Course Introduction
• Researchmethodology refers to the systematic
approach and techniques for conducting research
• Intellectual property rights(Patents, copyrights,
trademarks, Industrial designs and geographical
indications) which are legal protections for original
creations, including inventions and innovations.
3.
Course Syllabus
Module 1:Introduction to Research & Ethics in Engineering Research
Module 2: Literature Review and Technical Reading & Attributions and Citations
Module 3: Introduction To Intellectual Property & Patents, Process of Patenting
Module 4: Copyrights and Related Rights & Trademarks
Module 5: Industrial Designs, Geographical Indications & Case Studies on Patents
4.
Course Goals &Outcomes
Course Objectives:
To Understand the knowledge on basics of
research and its types.
To Learn the concept of Literature Review,
Technical Reading, Attributions and Citations.
To learn Ethics in Engineering Research.
To Discuss the concepts of Intellectual Property
Rights in engineering.
Course Outcomes:
o Know the meaning of engineering research.
o Know the procedure of Literature Review and
Technical Reading.
o Know the fundamentals of patent laws and
drafting procedure.
o Understanding the copyright laws and subject
matters of copyrights and designs.
o Understanding the basic principles of design
rights.
Well, research istec
hnically made up of
two distinct terms,
namely, Re and Sear
ch; while the former
means ‘to do it
again’, the latter is
‘to investigate or to
look
for something’!
7.
What is
Research???
Research refersto a careful, well-defined
(or redefined), objective, and systematic
method of search for knowledge
Formulation of a theory that is driven by
inquisitiveness
for that which is unknown and useful on a
particular aspect so as to make an original
contribution to expand the existing knowledge
Research is a process
of creating, or
formulating
knowledge that does
not yet exist.
8.
Again… What isResearch????
It is instead adding, maybe small
and specific, yet original,
contribution to that existing body of
knowledge.
Research is not
just aboutreading
a lot of books and
finding a lot of,
gathering a lot
of existing
information.
9.
Research involves
Formulationof hypothesis or proposition of solutions,
Data analysis, and deductions;
Ascertaining whether the conclusions fit the
hypothesis.
Key Elements of Research
Research cyclestarts with a practical problem: one must
be clear what the problem being attempted to solve is and
why it is important.
This problem motivates a research question without
which one can tend to get lost in a giant swamp of
information.
The question helps one zero in onto manageable volume
of information, and in turn defines a research project
which is an activity or set of activities that ultimately leads
to result or answer
Which in turn helps to solve the practical problem that
one started with in the first place
12.
Good Research :)
The objective of a good research program is to try and
gain insight into something.
Or indeed, to try and solve a problem.
Good research questions develop throughout the
project actually and one can even keep modifying
them.
The three waysof developing
and accessing knowledge are :
(i) Observation is the most fundamental
way of obtaining information from a
source,
(ii) Models are approximated, often
simplified ways of describing sometimes
very complex interactions in the form of a
statistical relationship, a figure, or a set
of mathematical equations.
(iii) The final category is a way of
arranging or doing things through
processes,
algorithms, procedures, arrangements, or
reference designs, to get a certain
desired result.
In a scientific experiment, researchers
observe and measure the reaction rates of a
chemical in a controlled environment. The
observed data could include measurements
such as temperature, pressure, and reaction
time.
In climate science, researchers develop
models that represent the Earth's climate
system. These models use mathematical
equations to simulate various factors like
temperature, ocean currents, and
atmospheric conditions. The model helps
scientists understand and predict climate
patterns.
In software development, a team follows a
specific process or methodology to create a
new application. This process includes
defining requirements, designing the
architecture, coding, testing, and
deployment. Following a well-defined
process ensures that the software meets the
desired specifications.
15.
Objectives of
Engineering Research
Theobjective of engineering
research is to solve new and
important problems, and since
the conclusion at the end of
one’s research outcome has to
be new, but when one starts,
the conclusion is unknown.
16.
Starting Point:
The objectiveof engineering research is
to solve new and important problems.
At the beginning of the research, the
conclusion is unknown, making the start
tricky.
Circumstantial Evidence, Intuition, and
Imagination:
To overcome the uncertainty, researchers rely on
circumstantial evidence, intuition, and
imagination.
