Jhansi Kokkiligadda

PMRF Research Scholar

Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
IIT Madras, Chennai, TN

NPTEL Course: Introduction to Research

Role: Conduct Problem Solving Sessions

Course offered: By Prof. Edamana Prasad, Prof. Prathap Haridoss | IIT Madras

COURSE LAYOUT

Week 1 : A group discussion on what is research; Overview of research;

Week 2 : Literature survey , Experimental skills;
Week 3 : Data analysis, Modelling skills;
Week 4 : Technical writing; Technical Presentations; Creativity in Research
Week 5 : Creativity in Research; Group discussion on Ethics in Research
Week 6 : Design of Experiments
Week 7 : Intellectual Property
Week 8 : Department specific research discussions

Week 5: Sample Problems

Note : This assignment is only for practice purpose. The following questions may have more than one correct
answer.

1. According to Sternberg’s theories of intelligence practical intelligence relates to-

a) How one relates to the environment around them.

b) How street smart they are
c) How well they come up with new theories
d) How well they solve new problems

1. a,b
Explanation: Practical intelligence, as proposed by Sternberg, is sometimes compared to “street smarts.” Being
practical means you find solutions that work in your everyday life by applying knowledge based on your
experiences.

2. Ethical aspects govern which of the following areas

a) How research is funded

b) How research is carried out
c) How research is reported
d) How and what information is shared

2) a,b,c,d

3. The followings can be attributed to a fully professional researcher-

a) They have some fundamentals concepts that their peers (international) might interested in
b) They have command over their area
c) They are aware of the situation where they can make significant contribution
d) They work without focusing on literature in the area

3) a,b,c

4. Few research scholars collaborated to work on some specific area. They generated some data and analyzed
the results. Some of them published the result independently since they were the first to type it up. Is it
ethical to do so?
a) Yes, because they have collaborated and know each other
b) No, all authors should know and agree with the publication
c) Yes, if the collaborators are junior to you
d) No, only if the authors are senior to you

4) b

5. We can work to the best of our potential when we are-

a) Hypo stressed
b) Eustressed
c) Hyper stressed
d) Distressed

5) b
Explanation: Eustress is a moderate or normal psychological stress which is considered as being beneficial.

6. Creativity is seen in
a) Drama
b) Science fiction
c) Engineering
d) All of the above

6) d

7. A bachelor’s degree typically means

a) You are specialist in one research area

b) You are a specialist in two research areas
c) You know more and more of less and less
d) You gain broad knowledge in an area

7) d

8. The ultimate measure of a successful researcher is that the work of the researcher should be recognized by
peers at an international level
a) True
b) False

8) a

9. A PhD makes you a specialist in one narrow area

a) True
b) False

9) a
10. The quality of the PhD work is seen by the speed with which it is done
True
False
10) b

11. Good research is stand the test of time

True
False

11) a
Explanation: STAND THE TEST OF TIME is a phrase which means continue to be successful for long time

12. A good researcher is often well read in many areas

True
False

12) a

13. It is unethical to reveal data about patients without their consent

True
False

13) a

14. Any data used from another publication must have appropriate permission as well as appropriate
acknowledgement
True
False

14) a

15. Informed consent is very important in any medical trials

True
False

15) a

16. The expertise of a research scholar on a specific narrow topic increases greatly during the
following course of his/her career-
 a) B.Tech
b) Masters
c) PhD
d) None of the above

Accepted Answers:
c) PhD

17. The followings can be attributed to a fully professional researcher-

a) They have some fundamentals concepts that their peers (international) might interested in

b) They have command over their area

c) They are aware of the situation where they can make significant contribution

d) They work without focusing on literature in the area

Accepted Answers:
a) They have some fundamentals concepts that their peers (international) might interested in

b) They have command over their area

c) They are aware of the situation where they can make significant contribution

18. Following display instances of creativity-

Invention of new technology

Discovery of new knowledge in the field of science & medicine

Copying an existing book

Analysing a situation( e.g. law or history or philosophy etc.) in new way

Accepted Answers:
Invention of new technology

Discovery of new knowledge in the field of science & medicine

Analysing a situation( e.g. law or history or philosophy etc.) in new way

19. Creative people can function only if all facilities are provided, i.e. there must be no shortage faced
by them

True
False
Accepted Answers:

