Sri Sai Vidya Vikas Shikshana Samithi ®

SAI VIDYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

(Approved by AICTE, New Delhi, Affiliated to VTU, Recognized by Govt. of Karnataka)
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
Accredited by National Board of Accreditation – NBA, CSE, ECE, ISE, Mech & Civil.
RAJANUKUNTE, BAGALORE – 560 064, KARNATAKA, INDIA.

SUBJECT NAME: Research Methodology and Intellectual Property

Rights

SUBJECT CODE: 21RMI56

COURSE COORDINATOR: Dr M.S Ganesha Prasad/

Prof. Manjuvani K M

MODULE -1

Introduction: Meaning of Research, Objectives of Engineering Research, and

Motivation in Engineering, Research, Types of Engineering Research, Finding and

Solving a worthwhile Problem. Ethics in Engineering Research, Ethics in Engineering

Research Practice, Types of Research Misconduct, Ethical Issues Related to

Authorship.
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

INTRODUCTION: MEANING OF RESEARCH

Definition:

Research refers to a careful, well-defined, objective based, and systematic method of search for
knowledge.
--OR--

Research is defined as formulation of a theory that is driven by inquisitiveness for that which
is unknown and useful on a particular aspect so as to make an original contribution to expand
the existing knowledge base.
--OR--

Research is a process of creating, or formulating knowledge that does not yet exist.

RESEARCH FLOW/RESEARCH CYCLE:

Step 1: Practical Problem:

o The research cycle starts with basically a analysing a practical problem
o Researcher should have clear idea about “what the problem is ” and “Why it is
important?”
o This is motivation for next step.
Step 2: Research Question:
o A research question is a question that a study or research project aims to answer.
o In turn defines a research project
Step 3: Research Project:
o It is an activity or set of activities that ultimately leads to result or answer.
Step 4: Research Project:
o In turn helps to solve the practical problem that one started with in the beginning
of Research cycle as shown in Fig.1.1

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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

Fig.1.1: Research Cycle

ENGINEERING RESEARCH TYPICALLY AIMS TO ACHIEVE SEVERAL MAIN

OBJECTIVES:

 Innovation and Advancement: Creating new technologies, methods, or systems to

improve existing processes or solve problems in various domains.
 Problem-Solving: Addressing real-world challenges by applying scientific principles,
theories, and experimentation to devise practical solutions.
 Optimization: Enhancing efficiency, functionality, and performance of systems or
processes through research-driven improvements.
 Knowledge Expansion: Contributing to the body of scientific knowledge by
conducting experiments, gathering data, and publishing findings that add to the
understanding of specific engineering fields.
 Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Fostering collaborations between different branches
of engineering, as well as with other scientific disciplines, to tackle complex problems
that require diverse expertise.
 Sustainability and Ethical Considerations: Developing technologies and solutions
that not only solve problems but also consider environmental impact, ethical
implications, and long-term sustainability.
 Commercial Viability: Some engineering research objectives include developing
innovations that can be practically implemented and have commercial viability in
industries, fostering economic growth.
 Education and Training: Contributing to educational materials, curriculum
development, and training resources to prepare the next generation of engineers and
researchers.
 By pursuing these objectives, engineering research aims to push the boundaries of what
is possible, improve quality of life, and drive societal and technological progress.
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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

ENGINEERING RESEARCH IS FUELLED BY VARIOUS MOTIVATIONS, DRIVING

SCIENTISTS AND ENGINEERS TO EXPLORE, INNOVATE, AND SOLVE
PROBLEMS:

