1.

Define the term research and explain the research flow cycle with a relevant
diagram.
Research is the systematic process of investigating and studying materials, sources,
and data to establish facts and reach new conclusions. Research aims to enhance
knowledge, solve existing problems, and develop new theories or innovations.
The research flow cycle consists of the following steps:
1. Problem Identification: Recognizing a gap or issue that requires investigation.
2. Literature Review: Analyzing existing research to understand the current state of
knowledge on the topic.
3. Hypothesis Formulation: Proposing a solution or explanation to the problem.
4. Research Design: Planning the research method, tools, and data collection
techniques.
5. Data Collection: Gathering data using appropriate techniques (e.g.,
experiments, surveys).
6. Data Analysis: Analyzing the data to test the hypothesis using statistical or
qualitative methods.
7. Conclusion: Drawing inferences based on the analyzed data and forming
conclusions.
8. Publication and Review: Sharing the research with the scientific community for
validation and feedback.
A diagram should depict these steps in a cyclical or linear process, indicating the
iterative nature of research.

2. What is Engineering Research? Explain the objectives of Engineering Research.

Engineering Research involves the application of scientific and engineering principles
to develop new technologies, improve existing ones, and solve real-world technical
problems. It bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and practical applications.
The objectives of Engineering Research include:
• Innovation: Developing new technologies, products, or systems.
• Problem-Solving: Addressing specific engineering challenges or ineSiciencies.
• Knowledge Enhancement: Expanding the understanding of engineering
concepts and processes.
• Sustainability: Creating solutions that are environmentally sustainable and
energy-eSicient.
• Economic Growth: Contributing to industrial advancements and economic
development by improving systems, reducing costs, and increasing productivity.
By achieving these objectives, engineering research plays a crucial role in technological
advancement and societal development.

3. Explain the three broad categories of developing and accessing knowledge in

research.
The three broad categories of knowledge in research are:
1. Empirical Knowledge:
o Based on observation and experimentation.
o Data is collected from real-world experiences or controlled experiments.
o Example: Testing materials under stress to determine their strength.
2. Theoretical Knowledge:
 o Based on abstract reasoning, mathematical modeling, and logical
deduction.
o It helps explain natural phenomena without direct experimentation.
o Example: Developing a theory to predict the behavior of a new material.
3. Analytical Knowledge:
o Gained through critical analysis and interpretation of existing data and
literature.
o Researchers analyze and synthesize information to draw new
conclusions.
o Example: A meta-analysis that combines results from several studies to
find overall trends.
These categories provide a holistic approach to research, combining real-world data
with theoretical and analytical reasoning.

4. What are the possible factors that motivate people to get involved in engineering
research?
Factors motivating individuals to engage in engineering research include:
• Curiosity and Passion: A strong desire to explore the unknown or answer
unresolved questions.
• Innovation and Creativity: The opportunity to design, create, or improve
technologies and systems.
• Professional Growth: Research can lead to recognition, academic progression,
and new career opportunities.
• Financial Incentives: Research grants, funding, and potential
commercialization of innovations.
• Societal Contribution: The ability to contribute to solving global challenges like
climate change, energy crisis, or public health issues.
• Collaboration Opportunities: Working with interdisciplinary teams on cutting-
edge projects enhances personal and professional networks.
• Recognition and Prestige: Publishing research and being recognized by peers
can be a strong motivating factor.
These factors drive researchers to contribute to the body of engineering knowledge and
societal advancement.

5. Explain the types of research with examples.

• Basic Research:
o Aim: To expand knowledge without a specific application in mind.
o Example: Investigating the properties of graphene for future technological
applications.
• Applied Research:
o Aim: To solve specific, practical problems.
o Example: Developing a new type of battery with longer life for electric
vehicles.
• Descriptive Research:
o Aim: To describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon.
o Example: Studying consumer preferences in the smartphone industry.
• Analytical Research:
 o Aim: To analyze existing information to form new conclusions.
o Example: A cost-benefit analysis of renewable energy technologies.
• Quantitative Research:
o Aim: To collect numerical data to understand a phenomenon.
o Example: Measuring the tensile strength of diSerent materials in
construction.
• Qualitative Research:
o Aim: To explore subjective experiences and perspectives.
o Example: Conducting interviews with engineers about their use of design
software.

6. Explain the steps involved in finding and solving a worthwhile problem.

1. Problem Identification: Recognizing a significant gap or need that requires a
solution.
2. Literature Review: Understanding what research has already been done in the
field.
3. Formulating a Hypothesis: Developing a potential solution or approach to
address the identified problem.
4. Research Design: Planning the methodology for gathering and analyzing data.
5. Data Collection: Gathering relevant information using experiments, surveys, or
other methods.
6. Data Analysis: Processing and interpreting the collected data to test the
hypothesis.
7. Solution Development: Based on the analysis, creating a viable solution or
recommendation.
8. Implementation: Applying the solution in a real-world context and monitoring its
eSectiveness.
9. Review and Iteration: Evaluating the outcome and making necessary
improvements.

7. Explain the ethical issues related to authorship.

Authorship ethics involve ensuring fairness and transparency in recognizing
contributions to research. The key issues include:
• Authorship Credit: Only those who significantly contribute to the research
should be listed as authors. Including someone who hasn’t contributed is
unethical.
• Order of Authors: The order should reflect the level of contribution, typically
with the lead researcher listed first.
• Ghost Authorship: Failing to credit someone who has contributed significantly
is unethical.
• Honorary Authorship: Including influential figures or supervisors as authors
without contribution violates ethical standards.
• Acknowledgment: Contributions that do not meet authorship criteria (e.g.,
funding, technical support) should be properly acknowledged.

8. What is the meaning of ethics and why is it important in the practice of

engineering research?
Ethics refers to moral principles guiding behavior. In engineering research, ethics
ensures that:
• Integrity: Researchers report accurate and truthful data without manipulation.
• Responsibility: Research does not harm individuals, society, or the
environment.
• Accountability: Researchers are responsible for the outcomes and impacts of
their work.
• Respect for Intellectual Property: Researchers respect the work of others and
avoid plagiarism.
• Fairness: Researchers give credit to contributors and collaborators fairly.
• Public Welfare: Research should benefit society, not harm it.
Ethics is crucial for maintaining public trust in scientific and engineering
advancements.

9. List the diZerent types of research misconduct and explain briefly.

Research misconduct includes:
• Fabrication: Making up data or results that were never actually obtained.
• Falsification: Manipulating research data, equipment, or processes to give a
false impression.
• Plagiarism: Using someone else’s work or ideas without giving proper credit.
• Improper Authorship: Giving credit to individuals who did not contribute to the
research.
• Failure to Report Conflicts of Interest: Not disclosing financial or personal
interests that may influence the research outcomes.

10. Write a note on the following research misconduct: (i) Falsification (ii)
Plagiarism.
(i) Falsification: Falsification involves manipulating research materials, processes, or
data to present misleading or inaccurate results. For example, altering data points to fit
a desired outcome is falsification.
(ii) Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s ideas, research, or written
work without proper acknowledgment. This includes copying text, data, or ideas and
presenting them as one’s own, which violates intellectual property rights.
Both forms of misconduct undermine the integrity of research and can lead to severe
consequences, such as retractions or professional penalties.