Karnatak Law Society's

Vishwanathrao Deshpande Institute of Technology,

Haliyal
DEPARTMENT Civil Engineering
CLASS V Sem
NAME OF FACULTY Prof.S.G.Hiremath
SUBJECT AND SUBJECT CODE RM&IPR (BRMK557)
MODULE No. 2
Topics covered in previous Module I Module

Topics planned to be covered in the Literature Review and Technical Reading, New
present Module including levels as and Existing Knowledge, Analysis and Synthesis of
per Bloom’s Taxonomy Prior Art Bibliographic Databases, Web of
Science, Google and Google Scholar, Effective
Search: The Way Forward Introduction to
Technical Reading Conceptualizing Research,
Critical and Creative Reading, Taking Notes
While Reading, Reading Mathematics and
Algorithms, Reading a Datasheet. Attributions
and Citations: Giving Credit Wherever Due,
Citations: Functions and Attributes, Impact of
Title and Keywords on Citations, Knowledge Flow
through Citation, Citing Datasets, Styles for
Citations, Acknowledgments and Attributions,
What Should Be Acknowledged,
Acknowledgments in, Books Dissertations,
Dedication or Acknowledgments.
Applications/significance/Importance 1) The topics are the basics of research
of topics.
Literature Review and Technical Reading
The primary goal of a literature review is to:
Identify the research problem. This includes understanding the current state of
knowledge on the topic, identifying gaps in knowledge, and determining the research
questions that need to be answered.
Advocate a specific approach. This involves evaluating the different approaches that
have been taken to study the problem, and selecting the approach that is most likely to
be successful.
Evaluate the choice of methods. This includes assessing the validity and reliability of
the methods that have been used, and determining whether they are appropriate for the
research problem.
Demonstrate the need for new research. This involves showing that the existing
research is not sufficient to answer the research questions, and that new research is
needed to make progress.
The quality of a literature review can be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Breadth and depth of coverage. The literature review should cover a wide range of
relevant sources, and provide a deep understanding of the research problem.
Clarity and rigor. The literature review should be written in a clear and concise style,
and should use rigorous analytical methods.

Consistency. The literature review should be consistent with the research problem,
approach, and methods.
Effective analysis. The literature review should provide a critical analysis of the
existing research, and should identify the key findings and gaps in knowledge.
New and Existing Knowledge
The interpretation of new knowledge heavily depends on the researcher's
background and perception, which can range from indifference to excitement. The
significance of new knowledge is often established by identifying existing problems in
the field and demonstrating the gaps in the current understanding.
Existing knowledge is essential for highlighting the existence of a problem and its
importance. Researchers use the context, significance, originality, and tools from
existing literature to build a case for their work. This knowledge is gathered through
extensive reading and literature review, spanning both foundational textbooks and
recent research papers.
Textbooks provide established knowledge and foundational background, while
research papers focus on presenting new, cutting-edge information. Research papers
assume prior knowledge and can be challenging to understand without a solid
foundation. Researchers often need to refer to various sources to interpret the content
of research papers effectively.
A thorough literature review is crucial to demonstrate how a research piece builds
upon existing work. It provides a strong foundation for advancing knowledge,
identifying gaps, and suggesting new research directions. A good literature survey is
concept-focused rather than author-focused. Components of a Comprehensive
Literature Review:
1. Summarize existing knowledge from the state of the art.
 2. Detail key concepts, factors, parameters, and relationships.
3. Discuss complementary approaches to the topic.
4. Highlight inconsistencies, shortcomings, and contradictory results.
5. Justify the need for further research in the field.
Steps to Conduct an Effective Literature Survey:
1. Identify major topics or concepts relevant to the research subject.
2. Categorize relevant sources (articles, patents, websites, data, etc.) under respective
concepts.
When encountering important information, researchers often highlight, underline,
or mark it for future reference. However, to truly integrate this knowledge, it& essential
to write about it in ones own words, connecting it with the existing foundation.
Building a strong knowledge foundation requires continuous reading, learning, and
writing. By crafting and reshaping newly acquired information to fit into the existing
framework, researchers ensure a robust understanding of the topic.
New and existing knowledge play crucial roles in research. Understanding the
significance of existing knowledge, effectively reviewing the literature, and integrating
new findings into the foundation are essential steps for researchers seeking to
contribute meaningfully to their field. A comprehensive literature survey not only
informs the researcher but also serves as a cornerstone for future advancements.
Analysis and Synthesis of Prior Art Bibliographic
After collecting relevant sources, researchers engage in breaking down and
synthesizing each article's content to construct a cohesive literature review. This
process involves understanding the articles' hypotheses, models, experimental
conditions, and drawing connections between different pieces of information. The goal is
to identify unsolved issues, flaws in existing models, and propose novel ideas.
Steps in Analyzing Literature :
1. Understanding the Hypothesis: Grasp the central research question or hypothesis
of each article. This helps establish the context and purpose of the research.
2.Understanding Models and Experimental Conditions: Delve into the models and
experimental setups used in the articles. This understanding helps in comparing
and contrasting findings and methodologies.
3. Making Connections: Identify common themes, similarities, and differences
across the articles. This step involves synthesizing the information to derive
meaningful insights.
4. Comparing and Contrasting: Compare various pieces of information,
methodologies, and results across different sources. This comparison can reveal trends,
contradictions, or gaps in the existing knowledge.
5. Finding Strong Points and Loopholes: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each
article. Identify areas where the research is robust and where there might be
limitations or areas that need further investigation.
Critical Evaluation of Sources:
Authority: Assess the author's credentials and affiliation. Consider the publisher of the
information. Academic or reputable sources carry more weight.
Accuracy: Compare the information presented with what is already known about the
topic. Does the information align with credible sources? Look for citations and
references that support the claims made.
Scope: Determine if the source matches the appropriate comprehension or research level.
Ensure that the content is relevant to your research goals.
Currency: Consider the publication date. Depending on the field, currency may
be crucial to ensure you're working with up-to-date information.
Objectivity: Evaluate the objectivity of the source. Is the information presented
without bias? Look for balanced viewpoints and comprehensive analyses.