 Solving Real-World Problems: Many engineers are motivated by the desire to address
pressing societal, environmental, or industrial challenges. They seek solutions to
problems like climate change, energy efficiency, healthcare, infrastructure
development, and more.
 Innovation and Curiosity: Curiosity is a powerful driver in engineering research.
Engineers often seek to understand how things work and push the boundaries of what's
possible. The pursuit of new technologies, methods, and discoveries drives them
forward.
 Improving Quality of Life: Enhancing the quality of life for individuals and
communities is a strong motivation. Engineering research aims to create products,
systems, and solutions that make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable for people around
the world.
 Career Development and Recognition: Advancement in the engineering field often
relies on research contributions. Engineers may be motivated by personal and
professional growth, striving for recognition and advancement in their careers.
 Collaboration and Networking: Many researchers are driven by the opportunity to
collaborate with peers, experts from different fields, and industry partners.
Collaborations often lead to new ideas, perspectives, and breakthroughs.
 Financial Incentives and Industry Demand: In some cases, the demand for
innovative solutions in specific industries can be a strong motivator. Engineering
research that leads to commercially viable products or services can have significant
financial incentives.
 Global Impact and Sustainability: With increasing awareness of global challenges
like climate change and sustainability, engineers are motivated to develop eco-friendly
technologies and sustainable solutions that positively impact the planet.
 Academic Pursuits and Intellectual Fulfilment: For many researchers, the pursuit of
knowledge itself is a strong motivator. They find fulfilment in contributing to the
academic body of work and advancing the understanding of their field.
 Regulatory or Policy Drivers: Changes in regulations or policies can motivate
engineering research. For instance, mandates for cleaner energy might drive research
into renewable technologies.
 Humanitarian and Social Causes: Some engineers are motivated by the desire to
contribute to humanitarian efforts, such as providing clean water, developing low-cost
medical devices, or improving living conditions in underprivileged communities.
These motivations often intersect and overlap, guiding researchers to explore, innovate, and
contribute to the diverse and ever-evolving field of engineering.

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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

MOTIVATIONS OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH:

 Intrinsic Motivations: Interest, challenge, learning, meaning, purpose, are linked to

strong creative performance.
 Extrinsic Motivations: They include money, fame, awards, praise, and status. These
are very strong motivators, but may block creativity.
Ex: Research outcome may enable obtaining a patent which is a good way to become
rich and famous.
Influences from others: Like competition, collaboration, commitment, and
encouragement are also motivating factors in research.
Ex: My friends are all doing research and so should i, or, a person that i dislike is doing
well and i want to do better.
 Personal motivation: Solving unsolved problems, Intellectual joy, service to
community, and respectability are all driving factors.
 Other factors: This would be a mix of extrinsic and intrinsic aspects
a. Wanting to do better than what has been achieved in the world.
b. Improve the state of the art in technology.
c. Contribute to the improvement of society.
d. Fulfilment of the historical legacy in the immediate sociocultural context.
e. Several other factors like government directives, funding opportunities in
certain areas, and terms of employment, can motivate people to get involved
in engineering research.

TYPES OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH:

 Basic Research: This type of research aims to expand the fundamental understanding
of scientific principles and phenomena. It often involves theoretical investigations and
experimentation to explore underlying concepts without immediate practical
applications.
 Applied Research: Applied research focuses on solving specific problems or
developing practical solutions. It takes the knowledge gained from basic research and
applies it to address real-world issues, often leading to the development of new
technologies or processes.
 Interdisciplinary Research: Many engineering problems require expertise from
multiple disciplines. Interdisciplinary research involves collaboration across different
branches of engineering or with other scientific fields to tackle complex challenges that
require diverse perspectives.
 Design-Oriented Research: This type of research focuses on improving the design
process itself. It involves studying methodologies, tools, and frameworks to enhance
the efficiency, effectiveness, and creativity of the design process in engineering.
 Developmental Research: Developmental research involves refining and enhancing
existing technologies, products, or systems. It aims to optimize performance,
functionality, and usability based on iterative improvements and feedback.
 Experimental and Empirical Research: This type of research relies on experiments,
data collection, and empirical analysis to validate hypotheses, test theories, or evaluate
the performance of engineering systems or innovations.

