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A Course In Research Methodology

Shubh N. Singh Si
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Department of Mathematics
School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science
Central University of South Bihar
Gaya–824236, Bihar, Bharat
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 0.1. RESEARCH PROBLEMS 1

We often find the following sentences in Mathematics Textbooks:

ˆ Solve the following problem.

ˆ Provide a solution to the following problem.

ˆ Provide an answer to the following question.

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Question: is a sentence or phrase that asks you for information or clarifica-

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tion.
Examples:
ˆ That is a good question
ˆ I will ask you a few questions

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ˆ Have you any questions about the scheme?
ˆ Let me answer that question directly

Answer: is a thing written or said in reaction to a question

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Problem: means
ˆ an issue that requires a solution
ˆ a situation that causes difficulties and that needs to be dealt with
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Examples:
ˆ You have some health problems
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ˆ I am having problems with my computer

ˆ Drugs have become a serious problem in the area

Solution: is an answer to a problem.

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0.1 Research Problems

Question 0.1.1. What is a research problem?
Ans. A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that
a researcher aims to address through their study.

The following are a few examples of research problems in mathematics:

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Goldbach’s Conjecture: It states that every even integer greater than 2

can be expressed as the sum of two prime numbers. Despite extensive
computational verification for large even numbers, a general proof
remains elusive.

Twin Prime Conjecture: It states that there are infinitely many pairs of

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prime numbers that differ by 2. For examples, (3, 5), (11, 13), (17, 19).
Although many twin primes have been discovered, proving that an

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infinite number of such pairs exist is still open.

Distribution of Prime Numbers: Understanding the distribution of prime

numbers is a central theme in number theory.

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Diophantine Equations: Diophantine equations are polynomial equations
with integer solutions. Solving particular types of Diophantine equations
or studying their properties forms a significant area of research. Famous
examples include Fermat’s last Theorem, which remained unsolved for
over 350 years until Andrew Wiles provided a proof in 1994.
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You may choose to look for:

ˆ practical problems aimed at contributing to change

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ˆ theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge.

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The type of research problem you may choose depends on:

ˆ your broad topic of interest, and

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ˆ the type of research you think will fit best.

Question 0.1.2. Why is it important to formulate a clear and specific

research problem?

Ans. Formulating a clear and specific research problem is important because

it helps guide the research process, ensures focus, and enables the researcher
to generate meaningful findings.
 0.2. SELECTING A RESEARCH PROBLEM 3

0.2 Selecting a Research Problem

Selecting a research problem in mathematics can be an exciting and challenging
task. Here are some steps and considerations to help you in the process:

Identify your interests and strengths: Start by reflecting on your math-

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ematical interests and areas of strength. Consider the branches of
mathematics that captivate you the most and where you feel confident

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in your knowledge and skills. Research problems are more engaging
when they align with your passions and expertise.

Read extensively: Immerse yourself in the existing literature of mathemat-

ics, particularly in areas that interest you. Read research papers, books,

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and articles to understand the current state of knowledge, recent ad-
vancements, and open questions. This exploration can help you identify
gaps in the literature and potential research directions.

Consult with experts: Seek guidance from experienced mathematicians,

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professors, or mentors in the field. Discuss your interests and ideas with
them, and ask for their insights and suggestions. They can provide
valuable advice, recommend specific research areas, and even collaborate
with you on a potential problem.
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Attend conferences and seminars: Participate in mathematics confer-

ences, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on the latest research
trends and discussions. Engage in conversations with fellow mathemati-
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cians, presenters, and keynote speakers. These events can inspire new
ideas and expose you to potential research problems.

Collaborate and discuss: Engage in discussions with your peers, colleagues,

or other mathematicians. Brainstorm ideas, share insights, and discuss
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potential research problems. Collaborative environments often foster

creativity and generate novel research directions.

Start small: As a beginner, it may be helpful to start with smaller, well-

defined problems within a specific mathematical area. These problems
can serve as stepping stones to more significant research challenges.
They allow you to gain experience, develop problem-solving skills, and
build confidence before tackling larger, open-ended problems.
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Consider applicability and significance: Evaluate the applicability and

significance of the research problem you are considering. Does it have
potential applications in other fields? Does it address an important open
question or have implications for existing theories? Considering these
factors can help you choose a problem that contributes meaningfully to
the field.

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Seek feasibility and resources: Assess the feasibility of your research prob-
lem in terms of available resources, time, and expertise. Consider the
computational requirements, data availability, or experimental setups, if
applicable. It is important to choose a problem that can be reasonably
pursued given the resources at your disposal.

