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MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
What Is Research?
Research refers to a careful, well-defined (or redefined), objective, and systematic method of
search for knowledge, or formulation of a theory that is driven by inquisitiveness for the unknown
and useful on a particular aspect to make an original contribution to expand the existing knowledge
base. Research involves formulation of hypothesis or proposition of solutions, data analysis, and
deductions; and ascertaining whether the conclusions fit the hypothesis. Research is a process of
creating or formulating knowledge that does not yet exist. Both explains that the research cycle
starts with basically 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 as shown in Fig. 1.1. The building up of background
for doing research includes one to acquire the ability to connect different areas. The purpose is to
prepare the mind for active work as opposed to becoming a repository or an encyclopaedia.
Research is not just about reading a lot of books and finding a lot of, gathering a lot of existing
information. It is instead adding, maybe small and specific, yet original, contribution to that
existing body of knowledge. So, research is about how one poses a question which has relevance
to the world that we are living in, and while looking for that answer one has to be as systematic as
one can be. There must be a balance between what is achievable in a research program with a finite
endpoint and also, the contribution it is going to make. 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. Through
research, one would like to make, or develop, new knowledge about the world around us which
can be written down or recorded in some way, and that knowledge can be accessed through that
writing or recording.

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The ways of developing and accessing knowledge come in three, somewhat overlapping, broad
categories:
(i) Observation is the most fundamental way of obtaining information from a source, and it
could be significant in itself if the thing that we are trying to observe is really strange or
exciting, or is difficult to observe. Observation takes different forms from something like
measurements in a laboratory to a survey among a group of subjects to the time it takes for
a firmware routine to run. The observational data often needs to be processed in some form
and this leads to the second category of knowledge, the model.
(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. For instance, the modelling equation captures the relationship between different
attributes or the behaviour of the device in an abstract form and enables us to understand
the observed phenomena.
(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.
The categories of knowledge as enumerated above are shown in Fig. 1.2. Good research involves
systematic collection and analysis of information and is followed by an attempt to infer a little bit
beyond the already known information in a way that is a significant value addition. Usually,
engineering research is a journey that traverses from a research area (example: Control Systems), to
the topic (example: Control of Microbial Fuel Cells) and finally onto the problem (example: Adaptive
Control of Single Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells) than half the work done. However, sometimes the
journey can be This can happen when one is led to a problem through a connection to another problem

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whose top structure is different.

Engineering research is the process of developing the perspectives and seeking improvements in
knowledge and skills to enable the recognition, planning, design, and execution of research in a wide
range of forms relevant for engineering and technology investigations and developments. We can start
off by describing some problem in the world that exists that is bugging or worrying us and that we
should be addressing. It could be that there is something we would like to do or accomplish but
currently can not because we lack the knowledge to do so. It could be that there is something that
already works, but we do not know why and we would like to understand it better. It could be that we
want to do something to see what will happen.

Objectives of Engineering Research

 The main objective is to solve new and significant problems, often with unknown outcomes
that require educated guesses, imagination, and adaptation throughout the research process.
 Innovation and Advancement: Pushes the boundaries of knowledge and technology by
developing new concepts, methodologies, and solutions.
 Problem Solving: Addresses real-world challenges encountered by industries and
communities, seeking practical and effective solutions.
 Optimization: Improves existing processes, systems, and products by increasing efficiency,
lowering costs, boosting performance, and minimizing negative impacts.
 Knowledge Expansion: Expands the fundamental knowledge base of engineering disciplines
through experimentation, analysis, and documentation.

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 Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Involves working with professionals from multiple fields to

solve complex, cross-domain problems.
 Education and Training: Disseminates research findings to educate future engineers and
develop professional skills.
 Technological Transfer: Translates research findings into practical applications to benefit
industries and society.
 Societal Impact: Seeks to improve infrastructure, address environmental issues, enhance
healthcare, and promote sustainability for a positive societal effect.
 Quality and Safety Improvement: Focuses on enhancing the safety and reliability of products,
processes, and systems, especially in critical sectors.
 Global Challenges: Addresses widespread issues like climate change and resource scarcity
through research-driven solutions.

