9 Application of Computer in Research

P.G. Padma Gowri

Introduction:

The computers are the emerging tool in the research process. The main components of Computers are an input device, a Central Processing Unit and an output device. It is an essential tool for research, whether for academic purpose or for commercial purpose. Computers play a major role today in every field of scientific research from genetic engineering to astrophysics research.

Computers with internet led the way to a globalized information portal that is the World Wide Web. Using WWW, researcher can conduct research on massive scale. Various programs and applications have eased our way into computing our research process. In this module, various computer software applications and tools are discussed with respect to research activities like data collection, analysis, etc.

Objectives:

• Understand the Features of computers.
• To know various steps involved in research process.
• Role of Computers in Research Publication.
• Introduction of Analysis Tools used in research process.

Features of a computer:-

There are many reasons why computers are so important in scientific research and here are some of the reasons are:

SPEED: computer can process numbers and information in a very short time. So researcher can process and analyze data quickly. By saving time researcher can conduct further research. A calculation that may take a person several hours to process will take computer mere minutes, if not seconds.

STORAGE DEVICE– Computer can store and retrieve huge data. It can be used when needed.

There is no risk of forgetting and loosing data.

ACCURACY: Computer is incredibly accurate. Accuracy is very much important in scientific research. Wrong calculation could result an entire research or project being filled with incorrect information.

ORGANIZATION: We can store millions of pages of information by using simple folders, word processors & computer programs. Computer is more productive & safer than using a paper filing system in which anything can be easily misplaced.

CONSISTENCY: computer cannot make mistakes through “tiredness” or lack of concentration like human being. This characteristic makes it exceptionally important in scientific research. Large calculations can be done with accuracy and speed with the help of computer.

Automatic Device– The programs which are run on computer are automatic through some instructions

Computational Tools

Computers started for the use of powerful calculators, and that service is important to research today. Huge amount of data can process with the help of computer’s. Statistical programs, modelling programs and spatial mapping tools are all possible use of computers. Researchers can use information in new ways, example layering different types of maps on one another to discover new patterns in how people use their environment.

Communication

Building knowledge through research requires communication between experts to identify new areas requiring research and debating results and ideas. Before the invention of computers, this was accomplished through papers and workshops. Now, the world’s experts can communicate via web chatsor email. Information can be spread various ways example by virtual conferences

Mobility:

Researchers can take computers anywhere, it is easier to conduct field research and collect large amount of data. New areas of research in remote areas or at a community level are carried out by the mobility of computers. Social media sites have a new medium for interaction with society and collect the information.

The Steps in Research Process

Research process consists of series of actions necessary to carry out research work effectively The sequencing of these steps listed below

1. Formulating the research problem;
2. Extensive literature survey;
3. Developing the hypothesis;
4. Preparing the research design;
5. Determining sample design;
6. Data Collection;
7. Project Execution;
8. Data Analysis;
9. Hypothesis testing;
10. Generalizations and interpretation,
11. Preparation of the report or presentation of the results, i.e., formal write-up of conclusions of the research.

Computers in Research

Computers are used in scientific research extremely and it is an important tool .Research process can also be done through computers. Computers are very useful and important tool for processing huge number of samples. It has many storage devices like compact discs and auxiliary memories. Data can be used from these storage devices and retrieved later on. There are various steps necessary to effectively carry out research and the desired sequencing of these steps in the research process.This data can be used for different phases of research process.

There are five major phases of the research process:

1. Conceptual phase
2. Design and planning phase
3. Data collection phase
4. Data Analysis phase and
5. Research Publication phase

Conceptual Phase and Computer

The conceptual phase consists of formulation of research problem, extensive literature survey, theoretical frame work and developing the hypothesis.

Computer helps in searching the existing literature in the relevant field of research. It helps in finding the relevant existing research papers so that researcher can find out the gap from the existing literature. Computers help for searching the literatures and bibliographic reference stored in the electronic database of the World Wide Web’s.

It can be used for storing relevant published articles to the retrieved whenever needed. This has the advantage over searching the literatures in the form of journals, books and other newsletters at the libraries which consume considerable amount of time and effort.

Bibliographic references can also be stored in World Wide Web. In the latest computers, references can be written easily in different styles. Researcher need not visit libraries .It helps to increase time for research. It helps researchers to know how theoretical framework can be built.

