following the scientific method, researchers can produce
findings that are consistent, reproducible, and valid, allowing
for the advancement of knowledge.
 The key types of research in scientific fields
1. Basic vs. Applied Research
Basic Research (also called Fundamental Research or Pure
Research)
• Basic research: is driven by curiosity or a desire to expand
knowledge. It focuses on understanding the fundamental principles
and theories of phenomena without immediate practical applications
in mind.
• Purpose: To increase our understanding of how things work in the
natural world and generate new theories or concepts.
• It is exploratory and often serves as the foundation for applied
research.
 Characteristics:

o Conducted to gain new knowledge.

o Not focused on solving a specific, immediate problem.
o Long-term outcomes.
o May not have practical applications in the short term.

Example in Chemistry:
- Investigating the electronic structure of a new material, such as a
novel type of graphene or MXene, without a specific commercial
application in mind.
- Studying the fundamental mechanisms of chemical reactions or
atomic bonding.
 Applied Research

• Definition: Applied research aims to solve specific, practical

problems or answer questions with direct applications to real-world
situations.
• It typically builds on the knowledge gained from basic research.
• Purpose: To apply scientific theories, principles, and knowledge
to develop solutions, technologies, products, or methods that can be
used in industries, healthcare, engineering, etc.
Characteristics:

 Direct focus on solving practical problems or improving existing

technologies.
 Often more structured and goal-oriented.
 Shorter-term outcomes with a direct application to real-world
needs.
Example in Chemistry:
- Developing new, more efficient catalysts for industrial chemical
processes, such as those used in fuel cells or batteries.
- Engineering safer, more effective pharmaceutical compounds or
improving environmental waste treatment methods.
 Research Integrity and Ethics

♠ Responsible and evidence-based research and ethical

behaviour are indispensable to ensure the reliability of research
results.
♠ They are also essential factors to ensure public trust in
research.
♠ Enhanced research integrity policies can significantly
contribute to a well-functioning research environment.
2. Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research
• Qualitative research is focused on understanding the
characteristics, qualities, and experiences of a phenomenon.
• It does not rely on numbers or statistical analysis but instead
emphasizes descriptive data and insights.

Purpose: To explore concepts, experiences, or patterns that

cannot easily be quantified, often in the early stages of research or
when dealing with complex, non-numerical data.
 Characteristics:

 Focus on exploration, description, and understanding.

 Data is typically non-numerical, such as interviews, observations,
and case studies.
 Often used for generating hypotheses or theories.

Example in Chemistry:

o Investigating how different chemical processes are perceived by

industry professionals in terms of efficiency or sustainability.
o Exploring the impact of environmental policy changes on the
adoption of green technologies in the chemical industry.
Quantitative Research

Quantitative research: focuses on numerical data, aiming to

quantify the problem by way of generating statistical data or
applying mathematical models to test hypotheses.
•Purpose: To establish patterns, relationships, or cause-and-effect
links using measurable data that can be analyzed statistically.
•Characteristics:
• Focus on measuring and quantifying variables.
• Uses tools like surveys, experiments, or computational models
to gather data.
• Data analysis involves statistical or mathematical techniques
(e.g., regression analysis, ANOVA, etc.).
•Example in Chemistry:
• Measuring the electrochemical performance of a new battery
material (e.g., capacity, cycle life, energy density).
• Quantifying the rate of a chemical reaction under different
conditions (temperature, pressure, concentration) and analyzing
the data to derive reaction kinetics.
 Comparison Summary
Example in
Research Type Focus Characteristics
Chemistry
Understanding Knowledge-driven, Studying atomic
Basic Research fundamental long-term, structure or reaction
principles theoretical mechanisms

Goal-oriented, Developing new

Solving specific
Applied Research short-term, materials for energy
practical problems
problem-solving storage or catalysis

Understanding Non-numerical Investigating how

Qualitative
experiences and data, exploratory, industry adopts new
Research
qualities descriptive chemical processes
Quantifying
Quantitative Measuring and Numerical data, reaction rates or
Research quantifying data statistical analysis measuring material
properties
 The Role of Research in Industrial Chemistry

o Research plays a crucial role in the advancement of industrial

chemistry, directly influencing innovation, product development,
and the optimization of chemical processes.
o In the industrial context, research can be broadly classified into
both applied and translational research, bridging theoretical
knowledge with practical applications to improve technologies
and address real-world challenges.
1. Innovation and Development of New Products

• New Materials: Industrial chemistry research drives the

creation of new materials with enhanced properties for various
applications, such as advanced polymers, composites,
semiconductors, and coatings.
• Example: Developing graphene-based materials for use
in flexible electronics, energy storage, and even healthcare.
Sustainable Products: Research is essential for creating
environmentally friendly products that meet the growing demand
for sustainability in industries such as packaging, automotive, and
construction.
• Example: Developing biodegradable plastics or high-
performance, non-toxic coatings for industrial applications.
Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals: In drug discovery and
development, research helps in creating new compounds with better
efficacy and lower side effects.
- In chemicals, research optimizes processes to produce more
efficient and cost-effective chemicals used in everything from
fertilizers to specialty chemicals.

