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Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
Lecture-1( 02/11/08)
Research:
Find out new information based on previous information is research. It would be new information about
science or literature. Information may be positive or negative.
Research is the search or find out new information based on previous information.
Research is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic.
Research is a careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any
branch of knowledge.
Research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested
solutions: collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching
conclusions; and last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the
formulating hypothesis.
New information must be collected in a research work.
Research may be positive or negative. It would be new information of Literature, Science,
History, socioeconomic condition etc.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
Factors affecting the data collection method: Data collection method may depend on:
Title
Problem and Time period.
Types of data collection based on aim and study: There are mainly two types of data:
1) Primary data collection:
The primary data are those which are collected afresh and for the first time, and thus happen to
be original in character. Which data are not collected by anyone earlier.
2) Secondary data collection:
The secondary data are those which have already been collected by someone else and which
have already been passed through the statistical process.
The secondary data are those which already have been published earlier in Journal or Paper or
Thesis or Books or Report , newspaper etc i.e. any form of publication.
- Type of data collection will depend on aim / title.
Types of research based on data collection technique:
Research can be divided into two categories based on data collection technique:
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
ii) Laboratory data- remarkable area or restricted area data. Biochemical analysis, tissue
culture analysis are done based on laboratory data.
Laboratory data may be two types-
a) Internal laboratory data- calculation of COD, BOD.
b) Field laboratory data- measuring of co2. It has both observatory and experimental data.
Photograph / Map:
- is a source of data.
-Supporting data of above observatory and experimental data.
Research is dependent on time period.
1) Under supervised research (For academic purpose all researcher should need a guide)
2) Independent research
As we are the students of environmental science we should aware about this i.e. considers all sorts of
factor. If we have neglect any factor then we will not get a good result and that will be invalid for the
betterment of our natural environment.
PRA (Participatory rural appraisal) -group discussion
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
day. So we need to protect as well as conserve this natural resources. For this reason research is very
important.
Research is important in environmental science for the following reason:
Several scientific disciplines like biochemistry, physics, mathematics, biotechnology,
chemistry, botany, toxicology, remote sensing and engineering have an inter-face with
environmental science. i.e. Environmental science is a multidisciplinary subject and all
problems that are arising are related to this, so environmental science is research based.
Environmental science is primarily concerned with how humanity affects and in turn is
affected by other living organisms and the non-living physical environment.
Students get an exposure to varied subjects such as biodiversity, microbiology, pollution
control methods, disaster management, environment impact studies and conservation of
natural resources.
Environmental science students can research on pollution control, public health, irrigation
and agriculture, chemical industries, Industrial Toxicology, Environment Protection and
Training.
Environmental Science has become an important part of urban planning including the
construction of houses, sanitation, water management and waste disposal.
Any course of development today requires the guidance of an environmental specialist who is
basically expert in research work.
For solving or minimizing any kind of problem we need research.
Livelihood pattern are decreasing today because of increasing population. For improving the
livelihood pattern and social environment we need research. Both of this two are related to
environment.
If we can make a good social environment, we would be able to make a good natural
environment also. Good social environment is also dependent on the natural resources like
forestry, fisheries, biodiversity etc. which all are related with environment.
For sustainable use of natural resources research is very much important.
To make a good environment we do research because research provides good idea to manage
natural resource in step by step.
Research provides some methodology to collect the data.
Social conflict, political environment, educational condition, health condition, natural
resources etc. are related to each other in the environment. so For improving our
environmental condition we should do research.
If we would be able to confirm people about food, cloths, residence, recreation etc. then
political environment will also be good. We can also be able to use our natural resources in a
sustainable way.
Questions :
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
lecture-3:(16/11/08)
Primary data:
-Impact of market prize on the family.
-Impact of salinity on the child health.
-Impact of water decreasing of Padma river.
-Impact of fish scarcity on the people.
Example of some experimental field of research:
Increasing the Market price of rice and its impact on livelihood pattern or Environment.
Environmental impact of salinity in livelihood pattern.
Impact of decreasing water flow during dry season in Padma floodplain.
Impact of Cyclone in chorlands.
Impact of fish scarcity in livelihood pattern of fisherman in coastal area.
