Academic Credentials
Course Introduction
• Research methodology 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.
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
Course Goals & Outcomes
Course Outcomes:
Course Objectives: Define the meaning of Engineering research and the
Ethics involved in it.
To Understand the knowledge on basics of
Interpret about the importance of reading the
research and its types. Technical Paper, Literature Review, Attributions and
To Learn the concept of Literature Review, Citations.
Technical Reading, Attributions and Citations. Describe the fundamentals of IPR, Process of
Patenting & Industrial Designs Explain fundamentals
To learn Ethics in Engineering Research. of patent laws and drafting procedure.
Illustrate the importance of copyright laws,
To Discuss the concepts of Intellectual Trademarks & Geographical Indications
Property Rights in engineering.
Research Methodology
& IPR
Module 1: Introduction &
Ethics in Engineering
Research
Well, research is te
chnically made up
of two distinct
terms,
namely, Re and S
earch; while the
former means ‘to
do it again’,
the latter is ‘to
investigate or to
look
for something’!
Research refers to a careful, well-
defined (or redefined), objective, and
systematic
method of search for knowledge
What is Research is a
Research??? process of
creating, or
formulating
knowledge that
does not yet exist.
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
Research is not
just about
Again… What is Research????readingbooks and
a lot of
finding a lot of,
gathering a lot
It is instead adding, maybe small of existing
and specific, yet original, information.
contribution to that existing body
of knowledge.
Key Elements of Research
Research involves
Formulation of hypothesis or proposition of
solutions,
Data analysis, and deductions;
Ascertaining whether the conclusions fit the
hypothesis.
What and
Why the
problem
solution is
Researc
imp!!
h cycle
Help
s
g a th to
m an er
ag e
volu able
info m e
rma of
tion
Activity/
Set of
activities
Research cycle starts 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
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.
Categories
of
Knowledge
The three ways of In a scientific experiment, researchers
developing and accessing observe and measure the reaction
rates of a chemical in a controlled
knowledge
(i) Observation is are :
the most environment. The observed data could
include measurements such as
fundamental way of obtaining temperature, pressure, and reaction
information from a source, time.
In climate science, researchers
(ii) Models are approximated, often develop models that represent the
simplified ways of describing Earth's climate system. These models
use mathematical equations to
sometimes very complex interactions simulate various factors like
in the form of a statistical relationship, temperature, ocean currents, and
a figure, or a set atmospheric conditions. The model
helps scientists understand and
of mathematical equations. predict climate patterns.
In software development, a team
(iii) The final category is a way of follows a specific process or
arranging or doing things through methodology to create a new
application. This process includes
processes, defining requirements, designing the
algorithms, procedures, arrangements, architecture, coding, testing, and
or reference designs, to get a certain deployment. Following a well-defined
process ensures that the software
desired result.
Objectives of
Engineering
Research
The objective 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.
Circumstantial Evidence, Intuition, and Guessing the Possible Conclusion:
Imagination:
Researchers make an initial guess
Starting Point: To overcome the uncertainty, researchers about what may be a possible
rely on circumstantial evidence, intuition,
The objective of engineering and imagination. conclusion.
research is to solve new and Example: A materials engineer is exploring Example: The materials engineer
important problems. new materials for lightweight and durable guesses that by tweaking the
At the beginning of the research, the aircraft components. Based on existing composition of the alloy, they
conclusion is unknown, making the research, the engineer observes that
certain alloys have promising properties. could achieve a material with
start tricky. Intuitively, they imagine that modifying enhanced strength and reduced
these alloys could lead to a breakthrough weight, contributing to fuel
in aircraft design. efficiency in aircraft.
Negative Results and Serendipity: Possible Outcomes:
Working Toward a Target:
Negative results may indicate that Initial attempts may reveal that
the initial target is not achievable, the guess is incorrect, but this The guess serves as a target to
but they could lead to fortunate process may suggest new avenues work toward in the research.
discoveries (serendipity). or targets. Example: The engineer designs
Example: While trying to improve Example: Testing the modified experiments and simulations to
alloy strength, the engineer alloy might show unexpected test the modified alloy, aiming
accidentally discovers a novel heat weaknesses, prompting the to achieve the target
treatment process that has broader engineer to explore alternative
applications in materials science. properties.
modifications or materials.