Example: Research into novel catalytic processes for producing fine

chemicals or designing green solvents.
2. Process Optimization and Scale-Up

•Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: One of the primary roles of

research in industrial chemistry is to improve the efficiency of
chemical processes, making them faster, cheaper, and less
wasteful.
Example: Optimizing the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia
synthesis, making it more energy-efficient and reducing CO₂
emissions.
Process Development: Research enables the design of new or
improved chemical manufacturing processes, which can be scaled
from laboratory experiments to full industrial production.

Example: Scaling up the production of lithium-ion battery

materials or fine chemicals through process innovations that
reduce material costs and improve yield.
Waste Reduction and Recycling: Research in industrial
chemistry is essential for developing sustainable chemical
processes that minimize waste, recycle materials, and reduce the
environmental impact of industrial operations.

Example: Developing methods for CO₂ capture and utilization

in industrial plants to reduce carbon emissions.
3. Development of Green and Sustainable Technologies

•Green Chemistry: One of the most important directions of

research in industrial chemistry is the design of processes that are
not only more efficient but also environmentally friendly. This
includes using renewable resources, reducing the use of hazardous
chemicals, and minimizing waste.
Example: Catalytic processes that reduce the need for harsh
reagents or energy-intensive conditions, thus minimizing
environmental harm.
Renewable Energy: Industrial chemistry research plays a
pivotal role in developing renewable energy technologies like
biofuels, hydrogen fuel cells, and solar cells.

Example: Research into second-generation biofuels that can

be produced from non-food biomass to reduce dependence on
fossil fuels.
 4. Safety and Regulatory Compliance

•Safety in Industrial Processes: Ensuring the safety of chemical

processes is a key aspect of industrial chemistry research. This
includes developing safer handling methods for toxic substances,
designing safer reactors, and ensuring compliance with health and
safety regulations.
Example: Research on safer chemical reactor designs and
better safety protocols to prevent hazardous reactions or
explosions.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: Research helps
industries meet the regulatory standards set by environmental
agencies. This includes finding safer alternatives to harmful
chemicals, reducing emissions, and ensuring that industrial
processes do not adversely affect human health or the
environment.
Example: Developing low-VOC solvents or processes that reduce
air and water pollution.
 5. Technological Advancements and Automation

• Automation and Process Control: Research in industrial

chemistry leads to the development of advanced technologies that
automate chemical processes, ensuring higher precision, reduced
human error, and better reproducibility in manufacturing.
Example: The use of real-time monitoring and control systems
in chemical reactors that adjust parameters like temperature and
pressure automatically to optimize yields.
• Catalysis: Research into catalysis is critical for improving
industrial processes. Catalysts are used to speed up chemical
reactions, making processes more efficient and sustainable.
Example: Enzyme catalysis in the pharmaceutical and food
industries, or developing transition metal catalysts for more
efficient production of bulk chemicals.
 6. Research in Materials Science and Nanotechnology

•Advanced Materials: Industrial chemistry research focuses on

creating new materials with enhanced properties, such as
lightweight composites, nanomaterials, and high-strength polymers,
which are used in a variety of industries from aerospace to
electronics.
Example: Nanostructured materials for energy storage
devices like supercapacitors or lithium-ion batteries.
•Functional Materials: Research on materials that can perform
specific functions, such as conducting electricity, acting as sensors,
or catalyzing reactions, plays a crucial role in the development of
new technologies.
Example: Development of MXene-based electrodes for
energy storage systems or smart materials used in responsive
coatings or sensors.
Ethical Considerations in Research

o Ethical considerations are crucial in all scientific research, but

they are particularly important in industrial chemistry, where
the outcomes can directly affect human health, the
environment, and society at large.
o Ethical behavior in research ensures that results are
trustworthy, and that the research process respects the rights of
individuals and the integrity of the scientific community.
 Why do research integrity and ethics matter?

⁕ Research integrity and ethical behaviour lie at the heart of

excellent science and scholarship.
⁕ Researchers must be able to trust and build on the work of
others. They must also be trusted by society since they provide
knowledge and scientific expertise.
⁕ Responsible and evidence-based research is indispensable to
ensure the reliability of research results.
 RESEARCH METHODS & EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

☼Fundamental research, also known as basic research or pure

research does not usually generate findings that have immediate
applications in a practical level.

☼Fundamental research is driven by curiosity and the desire to

expand knowledge in specific research area.

☼This type of research makes a specific contribution to the academic

body of knowledge in the research area.
☼ Fundamental studies tend to make generalizations about the
phenomenon, and the philosophy of this type of studies can be
explained as ‘gathering knowledge for the sake of knowledge’.