Example: A materials engineer is exploring new
materials for lightweight and durable aircraft
components. Based on existing research, the
engineer observes that certain alloys have
promising properties. Intuitively, they imagine that
modifying these alloys could lead to a
breakthrough in aircraft design.
Guessing the Possible Conclusion:
Researchers make an initial guess
about what may be a possible
conclusion.
Example: The materials engineer guesses
that by tweaking the composition of the
alloy, they could achieve a material with
enhanced strength and reduced weight,
contributing to fuel efficiency in aircraft.
Negative Results and Serendipity:
Negative results may indicate that the
initial target is not achievable, but they
could lead to fortunate discoveries
(serendipity).
Example: While trying to improve alloy
strength, the engineer accidentally
discovers a novel heat treatment process
that has broader applications in materials
science.
Possible Outcomes:
Initial attempts may reveal that the
guess is incorrect, but this process may
suggest new avenues or targets.
Example: Testing the modified alloy might
show unexpected weaknesses, prompting
the engineer to explore alternative
modifications or materials.
Working Toward a Target:
The guess serves as a target to work
toward in the research.
Example: The engineer designs
experiments and simulations to test
the modified alloy, aiming to achieve
the target properties.
Convoluted Research Objectives:
Research objectives can sometimes be
convoluted and challenging to follow.
Example: The engineer's objective to
improve aircraft materials may involve
multiple variables, intricate processes, and
unforeseen challenges.
17.
• The objectivesof engineering research should be to
develop new theoretical or applied knowledge and
not necessarily limited to obtaining abilities to obtain
the desired result.
• The objectives should be framed such that in the event
of not being able to achieve the desired result that is
being sought, one can fall back to understanding why it
is not possible, because that is also a contribution
toward ongoing research in solving that problem.
• Of course, someone else might come along and
actually propose a different approach where the
desired objective is indeed possible to be achieved.
18.
Research Problem: StudentsIrregularity
• Identify Factors Influencing Irregular Attendance
• Analyse Attendance Patterns Across Demographics
• Examine the Impact of Technology on Attendance
• Explore Perceived Barriers to Attendance
• Assess the Relationship Between Attendance and Academic
Performance
• Evaluate the Impact of Teaching Methods
• Develop and Implement Attendance Interventions
Types of EngineeringResearch
Comparative and
correlational methods,
and fact-finding inquiries
effectively describe the
present state of art
Analytical research,
already available facts
for analysis and critical
evaluationare utilized.
Descriptive
versus
Analytical
Applied research seeks to
solve an
immediate problem
facing the organization,
Fundamental research is
concerned with
generalizations and
formulation of a theory.
Applied
versus
Fundamenta
l Quantitative research
uses statistical
observations of a
sufficiently large number
of representative cases
to draw any conclusions
Qualitative researchers
rely on a few
nonrepresentative cases
or verbal narrative in
behavioral studies
Quantitative
versus
Qualitative
21.
Objective: The primarygoal of descriptive
research is to describe the characteristics or
present state of a phenomenon, without
manipulating variables or trying to establish
causal relationships
Methods: Descriptive research uses methods
such as surveys, observations, and content
analysis to collect data. It can include
comparative methods (comparing groups or
conditions) and correlational methods
(examining relationships between variables).
Control: The researcher has little to no control
over the variables; the focus is on observing
and reporting what exists.
Example: A researcher conducts a survey to
understand the demographic characteristics
and preferences of smartphone users in a
specific region. The study aims to describe the
current state of smartphone usage without
manipulating any variables.
Objective: Analytical research goes beyond
description and aims to analyze existing data
or facts critically. It involves examining
relationships between variables, identifying
patterns, and drawing conclusions
Methods: Analytical research utilizes existing
data for analysis. It involves techniques such as
statistical analysis, data modeling, and critical
evaluation of information.
Control: The researcher doesn't collect new
data but rather analyzes already available
information in a systematic and structured
manner.
Example: A researcher analyzes the historical
sales data of a company to identify patterns
and trends. By using statistical methods, the
researcher aims to understand the factors
influencing sales performance over the past
few years.