Motivation in Engineering Research

 Intrinsic Motivation: Driven by curiosity, intellectual interest, personal fulfillment, and a
passion for technology.
 Example: Curiosity about renewable energy systems motivates research into efficient
solar panels.
 Personal growth and satisfaction from contributing to knowledge can lead to active
research engagement.
 Extrinsic Motivation: Stems from external rewards such as career prospects, recognition, and
competitive drive.
 Example: Recognition, financial gain, and job opportunities inspire researchers to
excel.
 Competition and influence from peers or mentors play significant roles.
 Combined Motivation: Many researchers are motivated by both intrinsic desires (personal
interest, societal impact) and extrinsic incentives (reputation, industry needs).
 Improving the state-of-the-art or contributing to society often involves both intrinsic
passion and external validation.

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Types of Engineering Research

Basic (Theoretical) Research
 Definition: Focuses on fundamental scientific principles, the formulation of new theories,
and deepening understanding without immediate practical applications.
 Example: A team of materials engineers studies the atomic structure of carbon nanotubes to
predict their mechanical properties, which may lead to the invention of ultralight yet strong
building materials in the future.
 Features: Relies heavily on mathematical models, simulations, and theoretical analysis.
 Purpose: Builds the foundational knowledge required for future technological innovations.
Applied Research
 Definition: Uses theoretical knowledge to solve specific engineering problems or improve
existing technologies.
 Technological Applied Research Example: Mechanical engineers develop a new type of
high-efficiency wind turbine blade by applying fluid dynamics principles and running
computational simulations.
 Scientific Applied Research Example: Electrical engineers measure and predict the energy
consumption patterns in smart grids to optimize electricity distribution.
 Features: Focused on tangible industry needs and creating real-world impact.
 Purpose: Directly benefits industries, societies, and governments by providing effective
solutions to pressing problems.
Experimental (Empirical) Research
 Definition: Involves hands-on experimentation, prototype testing, and observation in
controlled or natural environments.
 Example: Civil engineers test concrete mixtures in the lab to determine which formula
provides maximum strength for earthquake-resistant buildings.
 Features: Collects data through experiments, measurements, and observations.
 Purpose: Validates engineering hypotheses and guides the design of new products or
materials.
Exploratory Research
 Definition: Investigates areas with little existing knowledge, lays groundwork for further
studies, and clarifies unknown variables.
 Example: Software engineers study the impact of quantum computing on encryption

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algorithms, exploring problems with no well-defined solutions yet.

 Features: Uses surveys, pilot studies, and literature reviews to gather preliminary insights.
 Purpose: Identifies gaps in knowledge and shapes future research questions.
Explanatory (Causal) Research
 Definition: Seeks to determine cause-and-effect relationships or explain why certain
engineering phenomena occur.
 Example: Chemical engineers analyze why a particular catalyst speeds up reaction rates in an
industrial process, isolating variables to clarify causal links.
 Features: Employs controlled experiments, statistical analysis, and process modeling.
 Purpose: Enhances understanding of underlying mechanisms, enabling better design and
optimization.
Descriptive Research
 Definition: Provides detailed descriptions of engineering phenomena, systems, and processes
without influencing them.
 Example: Industrial engineers use process mapping to describe each stage of manufacturing,
identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
 Features: Involves case studies, inventory analysis, and observational research.
 Purpose: Documents the “what” of engineering systems to guide improvements.
Correlational Research
 Definition: Examines the relationships between variables but does not establish direct
causation.
 Example: Environmental engineers analyze whether there is a statistical correlation between
urban green space coverage and average urban temperature reduction.
 Features: Uses regression analysis, cross-sectional studies, and statistical modeling.
 Purpose: Identifies patterns and associations useful for prediction and decision-making.
Field and Laboratory Research
 Field Research Example: Civil engineers conduct soil stability studies at construction sites to
ensure proper foundation design; researchers collect data directly from the field.
 Laboratory Research Example: Biomedical engineers test the biocompatibility of new
implants in lab environments before clinical trials.
 Features: Field research addresses real-world constraints; lab research allows for controlled
testing.