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Refine and narrow down: Once you have identified a potential research
problem, refine and narrow down its scope. Clearly define the prob-
lem statement and research objectives. Identify the specific research
questions or hypotheses that you aim to investigate.
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Seek feedback and iterate: Share your research problem statement and
objectives with peers, mentors, or professors to receive feedback. In-
corporate their suggestions and iterate on your problem statement as
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needed. This feedback loop can help you improve the clarity and quality
of your research problem.
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Remember that selecting a research problem is a dynamic process. It may

involve iteration, exploration, and refining over time. Stay curious, persistent,
and open to new ideas and perspectives.
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0.3 Necessity of Defining Research Problems

A well-defined research problem sets the foundation for conducting rigor-
ous mathematical research, guiding the exploration of new knowledge, and
contributing to the advancement of the field.
 0.4. TECHNIQUES INVOLVED IN DEFINING RESEARCH PROBLEMS5

0.4 Techniques Involved in Defining Research

Problems
Defining the research problem in mathematics involves several techniques and
considerations. Here are some techniques commonly used:

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Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing mathematical
literature and research to identify gaps, unresolved problems, or areas

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that require further investigation. This helps you situate your research
within the broader mathematical context and identify a problem that
aligns with the current state of knowledge.

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Consultation with Experts: Seek guidance and input from experts in the
field of mathematics. Engage in discussions with professors, researchers,
or professionals who have expertise in the specific area of mathematics
you are interested in. Their insights can help you identify research
problems that are relevant, significant, and intellectually challenging.
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Problem Identification: Identify specific mathematical problems or ques-
tions that intrigue you or have practical implications. This may involve
analyzing real-world scenarios, exploring mathematical puzzles, or con-
sidering applications of mathematical concepts in various domains. By
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identifying concrete problems, you can define a research problem that

addresses a specific challenge or advances mathematical theory.
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Formulating Research Questions: Craft research questions that encapsu-

late the essence of the research problem. These questions should be clear,
concise, and specific, aiming to explore the underlying mathematical
principles, relationships, or structures related to the problem. Research
questions guide your investigation and help establish the direction and
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focus of your research.

Defining Objectives: Clearly define the objectives or goals of your research.

These objectives should be aligned with the research problem and specify
what you aim to achieve through your study. Objectives could include
proving or disproving a mathematical conjecture, developing a new
mathematical model or algorithm, or investigating the properties of a
particular mathematical structure.
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Scope and Boundaries: Determine the scope and boundaries of your re-
search. Define the specific aspects or subtopics within the research
problem that you will focus on. This helps narrow down the scope of
your study and ensures that it remains manageable and feasible within
the resources and time available.

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Considerations of Relevance and Significance: Assess the relevance and
significance of the research problem. Consider the potential impact

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of your research on the field of mathematics, whether it addresses a
long-standing problem, contributes to existing theories, or has practical
applications. Understanding the relevance and significance helps to
justify the importance and value of your research.
Collaboration and Feedback: Engage in discussions and seek feedback

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from peers, mentors, or colleagues in the field of mathematics. Present
your research problem and seek their input, suggestions, and critiques.
Collaborative discussions can help refine and improve the definition of
your research problem, ensuring that it is well-developed and intellectu-
ally stimulating.
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0.5 Sources of a Research Problem
There are several sources from which a research problem in mathematics can
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emerge. Here are some common sources:

Existing Mathematical Literature: The existing body of mathematical
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literature is a valuable source for identifying research problems. By

reviewing research articles, books, conference proceedings, and journals,
you can identify gaps, unresolved issues, or open problems that require
further investigation. Building upon previous work or challenging
existing theories can lead to the formulation of new research problems.
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Real-World Applications: Many real-world problems can be approached

and solved using mathematical techniques. Exploring applications of
mathematics in various fields such as physics, engineering, economics,
computer science, or biology can provide inspiration for research prob-
lems. Analyzing real-world scenarios and problems often requires math-
ematical modeling, optimization, or data analysis, which can lead to
the formulation of research problems in mathematics.
 0.5. SOURCES OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM 7

Mathematical Puzzles and Conjectures: Mathematical puzzles, para-

doxes, or unsolved conjectures can serve as a rich source of research
problems. Investigating and attempting to solve these puzzles can
lead to the development of new mathematical theories, techniques, or
solutions. Unsolved conjectures, such as the Riemann Hypothesis or
the Collatz Conjecture, have intrigued mathematicians for decades,

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providing fertile ground for research investigations.