Major data collection procedure:
1) Interview
2) Questionnaire survey
3) Case study
4) PRA ( Participatory Rural Appraisal )
5) FGD ( Focus Group Discussion)
1) Interview:
- Short period of time, personally / indirectly by telephone.
- Method varies from person to person. It depends on our aim and objective.
- Based on some selective question. Ask a particular person about a particular subject.
- It gives us rational information.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
lecture-4:(17/11/08)
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
2) Questionnaire survey:
This method of data collection is quite popular, particularly in case of big enquiries. It is being adopted by
private individuals, research workers, private and public organizations and even by governments.
- By developing some question based on our objective step by step.
In this method a questionnaire is sent to the persons concerned with a request to answer the questions and
return the questionnaire. A questionnaire consist of number of questions printed or typed in a definite
order on a form or set of forms. The respondents have to answer the questions on their own.
The following type of questions should generally be avoided as opening questions in a questionnaire:
Questions that put too great strain on the memory or intellect of the
respondent
Question of a personal character
Question related to personal wealth, etc.
- We can collect data from large area at a very short time.
- Here we can also collect the answer of the supplying question by post method.
- When we supply question into more people, we can get more significant data.
- We can get more than 80% significant data by this method.
- Manipulation is very poor here.
- Possibility of getting correct information here more.
Advantages of questionnaire survey method:
There is Low cost.
It is free from the bias of the interviewer.
Respondents have adequate time to give well through own answers.
Large sample can be made use of and the can be made more dependable and reliable.
Demerits of questionnaire survey method:
Low rate of return of the duly filled in questionnaires.
It can be used only when respondents are educated and cooperating.
The control over questionnaire may be lost once it is sent.
It is difficult to know whether willing respondents are truly representative.
This method is likely to be slowest of all.
By post we will not get 100% feedback.
This is a difficult process, when data collector is not honest and information is
collected from illiterate person.
3) Case study:
The case study is a very popular form of qualitative analysis and involves a careful and complete
observation of a social unit, be that unit a person, a family, an institution, a cultural group or even
the entire community.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
The case study places more emphasis on the full analysis of a limited number of events or
conditions and their interrelations.
This method is done particularly on affected person, family of the study area.
If we study on total life pattern of any family round the year or twelve month is case study.
Case study is essentially an intensive investigation of the particular unit under consideration.
The objective of the case study method is to locate the factors that account for the behavior-
patterns of the given unit as an integrated totality.
This is a kind of study which we are doing on a particular family on a particular issue round the
year otherwise we would not be able to get reliable information.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
lecture-5:(23/11/08)
4. PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal):
- It is one kind of interview process.
- In this process we can collect all information within a very short time.
- Here we go to a village or house and call all members of that houses, then ask question.
- Here we get the common idea because we ask common question to all and after discussion we get
common information.
- To get all information’s from a particular area PRA can be used. As for example- Collect the
information from a fisherman community in Sundarban area.
- This type of study mainly done in a rural area.
- This is as like as conference.
- It also called participatory approach.
- Here we can collect real or exact information.
- This is more applicable than others.
- This type of survey is mainly done by NGOs.
- All points would be gathered by PRA by the additional information which can contain some new
information.
- This is important for any kind of socioeconomic survey.
- We can get socioeconomic culture, indigenous knowledge etc.
- All points which we like to highlights will get from here.
- This is one kind of social study, community study.
- Better manipulation is not possible here.
Advantages:
- A common idea can be found.
- We can get real data. It is more applicable than questionnaire survey method.
- All points which we are wanted to highlights can be found in addition to this we can get more
additional information through discussion.
- Data manipulation is not possible.
- It insures the participation of all communities.
- All data can be collected within short period.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
Limitations:
- It is more expensive for this it is not applicable for student to apply these methods.
- It is only applicable for NGO’s.
- There may arise conflicts between different communities.
- Individuals can do it.
- Time consuming.
- Spend money.
- Students can choice a family in PRA. Here possibility of getting real information is less.
- Social conflict is a problem.
5) FGD (Focus Group Discussion)
This type of survey is not applicable for students, this is done by organization and costly.
This is the study which ensuring the participation of all stakeholder in all level.
Here we can divide focus group into four:
(a) Beneficiary group
o It may be small group in number.
(b) Marketing group
o Marketing group actually collect the information from beneficiary group.