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.
• The objectives of 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.
Research Problem: Students
Irregularity
• Identify Factors Infl uencing 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
Motivation in strong creative
performance
interest,
challenge,
Engineering Intrinsic learning,
meaning,
Motivations
Research purpose
rewards for good
work include
Extrinsic money, fame,
may block
creativity Motivations awards, praise,
and status
competition,
collaboration,
Influences commitment &
encouragement
solving unsolved
Personal problems,
Motivation intellectual joy,
service to
community, and
respectability
Types of Engineering Research
Applied
Descriptive Quantitativ
versus
versus e versus Quantitative research
Fundament
Analytical Comparative and Qualitative uses statistical
al Applied research
correlational methods, observations of a
seeks to solve an
and fact-finding sufficiently large
immediate problem
inquiries effectively number of
facing the
describe the present representative cases
organization,
state of art to draw any
conclusions
Qualitative
Analytical research, Fundamental research
researchers rely on a
already available facts is concerned with
few nonrepresentative
for analysis and generalizations and
cases or verbal
critical evaluationare formulation of a
narrative in
utilized. theory.
behavioral studies
Descriptive Research Analytical Research
Objective: The primary goal of descriptive Objective: Analytical research goes
research is to describe the characteristics beyond description and aims to analyze
or present state of a phenomenon, without existing data or facts critically. It involves
manipulating variables or trying to establish examining relationships between variables,
causal relationships identifying patterns, and drawing
Methods: Descriptive research uses conclusions
methods such as surveys, observations, Methods: Analytical research utilizes
and content analysis to collect data. It can existing data for analysis. It involves
include comparative methods (comparing techniques such as statistical analysis, data
groups or conditions) and correlational modeling, and critical evaluation of
methods (examining relationships between information.
variables). Control: The researcher doesn't collect
Control: The researcher has little to no new data but rather analyzes already
control over the variables; the focus is on available information in a systematic and
observing and reporting what exists. structured manner.
Example: A researcher conducts a survey Example: A researcher analyzes the
to understand the demographic historical sales data of a company to
characteristics and preferences of identify patterns and trends. By using
smartphone users in a specific region. The statistical methods, the researcher aims to
study aims to describe the current state of understand the factors influencing sales
Applied Research Fundamental Research
Objective: Fundamental research is
Objective: Applied research is
concerned with advancing knowledge,
focused on solving specific, practical understanding underlying principles, and
problems or addressing immediate formulating theories. It aims at
issues faced by organizations or generalizations that may not have an
industries. immediate practical application.
Characteristics: The primary goal is Characteristics: focus is on theoretical
to provide practical solutions, and the aspects and the exploration of principles
rather than solving specific problems. Basic
research is often problem-oriented.
research contributes to the overall
Applied research is conducted with a understanding of a subject area.
direct and immediate application in Example: A physicist conducts
mind. experiments to study the behavior of
Example: A pharmaceutical company subatomic particles. The goal of this
conducts research to develop a new research is not to develop a new technology
drug to treat a particular medical or solve a specific problem but to gain a
deeper understanding of the fundamental
condition. The research team is
principles governing the behavior of
focused on solving the specific particles. The insights gained from this
problem of finding an effective research may contribute to the
Quantitative Research Qualitative Research
Objective: Quantitative research aims to Objective: Qualitative research seeks to
gather numerical data and use statistical understand the underlying meanings,
methods to analyze patterns, relationships, motivations, and experiences of individuals.
and trends in a large and representative It often involves a smaller, non-
sample. The goal is to draw generalizable representative sample and relies on non-
conclusions that can be applied to a numerical data such as observations,
broader population.. interviews, or textual analysis.
Characteristics: Quantitative research Characteristics: Qualitative research is
involves the collection of structured data exploratory and aims to uncover patterns,
through methods such as surveys, themes, and insights through non-statistical
experiments, or statistical analysis of analysis. It often involves rich, descriptive
existing data. It relies on quantifiable data and may use methods like interviews,
measures and statistical tools for analysis. focus groups, or content analysis of text.