Purpose: Understand the purpose of the source. Is it a research paper, review article, or
opinion piece? Different types of sources serve different purposes.
An effective literature survey involves a meticulous process of breaking down and
synthesizing information from various sources. Researchers must understand the
hypotheses, models, and experimental conditions, while also comparing and
contrasting findings. Critical evaluation of sources based on criteria such as authority,
accuracy, scope, currency, objectivity, and purpose ensure that the gathered
information is reliable and relevant. This comprehensive approach not only enhances
the quality of the literature review but also contributes to the development of novel
ideas and research directions.
Bibliographic Databases
Bibliographic databases serve as essential resources for researchers by offering
access to citation-related information and abstracts of scholarly research articles. These
databases provide a valuable tool for searching and retrieving relevant literature, aiding
in the exploration of new ideas and addressing research problems. Benefits of
Bibliographic Databases:
1. Abstracting and Indexing Services: Bibliographic databases act as abstracting
and indexing services, compiling essential details about research articles. They include
information such as citations, abstracts, authors, affiliations, and keywords.
2. Access to Scholarly Literature: These databases facilitate access to a wide
range of scholarly research articles, helping researchers stay informed about the latest
developments in their field.
3. Search Capabilities: Researchers can perform advanced searches using
keywords, authors, publication years, and other criteria to find relevant articles quickly.
4. Comprehensive Coverage: Bibliographic databases cover a vast array of
disciplines and subjects, providing a comprehensive repository of research materials.
5. Quality Research: Simultaneous searches across multiple databases help
researchers avoid overreliance on a single source and mitigate limitations associated
with individual databases. Challenges and Solutions:
1. Database Limitations: Relying solely on one database can result in biased or
incomplete results. Researchers might encounter limitations in terms of coverage,
access, or search capabilities.
2. Intrinsic Shortcomings: Each database may have its own limitations, such as
biased indexing, incomplete coverage of certain fields, or inconsistencies in abstract
quality.

Selecting Databases for Research:

1. Identification of Relevance: Researchers should quickly identify which databases are
suitable for exploring their ideas or addressing specific research problems.
2. Diverse Selection: To ensure comprehensive coverage, researchers can choose a
combination of databases that cater to their research area.
3. Cross-Database Searches: Researchers should perform simultaneous searches across
multiple databases to enhance the breadth and quality of their research findings.

Bibliographic databases play a vital role in modern research, enabling researchers to