Design and Planning Phase and Computer

Computer can be used for, deciding population sample, questionnaire designing and data collection. They are different internet sites which help to design questionnaire. Software’s can be used to calculate the sample size. It makes pilot study of the research possible. In pilot study, sample size calculation, standard deviations are required. Computer helps in doing all these activities.

Role of Computers in Data collection phase

Empirical phase consists of collecting and preparing the data for analysis:

In research studies, the preparation and computation of data are the most labor-intensive and time consuming aspect of the work. Typically the data will be initially recorded on a questionnaire or record for suitable for its acceptance by the computer. To do this the researcher in connection with the statistician and the programmer, will convert the data into Microsoft word file or excel spreadsheet or any statistical software data file. These data can be directly used with statistical Software’s for analysis.

Data collection and Storage:

The data obtained from the research subjects are stored in computes in the form of word files or excel spread sheets or any statistical software data file. This has the advantage of making necessary corrections or editing the whole layout of the tables if needed, which is impossible or time consuming incase of writing in hand written. Thus, computers help in data editing, data entry, and data management including follow up actions etc. computers also allow for greater flexibility in recording and processing the data while they are collected as well as greater ease during the analysis of these data.

Data exposition:

The researchers are anxious about seeing the data: what they look like; how they are distributed etc. Researchers also examine different dimension of variables or plot them in various charts using a statistical application.

Data Analysis and Computer:

Data Analysis and Computer phase consist of the analysis of data, interpretation and hypothesis testing. Data analysis phase consist of statistical analysis of the data and interpretation of results. Data analysis and interpretation can be done with the help of computers. For data analysis, software’s available. These software help in using the techniques for analysis like average, percentage, correlation and all the mathematical calculations.

Software’s used for data analysis are SPSS, STATA, SYSAT etc. Computers are useful not only for statistical analysis, but also to monitor the accuracy and completeness of the data as they are collected. This software’s also display the results in graphical chart or graph form.

Computers are used in interpretation also. They can check the accuracy and authenticity of data. It helps is drafting tables by which a researcher can interpret the results easily. These tables give a clear proof of the interpretation made by researcher.

Role of Computer in Research Publication

After interpretation, computer helps is converting the results into a research article or report which can be published. This phase consists of preparation of the report or presentation of the results, i.e., formal write-up of conclusions reached. This is the research publication phase. The research article, research paper, research thesis or research dissertation is typed in word processing software and converted to portable data format (PDF) and stored and/or published in the world wide web. Online sites are available through we can convert our word file into any format like html, pdf etc.

Various online applications are also available for this purpose. Even one can prepare our document using online word processing software and can store/edit/access it from anywhere using internet.

References and computer:

After completing the word document, a researcher need to give source of the literature studied and discussed in references. Computers also help in preparing references. References can be written in different styles. All the details of author’s journals, publication volume Books can be filled in the options “reference‟ given in computer and it automatically change the information into the required style. Software used to manage the references.

A researcher needs not to worry about remembering all the articles from where literature in taken, it can be easily managed with the help of computers.

Simulation:

Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time. Simulation is used in many contexts, such as simulation of technology for performance optimization, safety engineering, testing, training, education, and video games. Often, computer experiments are used to study simulation models. Simulation can be used to show the eventual real effects of alternative conditions and courses of action. Simulation is mainly used when the real system cannot be engaged, because it may not be accessible, or it may be dangerous or unacceptable to engage, or it is being designed but not yet built, or it may simply not exist. Using computers the simulation in research carried out in various fields.

Role of Computers in Scientific Research:

There are various computer applications used in scientific research. Some of the most important applications used in scientific research are data storage, data analysis, scientific simulations, instrumentation control and knowledge sharing.

Data Storage

Experimentation is the basis of scientific research. Scientific experiment in any of the natural sciences generates a lot of data that needs to be stored and analyzed to derive important conclusions, to validate or disprove hypotheses. Computers attached with experiential apparatuses, directly record data as its generated and subject it to analysis through specially designed software. Data storage is possible in SPSS data file, lotus spreadsheet, excel spreadsheet, DOS text file etc

Data Analysis

Analyzing Huge number of statistical data is made possible using specially designed algorithms that are implemented by computers. This makes the extremely time-consuming job of data analysis to be matter of a few minutes. In genetic engineering, computers have made the sequencing of the entire human genome possible. Data got from different sources can be stored and accessed via computer networks set up in research labs, which makes collaboration simpler.