Descriptive Research Analytical Research
22.
Objective: Applied researchis focused
on solving specific, practical problems or
addressing immediate issues faced by
organizations or industries.
Characteristics: The primary goal is to
provide practical solutions, and the
research is often problem-oriented.
Applied research is conducted with a
direct and immediate application in
mind.
Example: A pharmaceutical company
conducts research to develop a new drug
to treat a particular medical condition.
The research team is focused on solving
the specific problem of finding an
effective treatment for the targeted
disease. The outcome of this research is
Objective: Fundamental research is concerned
with advancing knowledge, understanding
underlying principles, and formulating
theories. It aims at generalizations that may
not have an immediate practical application.
Characteristics: focus is on theoretical
aspects and the exploration of principles rather
than solving specific problems. Basic research
contributes to the overall understanding of a
subject area.
Example: A physicist conducts experiments to
study the behavior of subatomic particles. The
goal of this research is not to develop a new
technology or solve a specific problem but to
gain a deeper understanding of the
fundamental principles governing the behavior
of particles. The insights gained from this
research may contribute to the advancement
of scientific knowledge and have applications
in the future, but the immediate goal is not
Applied Research Fundamental Research
23.
Objective: Quantitative researchaims to
gather numerical data and use statistical
methods to analyze patterns, relationships,
and trends in a large and representative
sample. The goal is to draw generalizable
conclusions that can be applied to a broader
population..
Characteristics: Quantitative research involves
the collection of structured data through
methods such as surveys, experiments, or
statistical analysis of existing data. It relies on
quantifiable measures and statistical tools for
analysis.
Example: A transportation engineer conducts
a study on traffic flow at a busy intersection.
The researcher installs sensors and cameras to
collect quantitative data on the number of
vehicles, their speeds, and the timing of traffic
signals. By analyzing this large dataset
statistically, the engineer aims to draw
Objective: Qualitative research seeks to
understand the underlying meanings,
motivations, and experiences of individuals. It
often involves a smaller, non-representative
sample and relies on non-numerical data such
as observations, interviews, or textual analysis.
Characteristics: Qualitative research is
exploratory and aims to uncover patterns,
themes, and insights through non-statistical
analysis. It often involves rich, descriptive data
and may use methods like interviews, focus
groups, or content analysis of text.
Example: A transportation researcher
conducts qualitative research to explore the
clustering effect at intersections. The
researcher conducts in-depth interviews with
drivers, pedestrians, and traffic management
officials to understand their perspectives and
experiences at specific intersections. By
analyzing the verbal narratives and identifying
Quantitative Research Qualitative Research
24.
Case study
Consider astudy on the impact of a new educational program on student
performance. The researcher first collects descriptive data to characterize
the current state of student performance before the program's
implementation. After the program is implemented, the researcher then
analyzes the data to determine whether there are any significant changes
in student performance.
In this case, the study is both descriptive (describing the initial state)
and analytical (analyzing the impact of the educational program).
Which Research
Method does the
researcher
adopted????
25.
Case study
A studyexamining the relationship between traffic congestion and the
timing of traffic signals at multiple intersections in a city. The researcher
collects numerical data on traffic volume, signal timing, and congestion
levels to statistically analyze patterns and draw general conclusions.
Which Research
Method does the
researcher
adopted????
An investigation into the subjective experiences of cyclists navigating
through a particular intersection. The researcher conducts interviews with
cyclists to gather qualitative data on their perceptions, challenges, and
behaviors at the intersection. The analysis involves identifying themes and
patterns in the verbal narratives rather than using statistical methods.
Quantitativ
e
Qualitative
26.
Case study
A marketresearch firm conducts a
study to determine the preferences and
buying behavior of consumers for a
new product. The goal is to provide
actionable insights to a company
launching the product, addressing the
immediate need to understand
consumer preferences for effective
marketing strategies.
Which Research
Method does the
researcher
adopted????
An astronomer studies the
behavior of distant galaxies. The
research aims to contribute to
our understanding of the
universe's fundamental
principles, with no immediate
application in solving a specific
practical problem.
Fundament
al
Applied
27.