access, search, and retrieve scholarly articles efficiently. By utilizing multiple databases
and conducting simultaneous searches, researchers can overcome limitations and biases
associated with individual sources, thereby enhancing the quality and comprehensiveness
of their research. These databases are integral to the process of exploring new ideas,
addressing research problems, and building on existing knowledge.
Web of Science
Web of Science, formerly known as ISI or Thomson Reuters, is a comprehensive
platform encompassing multiple databases and specialized tools for scholarly research. It
provides researchers with access to a wide range of scholarly materials, making it an
invaluable resource for academic exploration.
Key Features and Usage:
1. Search Capabilities: Web of Science offers an extensive search functionality,
allowing researchers to explore scholarly materials within specific topics of
interest. The search can be refined using various fields such as title, topic, author,
address, and more.
2. Sorting and Refining: Researchers can sort search results by factors such as the
number of citations or publication date. The "Refine Results" panel on
the left enables narrowing down results using keywords, phrases in quotation
marks, material type (e., peer-reviewed journal articles), date, language, and more.
3. Enhanced Search Strategies: The platform encourages effective search strategies
by suggesting actions such as putting quotes around phrases, adding more
keywords, and considering alternate word endings. Researchers are also advised to
break down search concepts and use the "OR" operator to connect
alternate search terms.
4. Cited Reference Search: A unique feature is the "Cited Reference
Search," enabling researchers to trace articles that have cited a previously
published paper. This option provides insights into how ideas have been applied,
improved, or extended over time.
5. Structured and Informed Results: The platform ensures efficient utilization of
time by narrowing and refining search results. Researchers can broaden or narrow
down results based on their needs using built-in fields.
6. Access to Detailed Information: Clicking on search results provides a wealth of
information about the paper, including the title, authors, journal type, volume, issue
number, publication year, abstract, and keywords. This information helps
researchers decide whether to acquire the full version of the paper.
Web of Science is a powerful tool that empowers researchers to navigate
scholarly literature effectively. Its diverse databases, specialized tools, and search
features allow for precise exploration of topics of interest. By offering features such
as cited reference searches and detailed result information, Web of Science facilitates
informed decision-making and efficient utilization of research time. This platform is
 an invaluable asset for researchers seeking to access, analyze, and contribute to
scholarly knowledge.
Google and Google Scholar
Google and Google Scholar are valuable starting points for research due to
their accessibility and potential to find freely available information. However,
both platforms come with limitations and challenges, leading researchers to seek
alternative strategies for obtaining relevant and accurate sources of information.
Google's Limitations:
1."Black Box" Nature: Google searches the entire internet without quality
control, making it difficult to determine the reliability and source of results.
2.Limited Search Functionality: Google offers limited search and refinement
options, potentially leading to overwhelming or irrelevant results.
Google Scholar's Limitations:
1.Mixed Scholarly Content: Some results may appear scholarly but lack
credibility upon closer examination.
2.Incomplete Coverage: Not all publishers make their content available to Google
Scholar.
3.Limited Search Capabilities: Google Scholar provides fewer search options for
refining results.
Search Operators for Improved Results:
1.OR Operator: Broadens searches by capturing synonyms or variant spellings.
Example: Synchronous OR asynchronous captures results with either term.
2.Brackets/Parentheses: Group OR'd synonyms of a concept while combining
them with another. Example: RAM (synchronous OR asynchronous).
3.Quotation Marks: Narrows searches by finding words together as a phrase.
Example: "Texas Instruments" narrows results to that specific phrase.
4.Site Operator: Limits searches to a specific domain or website. Example: site:
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org focuses on results from that site.
5.Filetype Operator: Filters results based on a specific file extension. Example:
filetype: pdf narrows results to PDF documents.
6.Search Tools Button: Provides additional options like date limitation.

Seeking Scholarly Resources:

1. Academic Databases: Databases offer specialized search capabilities and better
quality control. They provide access to journal articles, conference proceedings, and
scholarly resources.
2. Advantages of Databases: Databases offer more relevant, focused results due to
better quality control and search functionality.
3. Database Selection: Choose databases based on subject area, date coverage, and
publication type.
4. Search Techniques Consistency: While database interfaces vary, the core search
techniques remain consistent.
While Google and Google Scholar are valuable initial search tools, researchers
must be aware of their limitations and refine their search strategies accordingly.
Utilizing search operators and tools can improve search results. However, for in-depth
and credible scholarly research, academic databases offer more focused and reliable
 resources. Researchers should select appropriate databases based on their subject area,
ensuring better control and accuracy in their search for information
Effective Search: The Way Forward
Scholarly publications are authored by researchers in specific fields, undergo peer
review, and target experts and students in the field. While engineering researchers often
refer to scholarly journals and peer-reviewed sources, useful content can also be found
in popular publications for broader readership. A comprehensive search involves using
various search tools and considering the type and availability of information.
Diverse Sources and Considerations:
1. Scholarly vs. Popular Publications: Scholarly publications are formal, peer-
reviewed, and aimed at experts, while popular publications are informal and cater to a
broader audience.
2. Multiple Sources Needed: No single source provides all required information;
researchers must explore various sources.
3. Availability and Timing: Not all information is online; scholarly information
may take time to publish, and current news may not have scholarly coverage.
4. Iterative Process: Searching involves experimenting with keywords, evaluating
results, modifying searches, and analyzing citations and references.
Research Process Steps:
1. Literature Survey: Engage in an iterative process of searching, evaluating, and
modifying searches to identify relevant sources.
2. Critical Reading: Thoroughly read and observe salient points in selected
sources, making notes and summarizing findings.
3. Comparison and Contrast: Compare and contrast findings to identify patterns,
trends, and inconsistencies.
4. Continuous Process: Literature survey is ongoing, as new literature appears and
understanding grows, leading to new connections and related problems.
Importance of Skill Development:
1. Reading Math-Heavy Articles: Developing the skill to understand complex,
math-heavy articles is essential. This skill is honed through reading and seeking
help.
2. Gradual Skill Growth: Graduates develop the skill over time through reading,
coursework, and seeking guidance.
Maintaining Focus and Active Engagement:
1. Purpose of Literature Survey: Extensive searches should be purposeful, as time
can be wasted without active reading and idea development.
2. Continuous Engagement: Literature survey is ongoing, with new connections and
evolving problems leading to further searches.
Synopsis and Doctoral Committee Approval:
1. Ph.D Scholars Task: A Ph.D scholar undertakes an extensive literature survey
during the synopsis writing stage.
2. Source Exploration: Archived journals and bibliographies are initial sources, leading
to further exploration.
Conducting an effective literature survey is an integral part of the research process.
Researchers navigate diverse sources, differentiate between scholarly and popular
publications, and engage in iterative searching and critical reading. Skill development,
continuous engagement, and purposeful focus are key to successful literature survey and
research endeavors. The process is cyclical and essential for building a strong foundation,
making connections, and identifying challenges in the research area.
Introduction to Technical Reading
Staying updated with research outcomes is crucial for active researchers. However, the
abundance of literature can be overwhelming. A strategic and efficient approach to
reading research papers is essential for effective research.
Strategies for Reading Research Papers:
1. Selective Reading: Not all papers are worth reading in-depth. An initial skimming
helps decide whether a paper is worth further exploration.
2. Skimming Process:
a. Read the title and keywords: Determine if the paper is interesting and relevant.
b. Read the abstract: Gain an overview of the papers content and relevance.
c. Jump to conclusions: Assess if the paper aligns with your research goals.
d. Review figures, tables, and captions: Quickly understand the key results.
Research Projects:
a. Small Projects: Advisor might provide specific papers to read.
b. Large Projects: Develop a personal strategy for finding and reading relevant
literature.
Importance of Strategy:
1.Efficient Time Utilization: Avoid reading irrelevant papers by skimming and
selecting wisely.
2.Focused Learning: Delve deeper into sections crucial for understanding, such
as Introduction and Results/Discussion.
3.Research Relevance: Ensure alignment between the paper's content and your
research goals.
Navigating the vast landscape of research literature requires a strategic and purposeful
approach. Skimming, selective reading, and focusing on key sections enable
researchers to efficiently identify relevant papers and gain insights from them. As
research is a continuous process, staying updated and adapting reading strategies to
different project sizes is vital for successful exploration of new knowledge.
Conceptualizing Research
Research objectives must center on new knowledge and gain recognition from the
research community. While originality and significance are key, a solvable approach is
crucial. Conceptualizing research involves aligning a significant problem, necessary
knowledge, and applicable methods, which requires expertise in the field.
Characteristics of a Good Research Objective:
1.Novelty and Significance: Research objectives should contribute new insights
and be recognized as valuable by peers.
2.Feasibility: Objectives should be achievable within available resources and
methodologies.
Conceptualizing Research at Different Levels:
1.Ph.D. Level and Higher:
a. Expertise Requirement: Developing a research objective demands expertise at the
edge of knowledge.
b. Immersion in Literature: Continuously reading and understanding existing
literature is crucial for combining problem significance, existing knowledge, and
potential methods.
2.Smaller Scope Projects (Master’s Thesis):
a. Expert Guidance: Researcher may lack the time to become an expert. Supervisor's
expertise helps formulate research objectives.
b. Efficient Literature Navigation: Established researchers guide towards essential
literature for a focused understanding.

Critical and Creative Reading

Reading research papers is a process that involves critical evaluation, skepticism, and
a willingness to question assumptions. A reader should actively engage with the
content, assessing the validity of arguments, considering alternative solutions, and
evaluating the data presented.
Critical Reading:
•Questioning Assumptions: Challenge assumptions made by the authors. Are
they reasonable, and do they align with the problem being addressed?
•Alternative Solutions: Consider if there are simpler or more effective solutions
that were overlooked.
•Limitations and Missing Links: Identify both stated and ignored limitations of
the proposed solution. Determine if any essential connections or steps are
missing.
•Assumptions and Logic: Assess the logical flow of the paper and the soundness
of assumptions made.
•Data Evaluation: Scrutinize the data presented. Is it relevant and interpreted
correctly? Could alternative datasets provide stronger support?

Judgmental Approach: Employ a judgmental mindset to critically identify errors and

inconsistencies in the paper.

Boldness in Judgment: Be willing to make bold judgments about the paper's

content, assumptions, and conclusions.

Flexibility in Judgment: Be open to revising judgments based on new insights gained

from careful reading. Creative Reading:

Positive Approach: Creatively explore the paper's content to discover new ideas,
applications, or generalizations that may have been missed by the authors.

Extending Work: Look for opportunities to extend the research by identifying potential
areas for further investigation.