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Collaborative Discussions: Engaging in discussions and collaborative with
other mathematicians, researchers, or experts can generate research
problems. Conversations, brainstorming sessions, or interdisciplinary
collaborations can stimulate new ideas and perspectives, leading to
the identification of research problems that bridge different areas of

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mathematics or address novel challenges.

Educational Settings: Teaching mathematics at various levels, such as

high school or undergraduate courses, can highlight areas where stu-
dents struggle or encounter conceptual difficulties. These educational
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settings can provide insights into potential research problems related to
learning, pedagogy, or the development of innovative teaching methods
in mathematics.

Technological Advances: Advancements in technology often create new

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opportunities and challenges that can be addressed through mathe-

matical research. For example, the emergence of big data, machine
learning, cryptography, or network analysis has created a demand for
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mathematical techniques and algorithms. Research problems can arise

from the need to develop mathematical frameworks to tackle these
emerging technological issues.

Mathematical Communities and Conferences: Participating in mathe-

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matical communities, attending conferences, or being part of professional

organizations provides exposure to cutting-edge research and the latest
developments in mathematics. Interacting with peers and experts in
these settings can generate research problems, spark new ideas, and
facilitate collaborations.

Personal Interests and Curiosity: Personal interests, curiosity, and pas-

sion for specific areas of mathematics can lead to the formulation of
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research problems. Exploring topics that fascinate you or delve deeper

into mathematical concepts you find intriguing can result in the identifi-
cation of research problems that align with your interests and expertise.

0.6 Literature Review

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Iteration: is the process in which we start with an approximated value.

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Then using an iterative formula, we narrow in on a far more accurate
value (closure to the real value).

Ans. A literature review is a comprehensive review and analysis of the

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published literature on a specific topic.
A literature review must do the following:

ˆ Be organized around and related directly to the thesis or research

problem you are developing
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ˆ Synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known

ˆ Identify areas of controversy in the literature

ˆ Formulate questions that need further research.

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Question 0.6.1. What is the purpose of a literature review in the research

process?
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Ans. The purpose of a literature review is to provide an overview of existing

research and knowledge on a particular topic, identify gaps and research
problems, and provide a theoretical foundation for the research study.
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Question 0.6.2. How can a literature review help identify research gaps?

Ans. A literature review helps identify research gaps by highlighting areas

where limited or contradictory research exists, revealing unexplored aspects
or perspectives, and pointing out opportunities for further investigation.

Question 0.6.3. What are some common challenges researchers may en-
counter during the literature review process?
 0.6. LITERATURE REVIEW 9

Ans. Some challenges during the literature review process include finding
relevant and reliable sources, managing the volume of available literature,
avoiding bias in source selection, and synthesizing diverse information into a
coherent narrative.
Question 0.6.4. What are key components of a well-written research problem

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statement?
Ans. A well-written research problem statement should be clear, specific, and

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concise. It should identify the main research question or objective, describe
the target population or phenomenon of interest, and indicate the research
context or significance.
Question 0.6.5. Can a research problem evolve or change during the course

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of a study? Why or why not?
Ans. Yes, a research problem can evolve or change during a study. As
researchers delve deeper into the topic and gather new information, they may
refine or modify their research problem to better align with emerging insights
or address unforeseen issues.
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Question 0.6.6. What is the difference between a qualitative and a quanti-
tative research problem?
Ans. A qualitative research problem focuses on understanding meanings,
experiences, or perspectives, while a quantitative research problem emphasizes
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measurement, relationships, or cause-and-effect patterns.

Question 0.6.7. How can researchers ensure the credibility and reliability of
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the sources they include in their literature review?

Ans. Researchers can ensure the credibility and reliability of sources by
using peer-reviewed journals, reputable academic databases, and established
research institutions. They should critically evaluate the methodology, author
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credentials, and relevance of each source.

Question 0.6.8. How does a research problem contribute to the overall
research study?
Ans. A research problem contributes to the overall research study by provid-
ing a clear direction and purpose. It helps researchers establish the significance
of their work, identify the research objectives, and frame their study within
the broader academic context.
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Sources For Literature Review

A few key sources for literature review include:
ˆ Books
ˆ Journal articles

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ˆ Thesis
ˆ Conference proceedings.

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Check Your Progress
True or False Questions:

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1. A research problem should be specific and well-defined.

(A) True
(B) False Ans. A
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2. A literature review is an integral part of every research proposal, thesis,
and research article.

(A) True
(B) False Ans. A
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3. A thorough review of the literature is essential on your topic of interest.

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(A) True
(B) False Ans. A

4. The literature review usually comes at the begining of the dissertation

before the methodology section.
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(A) True
(B) False Ans. A

5. One clue that you have covered sufficient in your literature review is
when further searches provide mainly references you have already read.