(c) Elite group
o Sometimes they are creating some problems.
o They are totally different from beneficiary and marketing group.
o They are almost educated and rich people like Government official, legal
adviser etc.
o Politician is major participator in Elite group.
(d) Government or Non-government organization.
o Government or Non-government authority or members.
o Law and order committee.
o politician, local government i.e. member, chairman etc.Gobs, NGOs
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
lecture-7:(12/01/09)
Data analysis:
1. Simple correlation or regression- between two parameters. The relation between X and
Y is simple correlation. Simple relation may be positively (+) significant or may be
negatively (-) significant.
2. Multiple correlations- more than two parameters The relation between X with X1, Y1, Z1 is
multiple correlations.
X1
Y1
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
Z1
Both relations may be or may not be significant relation and may be positive or may be negative relation.
Equation:
r= ............................................................... (I)
Where,
Example: if the market price of rice is increased 1 taka then if the market price of other price
increased then it is positive significant relation. If the market price of other product decreases
then it is negative significant relation. If the relation may show more than 70% then it is
significant one. Raw data is not suitable for correlation.
T-test:
The relation is significant or non significant can be analyzed by T-test. It is the initiative of any
program.
ANOVA:
The full meaning of ANOVA is Analysis of Variance. By ANOVA table we can show the multiple
variance relationship between different variables. PH and CO2 show negative relationship. If any
water body contains CO2 then CO3 will not present. So there will be a negative relationship. P H
and CO3- alkalinity show positive relation.
Anoxia:
Total absent of O2 in a water body is called anoxia. BOD will be high in this water body. So the
relation will be a negative one.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
If Ca increases in a water body then total hardness will be increase. So the relation will be
a positive one.
lecture-8:(18/01/09)
Spot analysis: Spot will become a column heading. Parameters will be co-related with spot
headings. After a basic primary table we have to draw a secondary table which will show the
relation between different parameters.
Secondary table will base on primary data which will show the relationship. For paper
publication comparative table is needed. In thesis paper both basic table and comparative table is
needed. There is also needed statistical table. Table should always present in result and
discussion.
Result Observation
Result can be used as a tabular form of data Observation can be used for supporting
or as a graphical data form explanation of a data but can’t be used as a
data form or table form
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
It cannot be done for the explanation of a It can be used for the explanation of a data
data
It shows the total scenery of observation It can be used for mentioning and for
supporting
- Result is one kind of observation and observation is also one kind of result.
Graphical Presentation:
X – axis showing the name of parameter and Y – axis showing the time frame.
i) Bar graph:
Presentation of data in a bar or pillar mode is called bar graph. In a bar graph we can show more
than two parameters at a time.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
Parameters Legend
Column graph
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
Area graph
Stock graph
Doughnut graph
Bobble graph
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
Radar graph
XY (Scatter)
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
lecture-9:(19/01/09)
Report:
Report may be different types. Such as-
1. Project report
2. project thesis
3. Thesis for M. Phil/M.S./PhD
Project report:
Project report may be different kinds. This are-
1. Small project report- time limitation is < 1 years
2. 5 years project report- time limitation is 1-5 years
3. Long time project report( > 5 yrs )
four types of report. This are-
1. Primary report- based on primary survey
2. Intermittent or interim report- after 3or 4 months report based on project proposal.
3. Draft report- before final report we have to submit these report.
4. Final report- the final presentation of a report.
SEMP- Sustainable Environmental Management Program.
Project report is a development research.
Project thesis:
It is one kind of Academic research which is done in under graduate level for the fulfillment of the
degree. Time period is less than 1 years.
Types of project thesis:
I. Undergraduate thesis.
II. MSc thesis
III. PHD thesis
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
1. Introduction:
Introduction should include the following things
Background or rationale of the study
Aims and objectives
Review of literature
2. Materials and Methods:
Materials and methods should include the following things
Study area description
o Map
o Scale
o Position ( latitude and longitude )
o Study area map
o Study spots map (within study area)
o North arrow direction
o Rainfall
o Forest cover
o Vegetation etc.
o Rainfall and temperature
o Geographical information
o Longitude and latitude
Collection of the samples
Discuss the methods
Methodology (with references)
Observation and Results
Data presentation
Only our own findings (without any references)
Discussion:
- Interpret data.