Scientific Simulations

One of the prime uses of computers in pure science and engineering projects is the running of simulations. A simulation is a mathematical modeling of a problem and a virtual study of its possible solutions.

For example, astrophysicists carry out structure formation simulations, which are aimed at studying how large-scale structures like galaxies are formed. Space missions to the Moon, satellite launches and interplanetary missions are first simulated on computers to determine the best path that can be taken by the launch vehicle and spacecraft to reach its destination safely.

Instrumentation Control

Most advanced scientific instruments come with their own on-board computer, which can be programmed to execute various functions. For example, the Hubble Space Craft has its own onboard computer system which is remotely programmed to probe the deep space. Instrumentation control is one of the most important applications of computers.

Knowledge Sharing through Internet

In the form of Internet, computers have provided an entirely new way to share knowledge. Today, anyone can access the latest research papers that are made available for free on websites. Sharing of knowledge and collaboration through the Internet has made international cooperation on scientific projects possible.

Through various kinds of analytical software programs, computers are contributing to scientific Research in every discipline, ranging from biology to astrophysics, discovering new patterns and providing novel insights.

When the work in neural network based artificial intelligence advances and computers are granted with the ability to learn and think for them, future advances in technology and research will be even more rapid.

Tools and Applications Used In the Research Process Statistical Analysis Tool: SPSS

SPSS is the most popular tool for statisticians. SPSS stands for Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

It provides all analysis facilities like following and many more.

• Provides Data view & variable view
• Measures of central tendency & dispersion
• Statistical inference
• Correlation & Regression analysis
• Analysis of variance
• Non parametric test
• Hypothesis tests: T-test, chi-square, z-test, ANOVA, Bipartite variable….
• Multivariate data analysis
• Frequency distribution
• Data exposition by using various graphs like line, scatter, bar, ogive, histogram,
• pie chart…

Data Analysis Tool:

Spreadsheet Packages

A spreadsheet is a computer application that simulates a paper worksheet. It displays multiple cells that together make up a grid consisting of rows and columns, each cell containing eitheral phanumeric text or numeric values. Microsoft Excel is popular spreadsheet software. Others spreadsheet packages are Lotus 1-2-3Quattro Pro, Javeline Plus, Multiplan, VisiCalc, Supercalc, Plan Perfect etc.

Other Statistical Tool

SAS, S-Plus, LISREL, Eviews etc.

Word Processor Packages

A word processor (more formally known as document preparation system) is a computer application used for the production (including composition, editing, formatting, and possibly printing) of any sort of printable material.

The word processing packages are Microsoft Word, WordStar, Word perfect ,Amipro etc.

Presentation Software

A presentation program is a computer software package used to display information, normally in the form of a slide show. It typically includes three major functions: an editor that allows text inserted and formatted a method for inserting and manipulating graphic images and a slideshow system to display the content. The presentation packages are Microsoft Power point, Lotus Freelance Graphics, Corel Presentations, Apple keynote etc.

DATABASE MANAGEMENT PACKAGES (DBMS)

Database is an organized collection of information. A DBMS is a software designed to manage adatabase. Various Desktop Databases are Microsoft Access, Paradox, Dbase or DbaseIII+, FoxBase, Foxpro/ Visual Foxpro, FileMaker Procommercial Database Servers that supports multiuser are Oracle, Ms-SQL Server, Sybase, Ingres, Informix, DB2 UDB (IBM), Unify, Integral, etc.

Open source Database packages are MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Firebird etc. BROWSERS A web browser is a software application which enables a user to display and interact with text, images, videos, music, games and other information typically located on a Web page at a website on the World Wide Web or a local area network.

Examples are Microsoft Internet explorer, Mozilla firefox, Opera, Netscape navigator, Chrome.

CONCLUSION

Computer has helped in serving the difficulties faced by human beings. By the passing of time, computers have been reduced from a size of room to six of human palm. Computer performs many functions and does variety of jobs with speed and accuracy.

Today, life has become impossible without computers. It is used in Schools, Colleges and has become indispensable part of every business or profession. Research is also an area where computer are playing a major role.

Use of computer in research in science is so extensive that it is difficult to conceive today are search project without computer. Many research studies cannot be carried out without use of computer particularly those involving complex computations, data analysis and modeling. Computer in scientific research is used at all stages starts from study, proposal/budget stage to submission/presentation of findings.

Web links:

• https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer
• https://www.elsevier.com/journals/computers-and…research
• www.sciencedirect.com/journal/computers