(A) True
 0.6. LITERATURE REVIEW 11

(B) False Ans. A

6. During a literature review, students need to be cautious of some materi-

als, particularly material found online because the quality is unknown.

(A) True

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(B) False Ans. A

7. A literature review should simply report the articles you have read.

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(A) True
(B) False Ans. B

8. A research problem should be formulated before conducting a literature

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review.

(A) True
(B) False Ans. ?
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9. A literature review should only include studies that support the re-
searcher’s hypothesis.

(A) True
(B) False Ans. B
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10. Peer-reviewed means that research has been reviewed and evaluated by
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experts in the field before it is published.

(A) True
(B) False Ans. A

11. Some journals are published on behalf of professional bodies.

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(A) True
(B) False Ans. A

12. The significance of your research and what you find out will inevitably
be judged in relation to other people’s research and their findings.

(A) True
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(B) False Ans. A

MCQ:

1. What is the purpose of conducting a literature review in research?

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(A) To summarize the research findings

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(B) To identify research gaps and research problems
(C) To validate the research methodology
(D) To conclude the research study Ans. B

2. Which of the following sources can be used to conduct a literature

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review?

(A) Peer-reviewed journal articles

(B) Personal blogs and opinion pieces
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(C) Social media posts
(D) Wikipedia articles Ans. A

3. In a literature review, what is the purpose of synthesizing the findings

of previous studies?
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(A) To create a comprehensive list of references

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(B) To identify the key themes and trends in the existing research
(C) To present a summary of the research design and methodology
(D) To provide a critical analysis of the research findings Ans. B

4. What is the primary purpose of a research problem statement?

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(A) To provide a summary of the research findings

(B) To explain the research methodology
(C) To justify the importance of the research study
(D) To present the research limitations Ans. C

5. Which of the following statements best describes a research problem?

 0.6. LITERATURE REVIEW 13

(A) A statement of the researcher’s personal opinion

(B) A statement of the research objectives
(C) A statement of the research question to be addressed
(D) A statement of the research methods to be used Ans. C

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6. (A)
(B)

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(C)
(D)

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0.7 General Structure and Layout of Articles

Title: The title of your article is one of the first indicators readers will get
of your research and concepts. It should be concise, accurate, and
informative. You should include your most relevant keywords in your
title, but avoid including abbreviations and formulae.

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Abstract: The purpose of your abstract is to express the key points of
your research, clearly and concisely. An abstract must always be well

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considered, as it is the primary element of your work that readers will
come across.
An abstract should be a short paragraph (around 200 words) that
summarizes the findings of your journal article. Ordinarily, an abstract

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will be comprised of:
ˆ What your research is about
ˆ What methods have been used
ˆ What your main findings are
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Key Words: Keywords are an essential part of producing a journal article.
When writing a journal article you must select keywords that you would
like your article to rank for.
Keywords help potential readers to discover your article when conducting
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research using search engines.

Introduction: An introduction is a pivotal part of the article writing process.
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An introduction not only introduces your topic and your stance on the
topic, but it also (situates/contextualizes) your argument in the broader
academic field.
Preliminaries and Notations:
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Main Body: The main body is where your main arguments and your evi-
dence are located. Each paragraph will encapsulate a different notion
and there will be clear linking between each paragraph.
Conclusions: Your conclusion should be an interpretation of your results,
where you summarize all of the concepts that you introduced in the
main body of the text in order of most to least important. No new
concepts are to be introduced in this section.
 0.7. GENERAL STRUCTURE AND LAYOUT OF ARTICLES 15

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements can appear to be a small aspect of

your journal article, however it is still important. This is where you
acknowledge the individuals who do not qualify for co-authorship, but
contributed to your article intellectually, financially, or in some other
manner.

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When you acknowledge someone in your academic texts, it gives you
more integrity as a writer as it shows that you are not claiming other
academic’s ideas as your own intellectual property. It can also aid your

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readers in their own research journeys.

References:

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 Bibliography

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[4] Howie, J. M. Fundamentals of Semigroup Theory. Oxford University

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[5] Ljapin, E. S. Semigroups. American Mathematical Society, Providence,

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[6] Pei, H. Equivalences, α-Semigroups and α-Congruences. Semigroup

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[7] Buckley, S. M. Why do research in pure mathematics?. Irish Math. Soc.

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[8] Open Educational Resources for K-12 Education in India. Central Square
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[9] Neil Butcher and Associates Understanding Open Educational Resources.

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