Example: A transportation engineer Example: A transportation researcher
conducts a study on traffic flow at a busy conducts qualitative research to explore the
intersection. The researcher installs sensors clustering effect at intersections. The
and cameras to collect quantitative data on researcher conducts in-depth interviews
the number of vehicles, their speeds, and with drivers, pedestrians, and traffic
the timing of traffic signals. By analyzing management officials to understand their
this large dataset statistically, the engineer perspectives and experiences at specific
Which Research
Method does the
researcher
adopted????
Case study
Consider a study 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????
Case study
A study examining the relationship between traffi c congestion and the
timing of traffi c signals at multiple intersections in a city. The
researcher collects numerical data on traffi c volume, signal timing,
and congestion levels to statistically analyze patterns and draw
Quantitati
general conclusions. ve
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
Qualitativ
using statistical methods. e
Which Research
Method does the
researcher
adopted????
Case study
A market research firm conducts a An astronomer studies the
study to determine the preferences behavior of distant galaxies.
and buying behavior of consumers The research aims to contribute
for a new product. The goal is to to our understanding of the
provide actionable insights to a universe's fundamental
company launching the product, principles, with no immediate
addressing the immediate need to application in solving a specific
understand consumer preferences practical problem.
Fundamen
for eff ective marketing
Applied strategies. tal
Research scholars are
Finding and Solving a Worthwhile
faced with the task of
Problem finding an appropriate
problem on which to begin
their research
A researcher may start out with the research problems stated by the
Supervisor or
posed by others that are yet to be solved
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.
Imagine you are a 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.
[Link] Problem Identification:
1. Initial Statement: "I'm interested in exploring the impact of social media on the mental
health of teenagers."
[Link] 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.
[Link] doing this, you aim to:
1. Ensure that your chosen problem is not already extensively studied or that you identify
gaps in existing knowledge.
that the researcher's
conviction about the
problem's worthiness
is crucial. This
conviction ensures
that the researcher is Consider a researcher in the field of
committed to putting artificial intelligence who is fascinated
in the best efforts, and by the challenge of creating a general
the resulting work has artificial intelligence system—a
a higher chance of system that can perform any
being accepted and intellectual task that a human being
valued by the research can. This is a universally recognized
community. hard and open problem in the field.
Additionally, not all
problems need to
be grand; significant
advancements can
arise from effectively
Iterative refinement based on feedback
and results is a key aspect of problem-
solving.
George Pólya 4-step problem-solving
procedure Helps in gaining a clear and comprehensive
understanding of the problem at hand.
Understand the Explore Execute the Reflect and
Problem Possible Plan and Iterate Learn
Strategies
• Restate it in • Break down • If the initial • reflection helps
your own words the complex approach does in
• Visualize the issue into not yield the understanding
process by smaller, more desired results, the
sketching manageable you don't give effectiveness
diagrams or components up. of the chosen
flowcharts • Explore • Reassess your strategy,
• Assess different strategy, and assimilating the
whether technologies, perhaps try a lessons
additional analyze the different learned, and
information is data approach making
required adjustments for
the future
Write a problem statement in the fi eld of
applicable not only to mathematical problem-solving but also to engineering research
George Pólya 4-step problem-solving
procedure
Explore Possible Execute the Plan and
Understand the Problem Reflect and Learn
Strategies Iterate:
• Imagine you are an engineer • Once you understand the • After devising a strategy, you • Once you have executed
working on optimizing the energy efficiency problem, would execute the plan to your plan and achieved some
energy efficiency of a you need to systematically improve energy efficiency in results, it's crucial to look
manufacturing process. To explore possible strategies. the manufacturing process. If back and reflect on the
understand the problem, you This might involve breaking the initial approach does not process. This reflection helps
would restate it in your own down the complex issue into yield the desired results, you in understanding the
words, visualize the process smaller, more manageable don't give up. Instead, you effectiveness of the chosen
by sketching diagrams or components. For instance, go back to step two, strategy, assimilating the
flowcharts, and assess you could explore different reassess your strategy, and lessons learned, and making
whether additional technologies, analyze the perhaps try a different adjustments for the future. In
information is required. This data from sensors in the approach. Iterative the context of our example,
step helps in gaining a clear manufacturing process, or refinement based on reflecting on the optimization
and comprehensive consider alternative feedback and results is a key process may reveal insights
understanding of the materials. By starting aspect of problem-solving. into the interplay of different
problem at hand. somewhere and looking for factors affecting energy
patterns, you systematically efficiency.
explore potential solution