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 Purpose: Ensures both practical applicability and scientific accuracy.

Mixed, Longitudinal, and Cross-sectional Research
 Mixed Research Example: Automotive engineers survey customers about safety features
(qualitative) and analyze crash statistics (quantitative) when designing new car models.
 Longitudinal Example: Industrial engineers track workplace injuries over several years to
assess impact of safety protocols.
 Cross-sectional Example: Electrical engineers compare energy consumption across several
factories at a single point in time to identify operational differences.

Finding and Solving a Worthwhile Problem

 Identification: Start with problems that are significant for industry, society, or technology—
those affecting many people and with potential value upon solution.
 Relevance ("So What" Test): Problems should pass the relevance test—solving them must
have meaningful, lasting impact.
 Viability and Feasibility: Select problems that are solvable within available resources,
expertise, and time frame.
 Interest and Motivation: Chosen problems should align with the researcher’s interests to
maintain motivation throughout the research process.
 Magnitude and Manageability: Ensure that the problem scope is specific, clear, and
manageable for effective resolution.
 Measurement and Expertise: Clearly define indicators and required skills before proceeding.
 Problem Formulation: Begin with broad questions, refine them into solvable research
challenges, and remain open to evolving insights during the investigation.

Ethics in Engineering Research

 Ethics in engineering research refers to the moral principles that guide researchers in
planning, conducting, and reporting their work.
 Key principles include scientific integrity, honesty, objectivity, social responsibility, and
respect for human and animal welfare.
 Example: When designing experiments, researchers must avoid putting subjects at
unnecessary risk, ensure voluntary participation, and maintain confidentiality.
 Typical codes of conduct in engineering demand fairness, openness, conscientiousness, and

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integrity, such as not falsifying data to make results seem more favorable.
 Ethical principles extend to considering the broader social and environmental impact of
research outcomes, ensuring new technologies do not cause harm.

Ethics in Engineering Research Practice

 In practice, engineering ethics focuses on navigating real-world dilemmas and decision-
making throughout the research and development process.
 Engineers must balance workplace rights, safety, and responsibilities, including honest
communication, proper handling of research subjects, and care for the environment.
 Example: An engineer finds a design flaw in a bridge. Ethical practice requires disclosing the
flaw to colleagues and authorities, rather than hiding it to avoid embarrassment or cost.
 Engineers are responsible for upholding safety standards and reporting misconduct when
observed.
 Ethical research practice also emphasizes credit for work done and proper management of
intellectual property.

Types of Research Misconduct

 The core types of research misconduct are fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism—often
called the “cardinal sins” of research.
 Fabrication: Making up data or results and reporting them as if they are real. Example:
Inventing experimental results for a study that was never conducted.
 Falsification: Manipulating research processes, data, or results such that they are not
accurately represented. Example: Omitting inconvenient data points to make results appear
more significant.
 Plagiarism: Copying another’s work, ideas, or writings without proper credit. Example:
Integrating another researcher’s published findings into a report without citation.
 Other forms include improper authorship, misappropriation of ideas, self-plagiarism, failure
to comply with legal regulations (e.g., working with restricted chemicals), and non-disclosure
of conflicts of interest.

Ethical Issues Related to Authorship

 Authorship should be reserved for only those who made significant contributions to the

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conception, execution, or reporting of research.

 Guest Authorship: Including individuals as authors who made minimal or no contribution to
the work. Example: Listing a senior faculty member for prestige, despite little direct
involvement.
 Ghost Authorship: Excluding contributors who participated materially, sometimes replaced
by professional writers. Example: Omitting the name of a key data analyst who contributed
substantially.
 Order of Authors: Manipulating the order to confer undue credit or recognition, such as a
supervisor putting their name first ahead of the researcher who did most of the work.
 Double Submission: Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal at once is a
significant ethical violation.
 Other issues include failing to declare conflicts of interest, duplicative publishing (“salami
slicing”), and violation of intellectual property rights through unauthorized use of content.

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