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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

 Computational and Modelling Research: Computational research involves the use of

computer simulations, modelling, and numerical analysis to understand complex
phenomena, predict behaviours, and optimize designs without physical prototyping.
 Innovative and Breakthrough Research: Some engineering research focuses on
groundbreaking innovations that disrupt existing technologies or create entirely new
paradigms in various fields, often leading to significant advancements.
 Industry-Driven Research: Research conducted in collaboration with industries aims
to address specific challenges faced by businesses. It often involves developing
solutions that have direct applications in commercial settings.
 Sustainability and Environmental Research: With a focus on environmental impact
and sustainability, this research aims to develop eco-friendly technologies, reduce
carbon footprints, and improve resource efficiency in engineering processes and
products.

These types of engineering research are not mutually exclusive and often overlap, with research
projects incorporating elements from multiple categories to address multifaceted challenges in
engineering and technology.

Comparison table between different Engineering research

Descriptive Analytical
It includes Surveys and fact findings The researcher has to use facts or
enquiries of different kinds information already available, and analyze
these to make a critical evaluation of
material
Describes more about what has happened or It explains more about WHY and HOW
what is happening.
No control over variables It concerns itself with cause-effect
relationships among variables.
Ex: Researcher want to understand Ex: Researcher want to understand if there is
the smartphone usage patterns among a relationship between smartphone usage and
teenagers in a particular city. They academic performance among teenagers in
decide to conduct a survey to gather the same city.
information. Analytical research goes beyond describing
smartphone usage patterns. It provides
insights into potential causes and effects.

Applied Fundamental (Pure/Basic)

Applied research seeks to solve an Fundamental research is concerned
immediate with generalizations and formulation of a
problem facing the organization, theory
Primary objective of applied research is to Basic research is aimed at seeking
determine a solution for compelling information which could have a broad base
problems in actual practice. of applications in the medium to long term.

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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

Ex: Research to identify social or economic Ex: Research concerning to natural

trends, or those that find out whether certain phenomena or relating to pure mathematics.
communications will be read and
understood.

Qualitative Quantitative
Exploring ideas or formulating Testing hypothesis/ theories
hypothesis/theories
Analysis is through Summarizing, Analysis is by Mathematical and
categorizing, Interpreting. statistical analysis
It is expressed in words It is expressed in graphs and numbers
It needs only few respondents It requires many respondents
It is more exploratory It is more conclusive research

HOW TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS SUCH ENGINEERING RESEARCH

PROBLEMS:

1. Understanding the Context:

a) Industry/Field Awareness: Stay informed about current trends, challenges, and
emerging needs within your field or industry.
b) Market Research: Conduct thorough market or societal research to identify gaps,
unmet needs, or inefficiencies that require solutions.
2. Engaging with Stakeholders:
a) Talk to Experts: Engage with professionals, stakeholders, and experts to understand
their pain points and needs.
b) User-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding end-users' experiences, problems,
and desires to create meaningful solutions.
3. Problem Framing:
a) Define the Problem: Clearly articulate and define the problem statement to ensure a
precise understanding of what needs to be solved.
b) Prioritization: Assess the urgency, impact, and feasibility of solving the identified
problems.
4. Creative Ideation:
a) Brainstorming Sessions: Encourage brainstorming sessions to generate a variety of
potential solutions.
b) Innovation Workshops: Organize workshops focused on creative problem-solving
techniques to explore diverse ideas.
5. Research and Analysis:
a) Literature Review: Conduct thorough literature reviews to understand existing
solutions and gaps in knowledge.
b) Data Collection: Gather data through experiments, surveys, or field studies to gain
insights into the problem domain.
6. Prototyping and Testing:
a) Prototyping: Develop prototypes or models to test potential solutions and gather
feedback.
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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

b) Iterative Testing: Implement an iterative testing approach to refine solutions based on

user feedback and performance evaluations.
7. Collaboration and Feedback:
a) Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Engage with experts from various disciplines to
bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving.
b) Continuous Feedback: Seek feedback from stakeholders, users, and peers throughout
the problem-solving process.
8. Impact Assessment:
a) Evaluate Solutions: Assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and potential impact of
proposed solutions.
b) Scalability and Sustainability: Consider the scalability and long-term sustainability of
the solutions.
9. Implementation and Monitoring:
a) Implementation Strategy: Develop a plan for implementing the chosen solution
effectively.
b) Monitoring and Adaptation: Continuously monitor the implemented solution and be
prepared to adapt based on real-world feedback and changing circumstances.