Creative Reading:
•Positive Approach: Creatively explore the paper's content to discover new ideas,
applications, or generalizations that may have been missed by the authors.
•Extending Work: Look for opportunities to extend the research by identifying
potential areas for further investigation.
•Practical Challenges: Consider if modifications to the proposed solution could
introduce practical challenges or lead to valuable new research directions.
Challenges in Critical and Creative Reading:
•Critical vs. Creative: Critical reading aims to identify errors, while creative
reading involves seeking new opportunities and insights.
•Relative Difficulty: Creative reading can be more challenging than critical
reading, requiring a proactive and open-minded approach.
Reading research papers is a multi-faceted process that involves both critical
evaluation and creative exploration. Approaching papers with skepticism, questioning
assumptions, and assessing data accuracy are integral to critical reading. Creative
reading involves looking beyond the presented content to uncover potential
extensions, applications, and research directions. Developing the skills for both critical
and creative reading enhances a researcher's ability to engage deeply with research
papers and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Taking Notes While Reading
Strong reading skills are fundamental for effective research writing. The transition
from reading to writing is facilitated by the practice of taking notes during and after
the reading process. Note-taking helps researchers remember and utilize valuable
information, ensuring a smoother transition from reading to writing.
Importance of Note-Taking:
•Preservation of Knowledge: Taking notes prevents valuable insights from being
forgotten over time.
•Highlighting Key Content: Important concepts, definitions, and explanations
are marked for later reference.
•Capturing Questions and Criticisms: Queries and criticisms are documented,
aiding critical analysis and potential research directions.
•Enhancing Recall: Notes help in quickly revisiting and recalling content during
the writing phase.
Reading Mathematics and Algorithms
Mathematics serves as the foundational framework for the advancement and growth
of engineering research and practice. It plays a pivotal role in deriving proofs,
developing algorithms, and creating the theoretical underpinning of technical papers.
While mathematical content may appear daunting, diligent reading and understanding
of mathematical derivations are essential for comprehending the core of any technical
research paper.
Importance of Mathematical Derivations and Proofs:
•Core of Technical Papers: Mathematical derivations and proofs form the heart of
technical papers, providing the foundation for novel concepts and innovations.
•In-depth Understanding: Meticulous reading of mathematical content enhances the
researcher's grasp of the problem, solution, and underlying principles.
•Sound Understanding: In-depth comprehension of proofs and algorithms after
identifying paper relevance fosters a solid grasp of the authors' attempted
solution.
Selective Skimming of Technical Sections:
•Relevance Consideration: Skim technical sections that reiterate known concepts or
seem too advanced for the current research stage.
•Delayed Understanding: Postpone deep comprehension of specialized sections that
might not be immediately relevant.
•Later Exploration: Bookmark sections that appear too intricate or detailed for later
exploration once foundational knowledge is consolidated.
Implementation of Algorithms:
•Verification and Validation: Implementation of complex algorithms using
programming languages helps identify errors and validate their functionality.
•Real-World Application: Practical implementation reveals the feasibility of
algorithms and uncovers potential issues that might not be apparent in theory.
Importance of Quick Coding:
•Algorithm Verification: Rapid coding and implementation can validate the
correctness of algorithms.
•Practical Application: Practical coding unveils real-world challenges and
discrepancies that may not be evident from theory alone.
Mathematics is the backbone of engineering research, providing the basis for proofs,
algorithms, and theoretical frameworks. Thorough reading and understanding of
mathematical content, along with selective skimming of technical sections, ensure
comprehensive comprehension of research papers. Practical implementation of
algorithms through coding serves as a vital step to verify their correctness and
applicability. By embracing mathematical rigor and practical coding, researchers can
effectively bridge theory and practice, contributing to the advancement of engineering
knowledge and innovation.

Reading a Datasheet
In various engineering fields, researchers encounter diverse types of documents that
are crucial for understanding, designing, and incorporating specific components or
parts. Datasheets, particularly in electronics, serve as instruction manuals for
electronic components and play a pivotal role in circuit design, debugging, and
integration.
Importance of Datasheets:
•Instruction Manuals for Components: Datasheets provide comprehensive
details about electronic components, including their functionalities,
specifications, and usage instructions.
•Design and Debugging: Researchers utilize datasheets to design circuits, debug
existing circuits, and ensure proper component integration.
•Performance Analysis: Datasheets offer insights into component performance
under varying conditions, enabling researchers to optimize circuit design.