- All causes and also interpretation ship between all factors discuss here. Then conclusion.
- Conclusion should be included here in a very nutshell and under subtitle condition.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
References
References can represent in various ways.
Two types:
1) Original reference
2) Not seen in original paper
Reference should be written in the following way:
Rahman, A. M. 1998. Impact of Environmental changes on the topdying of Sundary. Journal of
Environmental Science 16(2): 67-72.
-Writer name-Year of publication-Title-Journal name-page number.
-For example: Rahman, A. M. 1998. Impact of Environmental Changes on the Sundari tree. Journal of
Biological Science16 (2): 62-71.
-If more writer then in the following way:
Rahman. M. A, A. K. M Islam, M. Rahim and A. Z. M. Firoj.
Contents:
- List of map
- List of table
- List of figure/photograph
- List of abbreviation
Abstract:
Include following four things:
1) Title
2) Time period
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
3) Basic findings/Result
4) Basic conclusion
Academic research:
- Academic research is necessary for acquiring particular degree.
- Workshop, seminar, symposium, not necessary in academic research.
Format of a Academic Report:
Title
Dedication
Declaration
Certificate
Acknowledgement
Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Maps
List of Abbreviation
Abstract
Title
Time period
Basic findings
Basic conclusion.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
Time period
Basic findings
Conclusion
Keywords
Introduction
In methodology references must be used such as APHA, 1998. If there is more than two
researcher is present than we have to use et al.
Result and observation: There should be no references. Only findings can be mentioned.
Questions :
Discuss the procedure to write a academic thesis.
Discuss the procedure to write the references.
Discuss the necessary components for preparing a academic thesis or research report.
Discuss the procedure to write a academic thesis.
Discuss the procedure to write references.
Discuss the procedure of necessary components for preparing Academic research report or thesis.
lecture-10:(25/01/09)
Developmental research:
- This is held by NGO or Governmental organization.
- Introduction
- Materials and methods
- Findings of this thesis
- Summary
- Conclusion
- Recommendation
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
- In recommendation some suggestions and brief project finding are included which should follow for
solving the problem.
- Literature review is not necessary here.
- Points are included in results and discussion chapter.
- Photographs and activity chart are included in material and methods or findings.
- Emphasis on graphical representation.
- Preamble is necessary before starting every chapter in developmental research.
- They explain only the activities which are done within the given time.
- TOR refers Terms of References.
- Developmental Project report give the financial and establishment report.
- At first establishment report are necessary after introduction and it includes number of people engaged,
time duration, purpose of the result etc.
- At last financial cost and it includes travel expenses, printing cost, binding cost and paper cost and other
expenditure.
- Symposium, seminar and workshop are necessary for developmental research and on the basis of these
final reports are made.
- Project proposal by an organization or donor agency is also necessary.
- Organization or donor agency would give the budget step by step according to their quaternary activities
and would visit the project at any time also.
- For large money project especially greater than 20 lakh taka project researcher should arrange a work
shop before going to the field survey of the research. This is called inception work shop. Here researcher
submits his proposal, methods and methodology.
-Physeability study or base line survey should complete before this workshop.
Development research is done by the NGO’s and GOB’s.
Differentiation between academic research and development research are given below
Development research Academic research
It gives the emphasis on graphical presentation It does not gives the emphasis on graphical
presentation
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
It should include the following topics- It should include the following topics-Introduction,
Introduction, Materials and Methods, Findings of the Materials and Methods, Observation and results,
research, Summary, References Discussion, References
Financial report and establishment report must given Financial report and establishment report is not
necessary
Preamble are necessary Preamble are not necessary
Financial report:
Financial report should include the following things-
Travel cost
Primary cost
Different expenditure cost such as printing cost
Final report
Budget can be changed before inception report. After inception report no change is made.
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Research Methodology
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline
Question:
Difference between academic research report and developmental research report.
Discuss the details on presentation of academic thesis of development project or project report.
Prepare a project proposal for any developmental research.
How can you prepare a project report?
Discuss the details procedure to prepare the final report of a project.
Research Methodology
Made By ----
Muhammad Mahadi
Environmental Science Discipline.
A Student Of Environmental Science Discipline
Khulna University.
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