By following these steps, engineers and researchers can identify worthwhile problems, devise
innovative solutions, and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.

ETHICS IN ENGINEERING RESEARCH

Definition: Ethics refers to a set of rules distinguishing acceptable and unacceptable conduct,
distinguishing right from wrong, or wise aphorisms like the sayings of Chanakya
It is crucial as it guides responsible conduct, ensuring integrity, safety, and accountability in the
pursuit of knowledge and innovation. By prioritizing ethical principles in engineering research,
researchers can build trust, foster innovation, and contribute responsibly to the advancement of
science and technology for the benefit of society.

ETHICS IN ENGINEERING RESEARCH PRACTICE

Ethics in engineering research practices involves the application of ethical principles
throughout the research process. Here are some specific practices that uphold ethical standards:
1. Informed Consent:
Obtain voluntary and informed consent from participants involved in experiments or studies.
Ensure they understand the purpose, risks, and benefits of their participation.
2. Confidentiality and Privacy:
Safeguard the confidentiality of participants' information and ensure their privacy is protected.
Handle data securely and only share information with authorized individuals.
3. Responsible Data Handling:
Collect, store, and analyze data responsibly, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and security. Handle
sensitive or personal information with care and in accordance with relevant regulations.
4. Avoiding Plagiarism:
Attribute sources properly and avoid plagiarism by citing references accurately. Give credit to
prior work and contributors appropriately.

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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

5. Research Integrity:
Conduct research with honesty and integrity, avoiding fabrication, falsification, or
manipulation of data. Maintain transparency in reporting methodologies and results.
6. Safety and Risk Mitigation:
Prioritize the safety of researchers, participants, and the environment during experiments or
testing. Adhere to safety protocols and minimize risks associated with the research.
7. Ethical Review and Compliance:
Seek ethical review and approval from relevant institutional review boards or ethics committees
before commencing research involving human subjects or sensitive data.
8. Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
Disclose any conflicts of interest that could influence research outcomes, publication, or
decision-making. Maintain objectivity and transparency in dealing with potential conflicts.
9. Respect for Intellectual Property:
Respect intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Adhere to
legal and ethical standards when using others' work or protecting your own.
10. Social and Environmental Impact Consideration:
Consider the broader societal and environmental impacts of research outcomes. Strive to
develop technologies and solutions that benefit society while minimizing negative
consequences.
11. Continuous Ethical Reflection and Education:
Engage in ongoing ethical reflection and education within the research community. Stay
updated on ethical guidelines, best practices, and emerging ethical challenges.
Upholding ethical practices in engineering research is essential not only for the credibility and
integrity of the research but also for ensuring the well-being and rights of all involved
stakeholders. Regular ethical evaluations and adherence to established ethical codes contribute
to responsible and impactful research outcomes.

TYPES OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT:

1. Fabrication:
Creating or inventing data or results that do not exist and have not been obtained through
research or experimentation.
2. Falsification:
Manipulating research materials, processes, or data to change or omit results, methods, or other
significant aspects of research to deceive others.
3. Plagiarism:
Presenting someone else's work, ideas, or words as one's own without proper acknowledgment
or citation. This can include copying text, ideas, or concepts without permission or attribution.
4. Misrepresentation of Authorship:
Falsely attributing authorship or denying credit to individuals who have made substantial
contributions to the research, leading to unfair distribution of credit.
5. Duplicate Publication:
Publishing the same research or data in multiple publications without proper acknowledgment
or disclosure. This violates the principle of originality in research.