y and Time Savings: Thoroughly reading a component's datasheet

provides insights that can lead to shortcuts and efficient solutions, saving time
in the long run.
•Informed Decision-Making: When choosing components for a research project,
detailed knowledge from datasheets helps researchers make informed
decisions.
•Circuit Reliability: Properly understanding datasheets ensures that
components are used within specified parameters, enhancing circuit reliability.
Importance Beyond Datasheets:
•Field-Specific Documents: Researchers in different engineering branches
encounter various specialized documents that are essential for their work.
•Broad Reading Skills: The ability to read and understand technical documents
beyond research papers or books is crucial for comprehensive research.
Datasheets serve as indispensable resources for electronic component information,
aiding researchers in circuit design, debugging, and integration. Properly reading and
comprehending datasheets allow researchers to make informed decisions, optimize
circuit performance, and enhance overall efficiency. The skill of reading technical

documents extends beyond datasheets, encompassing a range of specialized

documents in different engineering fields.
Attributions and Citations: Giving Credit Wherever Due
Academic writing is governed by established rules and conventions, with a crucial
emphasis on proper attribution, referencing, and acknowledgment of the
contributions of others. These practices ensure the integrity of scholarly work and
uphold ethical standards.
Citing:
•Citing involves integrating quotes, references, and ideas from other authors'
works into one's own text.
•The primary purpose of citing is to provide evidence, support arguments, and
give context to the reader.
•Proper citation allows readers to trace back to the original source and verify the
information.
•Citing should be clear, accurate, and relevant to the context.
Referencing:
•Referencing is the act of listing complete publication details of cited works in a
reference list or bibliography.
•It provides readers with comprehensive information about the sources and
helps them locate the cited works.
•Correct referencing also demonstrates the researcher's familiarity with relevant
literature.
Acknowledgment:
•Acknowledgment acknowledges contributions and support received in the
research process.
•It expresses gratitude to individuals or entities that aided in the research, such
as funding agencies, colleagues, or mentors.
•Acknowledgment is personal, often containing expressions of appreciation
beyond the research itself.
Attribution:
•Attribution involves correctly attributing ideas, concepts, and findings to their
original authors.
•It is a fundamental principle in avoiding plagiarism and maintaining academic
honesty.
•Proper attribution demonstrates respect for intellectual property and the
intellectual lineage of research.
Differences:
•Citing: Quoting or referring to specific content within the text.
Referencing: Providing complete publication details for cited works in a
separate section.
•Acknowledgment: Expressing gratitude to individuals or organizations that
contributed to the research.
•Attribution: Correctly attributing ideas and work to their original creators.
Importance:
•Integrity: Proper citing, referencing, and acknowledgment ensure research
integrity and avoid plagiarism.
•Ethical Responsibility: Researchers have an ethical duty to acknowledge the
intellectual property of others.
•Transparency: Readers can verify claims, explore sources, and delve into
relevant literature.
•Scholarly Communication: Effective citation and referencing contribute to clear
and effective scholarly communication.
Legal Implications:
•Failure to cite properly can lead to accusations of plagiarism and intellectual
property infringement.
•Inaccurate or inadequate attribution may result in legal challenges from
original authors or entities.
In academic writing, adhering to rules of citing, referencing, acknowledgment, and
proper attribution is vital to maintain scholarly integrity and ethical standards. These
practices facilitate transparent communication, enable readers to verify information,
and uphold the contributions of both the researcher and the original authors.
Citations: Functions and Attributes
Citations, referencing, and ethical citation practices are vital components of academic
writing, ensuring the proper acknowledgment of sources and the integrity of research.
They play a pivotal role in maintaining ethical standards and facilitating the
dissemination of knowledge.
Citations and their Importance:
•Citations credit authors and allow readers to trace the source for verification.
•Properly citing sources is essential to avoid plagiarism and give credit where
due.
•Citing ensures transparency and accountability in scholarly work.
Types of Materials Requiring Citation:
•Any content from external sources: texts, images, sounds, etc.
•Failure to cite may lead to inadvertent plagiarism and ethical concerns.
Function and Significance of Citation:
1.Verification Function:
•Citations enable readers to validate claims and verify information.
•Intentional or unintentional distortion can be identified through citations.
2.Acknowledgment Function:
•Researchers receive credit through citations, influencing their reputation.
•Citations play a role in obtaining research funding and career advancement.
3.Documentation Function:
•Citations document the progress and evolution of scientific concepts over time.
Proper Attribution and Citation:
•Authors must provide complete details about cited sources.
•Materials that can be cited include journal papers, conference proceedings,
books, theses, websites, etc.
•Citing at the end of a sentence or paragraph with accurate details is crucial.
Functions of Citation in Academic Writing:
•In-text Citation: Used exactly where a source is quoted or paraphrased.
•References: Listing all cited sources in a separate section, providing
comprehensive information.
Use of Citation Styles:
•Citation styles dictate the order and layout of citation elements.
•Consistency within a chosen citation style is crucial for maintaining clarity and
professionalism.
Legal Implications and Ethical Concerns:
•Failure to cite may lead to accusations of plagiarism and intellectual property
infringement.
•Authors have a responsibility to give credit and avoid misrepresentation.
Citation Pitfalls to Avoid:
•Spurious Citations: Including unnecessary citations adds no value and wastes
readers' time.
•Biased Citations: Citing selectively or based on personal affiliations
compromises objectivity.
•Self-Citations: Self-citation is acceptable when relevant but can be problematic
if done excessively or irrelevantly.
•Coercive Citations: Manipulating citations for journal impact factors
undermines ethical practices.
Maintaining the Balance:
•Authors must strike a balance between too few and too many citations.
•Giving credit whenever due, even for one's own work, ensures ethical citation
practices.
Citations, referencing, and ethical considerations are essential pillars of academic