Finding and Solvinga Worthwhile
Problem
A researcher may start out with the research problems stated by the
Supervisor or
posed by others that are yet to be solved
Research scholars are faced
with the task of finding an
appropriate problem on
which to begin their
research
It may involve rethinking of a basic theory, or need to be formulated or put
together from the information provided in a group of papers suggested by
the Supervisor.
28.
Imagine you area researcher interested in exploring the impact of social media on
mental health among teenagers. Initially, you have a vague idea of the problem—
social media's potential influence on mental well-being. To ensure that your research
is worthwhile and hasn't been extensively covered, you would follow a systematic
process.
1.Vague Problem Identification:
1. Initial Statement: "I'm interested in exploring the impact of social media on the mental health of
teenagers."
2.Literature Survey and Technical Reading:
1. This is the step highlighted in your passage. Before diving into your research, you would
conduct a literature survey and engage in technical reading.
2. Literature Survey: You would search and review existing studies, articles, and academic papers
related to the impact of social media on mental health. This involves looking at what other
researchers have already discovered and understanding the current state of knowledge in the
field.
3. Technical Reading: In addition to general literature, you might delve into more technical aspects
related to your study, such as methodologies used in similar research, statistical analyses, and
relevant theories.
3.By doing this, you aim to:
1. Ensure that your chosen problem is not already extensively studied or that you identify gaps in
existing knowledge.
29.
that the researcher's
convictionabout the
problem's worthiness is
crucial. This conviction
ensures that the
researcher is committed
to putting in the best
efforts, and the
resulting work has a
higher chance of being
accepted and valued by
the research
community.
Additionally, not all
problems need to be
grand; significant
advancements can arise
from effectively
Consider a researcher in the field of
artificial intelligence who is fascinated by
the challenge of creating a general
artificial intelligence system—a system
that can perform any intellectual task
that a human being can. This is a
universally recognized hard and open
problem in the field.
30.
Understand the
Problem
• Restateit in
your own words
• Visualize the
process by
sketching
diagrams or
flowcharts
• Assess whether
additional
information is
required
Explore Possible
Strategies
• Break down
the complex
issue into
smaller, more
manageable
components
• Explore
different
technologies,
analyze the
data
Execute the Plan
and Iterate
• If the initial
approach does
not yield the
desired results,
you don't give
up.
• Reassess your
strategy, and
perhaps try a
different
approach
Reflect and Learn
• reflection helps
in
understanding
the
effectiveness
of the chosen
strategy,
assimilating the
lessons learned,
and making
adjustments for
the future
George Pólya 4-step problem-solving
procedure
Iterative refinement based on feedback and
results is a key aspect of problem-solving.
Helps in gaining a clear and comprehensive
understanding of the problem at hand.
George Pólya 4-stepproblem-solving
procedure
Understand the Problem
• Imagine you are an engineer
working on optimizing the
energy efficiency of a
manufacturing process. To
understand the problem, you
would restate it in your own
words, visualize the process by
sketching diagrams or
flowcharts, and assess whether
additional information is
required. This step helps in
gaining a clear and
comprehensive understanding
of the problem at hand.
Explore Possible Strategies
• Once you understand the
energy efficiency problem, you
need to systematically explore
possible strategies. This might
involve breaking down the
complex issue into smaller,
more manageable
components. For instance, you
could explore different
technologies, analyze the data
from sensors in the
manufacturing process, or
consider alternative materials.
By starting somewhere and
looking for patterns, you
systematically explore
potential solution
Execute the Plan and Iterate:
• After devising a strategy, you
would execute the plan to
improve energy efficiency in
the manufacturing process. If
the initial approach does not
yield the desired results, you
don't give up. Instead, you go
back to step two, reassess your
strategy, and perhaps try a
different approach. Iterative
refinement based on feedback
and results is a key aspect of
problem-solving.
Reflect and Learn
• Once you have executed your
plan and achieved some
results, it's crucial to look back
and reflect on the process. This
reflection helps in
understanding the
effectiveness of the chosen
strategy, assimilating the
lessons learned, and making
adjustments for the future. In
the context of our example,
reflecting on the optimization
process may reveal insights
into the interplay of different
factors affecting energy
efficiency.
applicable not only to mathematical problem-solving but also to engineering research