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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

6. Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest: Failure to disclose financial or personal conflicts of

interest that could influence research outcomes, funding sources, or publications, leading to
biased results.
7. Failure to Comply with Ethical Standards:
Violating ethical guidelines, regulations, or institutional policies regarding research involving
human subjects, animals, or sensitive data.
8. Research Mismanagement:
Inadequate supervision of research activities, failure to maintain accurate records, or improper
handling of research data or materials.
9. Retaliation against Whistleblowers:
Taking punitive actions or retaliation against individuals who report or raise concerns about
research misconduct, hindering the reporting of unethical behaviour.
10. Failure to Report Research Misconduct:
Neglecting to report known or suspected research misconduct or failing to cooperate with
investigations into alleged misconduct.

ETHICAL ISSUES RELATED TO AUTHORSHIPS?

Authorship in research publications is central to academic integrity, and ethical issues can arise
in various aspects of authorship, including:
1. Authorship Criteria:
Determining who qualifies as an author and the order of authorship can lead to ethical
dilemmas. Clear criteria should be established based on substantial contributions to the
research, avoiding honorary authorship or excluding deserving contributors.
2. Guest or Gift Authorship:
Granting authorship to individuals who haven't substantially contributed to the research, often
due to seniority, affiliation, or professional courtesy, undermines the integrity of authorship.
3. Ghost Authorship:
Concealing the actual contributors of a study by not including individuals who made significant
contributions. This unethical practice often occurs in industry-sponsored research or
collaborations.
4. Changes in Authorship:
Altering authorship after the completion of the research, especially without the consent or
acknowledgment of all parties involved, can lead to disputes and ethical concerns.
5. Disputes and Resolutions:
Conflicts or disagreements among authors regarding contributions, order of authorship, or other
issues can arise. Resolving these disputes ethically and transparently is crucial to maintaining
trust and fairness.
6. Equal Contribution Statements:
Sometimes, authors contribute equally to a study. Ensuring fairness in acknowledging and
highlighting these contributions can be challenging, leading to ethical considerations in equal
contribution statements.
7. Corresponding Author Responsibilities:
The corresponding author is responsible for overseeing the publication process and
communication with journals. Ethical issues may arise if there's a lack of transparency or
accountability in these roles.

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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore
Research Methodology and Intellectual property Rights Module1

8. Authorship in Multi-Center Studies or Collaborations:

In collaborative research involving multiple institutions or researchers, determining authorship
can be complex. Ethical issues can emerge regarding credit allocation and representation of
contributors.
9. Honorary Titles or Position-Based Authorship:
Granting authorship based solely on titles, positions, or affiliations rather than substantial
contributions to the research can compromise the integrity of authorship.
10. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors:
Authors have ethical responsibilities to ensure accuracy, validity, and integrity in their work.
Failing to uphold these responsibilities can lead to ethical issues in authorship.
Maintaining transparency, fairness, and adherence to established guidelines regarding
authorship is crucial to upholding ethical standards in research publications. + communication,
mutual agreement on authorship criteria, and proper acknowledgment of contributions help
prevent ethical

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:

1. Define Research. Explain Research flow with a neat diagram.

2. State different objectives of Engineering Research
3. Explain different motivations of Engineering Research
4. Classify different types of Engineering Research
5. Differentiate between Descriptive and Analytical research with examp
6. les
7. Differentiate between Fundamental and Applied research with examples
8. Compare Qualitative and Quantitative research with examples
9. Discuss how to identify and address Engineering research problems
10. Define Ethics in Engineering research. Give key aspects of ethics in engineering
research
11. Write a short note on ethical issues related to Authorship
12. Summarize different types of Engineering Misconduct
13. A leading food distribution company identify changes in the needs and values of their
restaurant clients as a result of COVID-19. The research plan involved creating a survey
that was emailed to clients. The questions were specific and numeric They were asked
to assign a percentage to the way their food ordering had changed during COVID-19
and to rate the food distribution company. What is type of Research?
14. How can Cannada’s wheat crop be protected from Grasshoppers? What is type of
Research?
15. A study looking at how caffeine consumption impacts on the brain – What is the type
of research

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Dr. M S Ganesha Prasad, Professor & Principal, SVIT, Bangalore/
Prof.Manjuvani K M, Asst.Professor, Dept of ECE, SVIT, Bangalore