writing. They uphold research integrity, credit original authors, and foster transparent
scholarly communication. By following proper citation practices and avoiding
common pitfalls, authors contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the
credibility of their work.
Impact of Title and Keywords on Citations
The citation rate of research papers is influenced by a variety of factors, including the
significance of the journal, publication types, research area, and the impact of the
research itself. However, certain attributes of the paper, such as the title and keywords,
also play a crucial role in determining its citation count.
Title's Importance and Impact:
•The title is a key factor in attracting readers and conveying the paper's subject.
•A well-crafted title is informative, attention-grabbing, and aids in marketing the
paper.
•The title influences the paper's visibility during literature searches and
contributes to its traceability.
Title Characteristics and Citation Rates:
1.Title Length:
•Longer titles tend to have a positive impact on the number of citations.
•Longer titles often include methodological details or results, attracting more
attention.
2.Types of Titles:
•Question-type titles may attract more downloads but are poorly cited.
•Descriptive or declarative titles are generally more effective in garnering
citations.
•Titles containing a question mark or reference to a specific geographical region
may result in lower citation rates.
3.Keywords in Titles:
•Titles with at least two keywords increase the chances of discovery, reading, and
citation.
•Keywords in titles assist in categorizing the research and directing it to the
relevant audience.
Importance of Keywords in Citations:
•Using the maximum allowable keywords increases the likelihood of the paper
being found.
•Overuse of new keywords should be avoided to maintain familiarity within the
research community.
The citation rate of research papers is influenced by a multitude of factors, including
the paper's title and keywords. Crafting an informative and attention-grabbing title,
incorporating relevant keywords, and following established trends in title
characteristics can positively impact the visibility, readership, and ultimately the
citation count of a research paper.
Knowledge Flow Through Citation
Knowledge flows are crucial in the research community, facilitating the creation and
dissemination of new knowledge. Various forms of communication, including verbal
exchanges, written documents, videos, audio recordings, and images, contribute to the
spread of knowledge. In the realm of engineering research, knowledge flow is primarily
observed through books, theses, articles, patents, and reports.
Importance of Citing Sources:
•Citing sources is integral to the transmission of knowledge from existing work
to new innovations.
•It is a way to acknowledge and reference the work that contributes to one's
research.
•Proper citation establishes a network of connections between research papers,
allowing the flow of knowledge from previous research to current studies.
Citation Network and Knowledge Flow:
•Knowledge flow occurs through citation networks, connecting different
elements of research.
•When one paper (A) is cited by another paper (B), knowledge is disseminated
across institutions and researchers.
•Figure 3.1 illustrates the relationship between citations, knowledge flow,
researchers, papers, journal publications, conferences, and institutions.
Role of Collaboration in Knowledge Flow:
•Interdisciplinary research promotes collaboration among scholars.
•Collaborative research enhances the quality of work and encourages knowledge
exchange.
•Sooryamoorthy's study examined the citation impact of South African
publications, highlighting those co-authored papers received more citations
than single-author papers.
•The number of authors had a positive correlation with the number of citations.
Knowledge flow is essential in the research community and takes various
forms of communication. Properly citing sources establishes a network of knowledge
dissemination, enabling researchers to build upon existing work and contribute to the
advancement of their respective fields. Collaboration among scholars further enhances
knowledge flow, contributing to higher quality research and increased citation impact.
Citing Datasets
In modern engineering research, data plays a crucial role in substantiating claims,
providing experimental evidence, and enabling scientific advancement. Just as
research articles are cited, data citations also deserve proper credit and recognition for
their role in supporting research claims.
Significance of Data Citations:
•Engineering research heavily relies on data to validate hypotheses and
conclusions.
•Data citations are essential for giving credit and legal attribution to the creators
of datasets.
•Proper data citations enable other researchers to access and utilize the same
datasets for their own work.
Challenges in Data Ownership:
•Ownership of data can be complex, especially with large datasets involving
multiple contributors.
•Funding sources and agreements can complicate data ownership and usage
permissions.
License and capacity:
• Researchers must obtain the appropriate license to use data from a particular
source.
• Submitted documents must contain clear information so that readers can find
and access the original document in the future, even through a direct link.
Balance general and specific information:
• Effective information balances general information with specific information.
• Reports should contain sufficient background information to allow readers to
confidently identify the information they are looking for.
Adaptability of the citation styles
• Unlike a specific citation style, which is suitable for all types of documents, it
needs to be flexible due to the variety of documents.
• Evidence should be suitable for different formats, storage locations and
locations.
In the rapid evolution of engineering research, data has become an essential part of
supporting claims and conclusions. Just as research papers are accurately described,
references should give credibility and legitimacy to the creator of the dataset. Ensuring
appropriate licensing, providing comprehensive information, and managing changes
to the registry are critical to understanding the important role of information in
technology advancing engineering knowledge. Article
Examples:
1.Historical data, Sotavento (wind farm), Corunna, Spain (July 2016): [Accessed:
October 4, 2016] Retrieved from: http://www.sotaventogalicia.com/en/real-time -
data/History
Citation Styles
Citation styles differ in the order and grammar of the material cited, with an emphasis
on brevity, readability, date, spelling, and publication. Some of the most common
citation formats used by engineers (and other authors) are:
1. ASCE format (American Society of Civil Engineers)
(a) Reference list: this section should be included in the book. At the end of an article
or guide, or in space. A model for the same example is given below:
(b) Books or articles written in books: The following sections will be placed after the
words pertaining to the internal work:

2.IEEE Style (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

IEEE Style is the standard for all IEEE journals and journals and is often used for
papers and articles in business, electronics and computer science. The IEEE style
requires the use of final letters and numbers to include references. Submitters of
content to IEEE publications should refer to the relevant journal or journal's guidelines
and may also refer to the entire IEEE Reference Guide. Listed below are some examples
of the IEEE citation style for different types of resources: A place to get a brief
introduction to the organization. or charities. These can be shown at the end of the
text or in footnotes if there are no specific instructions for publication.
Acknowledgments and Attributions
Acknowledgment is the practice of recognizing the person or organization
responsible for producing the research published in a particular article. Accreditation
demonstrates the relationship between people, organizations, institutions and science.
In some cases, an individual may assist with research but may not be eligible to be
listed as an author. Such cooperation should be regarded as gratitude.
Group recognition leads to many factors such as spiritual, financial, correctional,
office or business and provides strategic support
Recognition and recognition on social media is also very important, leave
newsletters or meetings. Providing the right recognition at the right time is very important,
and even a small contribution should not be overlooked. Researchers should always
be aware of the interests of others. Whenever possible, authors should provide the names,
or even the names, of people who may be responsible for the design, creation,
operation or other achievement. Considering the importance of the printing press,
writing is also important.
The award triangle shows the relationship between articles, acknowledgments, and
authors. Recognition in engineering research; It is for professionals, students, funding
agencies, accountants, schools, or anyone who provides research ideas, shares results
without publication, does not provide material, or participates in discussions.
What Should Be Acknowledged?
Acknowledgments in engineering research play a crucial role in giving credit where it's
due and maintaining ethical research practices. Authors must recognize various
contributions and support that enable their research efforts.
Types of Contributions to Acknowledge:
1.Quotation:
•Direct quotations are rarely used in technical writing.
•Direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and attributed properly.
•Indirect quotations (paraphrasing) should be acknowledged with name and
date.
2.Scientific and Technical Guidance:
•Acknowledge individuals who provided scientific or technical guidance.
•Include those who engaged in discussions or shared valuable information.
3.Assistants, Students, and Technicians:
•Acknowledge those who contributed experimentally and theoretically.
•Mention individuals who assisted in conducting experiments or theoretical
analyses.
4.Funding Agencies:
•Acknowledge funding agencies and grant numbers if the research was
supported by grants.
•Provide full details of the funding program.
5.Facilities and Organizations:
•Acknowledge centers or organizations that provided services or facilities.
•If not formally affiliated, acknowledge external support received.
6.Presentation Elsewhere:
•If results were presented elsewhere (journals, meetings, symposia),
acknowledge appropriately.
•Provide citations for abstracts or relevant gatherings.
Acknowledgments in Books/Dissertations
A disclaimer page is usually added at the beginning of the post/ad, just after
the Content. These acknowledgments are longer than a paragraph or two in a journal or
conference article. This detailed acknowledgment allows researchers to thank
everyone who contributed to the success of the research project. The views that need
to be recognized should be given good attention in this order. In general, express your
interest clearly and avoid using emotional words.
These recognitions usually recognize the following persons: first advisor,
second advisor, laboratory staff, other department staff, staff assistants or assistants in the
department, colleagues from other departments, other organizations or associations,
former students, relatives and friends.
Dedication or Acknowledgments?
Dedication is rarely used in written documents, meetings, or patents; used only for
large documents such as a book, article, or article report. While special appreciation is
given to those who help the book in some way (editing, moral support, etc.), the
dedication is to the author who wants to give it, whether it's the author's mother or the
best people. A friend, a pet dog, or God Almighty. Yes, it's nice to give something to
someone while they're still talking about it. For example, a person might give a book
to their spouse but acknowledge her honesty and patience during times of great stress.