False

20. A researcher for the welfare of the social and scientific community should possess following
characters
High ethical values

Persistence

High moral integrity

Ignorance

Accepted Answers:
High ethical values

Persistence

High moral integrity

21. Ethical aspects govern which of the following areas

How research is funded
How research is carried out
How research is reported
How and what information is shared
Accepted Answers:
How research is funded
How research is carried out
How research is reported
How and what information is shared

22. ) While performing an experiment we are facing some issues with the setup we are testing with.
We are running out of time, so it is advisable to alter the results generated from the setup by directly
changing the data obtained, to try to match them with the literature results.

a) Yes, because time is precious

b) Never, because it is unethical

c) Sometimes, when we feel that we will get the same result

d) Always, because the setup manufacturers usually labels the machines with some range of errors

Accepted Answers:

b) Never, because it is unethical

23. Few research scholars collaborated to work on some specific area. They generated some data and
analyzed the results. Some of them published the result independently since they were the first to
type it up. Is it ethical to do so?

a) Yes, because they have collaborated and know each other

b) No, all authors should know and agree with the publication
c) Yes, if the collaborators are junior to you
d) No, only if the authors are senior to you

Accepted Answers:

b) No, all authors should know and agree with the publication
24. 1) Research results can only be presented in English

True

False
Accepted Answers:
False

25. A good paper should have an element of suspense in it

True

False
Accepted Answers:
False
26. It is not ethical to publish results of your lab mates without their
permission

True
False

Accepted Answers:
True

27. Safety is important in a laboratory. Research should not be carried out

compromising safety.
True
28. What is publically know already can be patented

True

False
Accepted Answers:
False

29. It is necessary to cross check the readings

displayed by instruments

Accepted Answers:
True

30. A good literature review is useful in directing good research

Accepted Answers:
True

31. Theoretical models are typically superior and more correct when compared to
experiments
Accepted Answers:
False

32. It is important to talk fast during a technical presentation

Accepted Answers:
False

33. More the special effects in the slides, better is the technical presention

False

34. Is there a restricted opportunity for innovation in science fiction due to its fiction basis?

True

False
Accepted Answers:

False

Explanation: Science fiction, while grounded in scientific principles, often allows for significant creativity and
innovation by exploring hypothetical scenarios, futuristic technology, and alternate realities.

35. Does obtaining a Ph.D. signify acquiring comprehensive knowledge across numerous subjects?

Answer: False

Explanation: A Ph.D. typically signifies deep knowledge in a specific area of study rather than broad knowledge
over a wide range of topics.

36. Are individuals who can precisely replicate others' work often regarded as creative?

Answer: False

Explanation: Creativity involves generating original ideas or innovative solutions, while merely copying others'
work does not demonstrate creativity.

37. Do creative individuals often challenge traditional thinking?

Answer: True

Explanation: Creative people are known for questioning conventional wisdom and exploring new ways of thinking,
which can lead to innovation and discovery.

38. Is hard work a common factor among most successful individuals?

Answer: True
Explanation: While talent and opportunity play roles, hard work is consistently seen as a key factor in achieving
success across various fields.

39. A researcher does not always need a helpful environment for producing exceptional work?

Answer: True

40. Is the quality of a researcher judged by the recognition from their local community?

Answer: False

Explanation: A researcher's quality is typically judged by their contributions to their field, peer recognition, and the
impact of their work, rather than local community recognition.

41. Is maintaining confidentiality an essential aspect of ethical considerations in research involving human
data?

Answer: True

Explanation: Confidentiality is crucial in research ethics to protect the privacy and rights of participants and
maintain trust in the research process.

42. Is informed consent unnecessary for medical testing on patients if there is a high potential benefit to
society?

Answer: False

Explanation: Informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement in research, ensuring that participants are
aware of and agree to the risks and benefits of the study, regardless of the potential societal benefits.

43. The 10,000-hour rule for mastering any field is popularized by Malcolm Gladwell

Answer: True

Explanation: The 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, suggests that approximately 10,000 hours of
deliberate practice are needed to achieve mastery in a field, although this concept has been debated and may vary
depending on the complexity of the field and individual talent.
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