☼ Fundamental researches mainly aim to answer the questions of

why, what or how and they tend to contribute the pool of
fundamental knowledge in the research area.
© Opposite to fundamental research is applied research that aims
to solve specific problems, thus findings of applied research do
have immediate practical implications.
Differences between Fundamental and Applied Research

 Fundamental research, studies individual cases without

generalizing, and recognizes that other variables are in constant
change.

 Applied research, on the contrary, seeks generalizations and

assumes that other variables do not change.
 Fundamental research Applied research
- Expand knowledge of processes of - Improve understanding of particular
business and management business or management problem
- Results in universal principles - Results in solution to problem
relating to the process and its - New knowledge limited to problem
Purpose relationship to outcomes
- Findings of practical relevance and
- Findings of significance and value to value to manager(s) in organization(s)
society in general

- Undertaken by people based in - Undertaken by people based in a

Context universities variety of settings including
- Choice of topic and objectives organizations and universities
determined by the researcher - Objectives negotiated with
originator

- Flexible time scales - Tight time scales

 Examples of Basic Research

 How did the university begin?

 What are protons, neutrons, and electrons composed of?

 How do slime moulds reproduce?

 What is the specific genetic code of the fruit fly?

o Basic research and applied research are two primary approaches
to scientific inquiry, each serving distinct purposes and
contributing to the advancement of knowledge and technology
in different ways.
1. Basic Research:

• Purpose: Basic research, also known as fundamental or

pure research, aims to expand our understanding of
fundamental principles and phenomena without necessarily
focusing on practical applications.
• Goals: The primary goal of basic research is to enhance
scientific knowledge, uncover underlying mechanisms, and
explore the unknown.
• Outcome: While the immediate applications of basic
research may not be apparent, it lays the groundwork for future
discoveries and innovations by providing a deeper
understanding of the natural world.

• Examples: Studies exploring the structure of atoms,

investigating the behavior of subatomic particles, understanding
the genetic code, and exploring the fundamental principles of
chemistry and physics are all examples of basic research.
 2. Applied Research:

• Purpose: Applied research is directed towards addressing

specific problems or challenges, often with the intention of
developing practical solutions or improving existing processes,
products, or technologies.
• Goals: The primary goal of applied research is to generate
knowledge that can be directly utilized to solve real-world
problems or meet specific needs in various fields, including
technology, medicine, engineering, and agriculture.
• Outcome: Applied research typically produces tangible
outcomes that have immediate practical implications, such as
new products, techniques, or methodologies, which can be
implemented to address specific issues or improve existing
systems.
• Examples: Developing new medical treatments or drugs,
designing more efficient renewable energy technologies,
improving agricultural practices to increase crop yields, and
optimizing manufacturing processes are all examples of applied
research
 In summary:

⁂ Basic research is driven by curiosity and the pursuit of

knowledge for its own sake, while applied research is focused
on solving practical problems and producing useful outcomes.
⁂ Both types of research are essential for advancing scientific
understanding and technological innovation, with basic
research providing the foundation upon which applied research
builds to address societal needs and challenges.
 Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research Qualitative research

 A type of research in which  A type of research in

the researcher decides what which the researcher
to study relies on the views of the
participants
 Analysis and Interpretation of data

o Analysis and interpretation of data in experimental researches

are crucial steps that help researchers draw meaningful
conclusions from their studies.
o Here's a general guide on how to conduct analysis and
interpretation of data in experimental research:
1. Data Preparation: Before analysis can begin, the data
collected from the experiment need to be organized and
prepared.
 - This involves cleaning the data to remove any errors or
inconsistencies, coding categorical variables, and ensuring
that all data points are properly labeled.

2. Descriptive Statistics: Descriptive statistics provide a summary

of the main features of the data.
- This includes measures such as mean, median, mode,
standard deviation, range, and percentiles.
- Descriptive statistics help researchers to understand the basic
characteristics of the data set.
3. Inferential Statistics: Inferential statistics are used to make
inferences or predictions about a population based on a sample of
data.
- Common inferential statistical techniques include hypothesis
testing, confidence intervals, regression analysis, and analysis of
variance (ANOVA).
- These techniques help researchers determine whether any
observed differences or relationships in the data are statistically
significant.
4. Interpretation of Results: Once the data have been analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistics, researchers need to
interpret the results in the context of their research question or
hypothesis.
- This involves considering the practical significance of any
observed effects as well as their statistical significance.
- Researchers should also discuss any limitations of the study
and potential alternative explanations for the results.
5. Discussion and Conclusion: Finally, researchers should
discuss the implications of their findings and how they
contribute to existing knowledge in the field.
- This may involve comparing the results to previous
research, discussing practical applications of the findings, and
suggesting directions for future research.
6. Visualization: Visual aids such as charts, graphs, and tables
can help illustrate the patterns and relationships present in the
data, making it easier for both researchers and readers to
understand the findings.

7. Peer Review: It's important for researchers to subject their

analysis and interpretation to peer review, where other experts in
the field evaluate the rigor and validity of their methods and
conclusions.
 Overall, careful and thorough analysis and interpretation of
data are essential for ensuring that experimental research
yields reliable and meaningful results.