Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &

Intellectual Property Rights

Course Code: BRMK557 V Semester

Module 1
Introduction:
Meaning of Research
Objectives of Engineering Research
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

Meaning of Research
Definition of Research:
Research refers to a careful, well-defined (or redefined), objective, and systematic investigation or
inquiry into a particular subject, problem, or phenomenon with the goal of discovering new
information, enhancing existing knowledge, or solving a problem.

Understanding the meaning of research is foundational in research methodologies, approaches and

techniques employed in the research process across different fields, including engineering.

Researches involve the formulation of hypotheses or problem-solving strategies, data analysis,

and reasoning; and determine whether the results are consistent with the hypotheses. Research is
the process of creating or presenting knowledge that does not yet exist.

1. Purpose: Research is conducted to answer questions, explore a hypothesis, or address a

problem in a structured and systematic way.
2. Systematic inquiry: It involves a systematic process that follows a predefined set of steps,
methods, or procedures to gather, analyse, and interpret information.
3. Objectivity: Research aims for objectivity and impartiality in gathering and interpreting data,
minimizing bias to ensure the findings are reliable and valid.
4. Knowledge creation: The ultimate aim of research is to contribute to the body of knowledge
in a particular field or discipline by generating new information or confirming existing
theories.
5. Types of research: Research can be classified into various types such as qualitative,
quantitative, experimental, observational, etc., depending on the methodology and objectives.
6. Application: Research is applied in various fields, including engineering, to develop new
technologies, improve existing systems, solve practical problems, and advance scientific
understanding.
7. Ethical considerations: Ethical principles and guidelines are essential in research to ensure the
rights and well-being of participants, the integrity of the research process, and the responsible
dissemination of findings.

1 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

Example:
1. Problem: A bridge architect is trying to build a new earthquake-proof bridge.
2. Assumption: The engineer thinks that the new bridge using steel and concrete will be more
earthquake resistant than the existing bridge.
3. Data collection: Engineers collect data on earthquake performance of different bridge designs.
Experts also conducted tests to measure the strength and durability of the new bridge.
4. Data analysis: Designers analyse data to see if it supports the hypothesis. Engineers also use
data to identify design flaws.
5. Inferences: Engineers make inferences from data and theory. Experts may conclude that the
newly built bridge is more earthquake resistant than the existing bridge, but may also conclude
that there are some flaws in the design standards that need to be addressed.
6. Conclusion: Engineers concluded that the new bridge construction is a promising solution
to the bridge's seismic resistance problem. But the experts also agreed that more research
is needed to measure and evaluate fitness.

Research cycle:
Research begins with practical problems: it should be clear what the problem you are trying to
solve is and why it is important.
This question raises a research question that most people would get lost in large volumes of data.
The question will help to focus on the data and then explain research, which is a study or study in
the result or answer, which will help solving a real problem begin with research.

What is research question?

A research question is one that the researcher tries to answer through research. It is important to
formulate questions clearly and precisely before conducting any research as this will help guide
the research process and ensure the accuracy and importance of the research.

What is the importance of research and how is it done well?

Research aimed at contributing to knowledge. The investigation must be systematic and precise.
The purpose of research is to understand something or solve a problem. Research should be used
to create new knowledge that can be written or recorded in some way.
Research is not just about following steps. It's about being able to ask new questions, look at
things in a new light, and come up with new solutions.
Critical thinking and creativity are important aspects of research work. Through research, one
seeks to create or create new information about the world around us that can be written or
recorded in some way and accessed by writing or recording.

What are the different stages of engineering research?

Engineering studies usually begin with a broad field of study, such as management.
The work is then narrowed down to one specific topic, such as microbial oil control. Finally,
the topic narrows down to a specific question the study is trying to answer, such as the
management of single-compartment microbial fuel cells. Sometimes this can be reversed.
Also, solving the problem effectively is doing more than half the work done. Because a good
problem is difficult but successful and has the potential to benefit the region.

Definition of engineering research: Engineering research is the process of developing ideas

and seeking improvements in knowledge and skills in order to be able to analyse, plan, design
and conduct various types of research related to engineering and technology research and
development.

2 of 15
Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

3 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

Objectives of Engineering Research

The objective of engineering research is to solve new and important problems, the results of the
research should be new, but the results are not known when the research starts.
Engineering research serves several important objectives, contributing significantly to the
advancement and innovation within the field. Here are the key objectives of engineering research:

1. Innovation and development: Engineering research aims to foster innovation by developing

new technologies, methodologies, and solutions that advance existing systems or create
entirely new ones.

Key points:
Technological advancement
Product development
Innovative solutions

2. Problem solving: Engineering research aims to address and solve real-world

challenges/problems. This could involve improving efficiency, sustainability, safety, or
addressing specific challenges within various engineering disciplines.

Key points:
Solving technical challenges
Optimization
Adaptation

3. Advancing knowledge: It seeks to expand the existing knowledge base within engineering by
conducting experiments, collecting data, and validating theories, contributing to the academic
and scientific community’s understanding.

Key points:
Research contribution
Validation of theories
Academic and scientific contribution

4. Optimization and improvement: Engineering research often focuses on optimizing existing

processes, systems, or products. This could involve making them more cost-effective, energy-
efficient, durable, or environmentally friendly.

Key points:
Efficiency improvement
Cost-effectiveness
Sustainability

5. Technological advancement: To push the boundaries of technology by exploring new

materials, techniques, and approaches that can be applied to various engineering fields.

Key points:
Expanding boundaries
New techniques
New approaches

4 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

6. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Engineering research often spans multiple disciplines,

encouraging collaboration between engineers, scientists, and experts from various fields to
tackle complex problems that require diverse expertise.

Key points:
Cross-disciplinary solutions
Holistic approaches
Knowledge transfer

7. Commercial and societal impact: Engineering research endeavours to create products,

systems, or methodologies that have a positive impact on society, the economy, and various
industries. This could involve developing solutions that improve quality of life, enhance
infrastructure, or boost economic growth.

Key points:
Improving quality of life
Economic growth
Industry advancement

8. Education and training: Engineering research also plays a vital role in educating and training
the next generation of engineers. It provides valuable insights, methodologies, and examples
that contribute to academic curricula and practical training programs.

Key points:
Knowledge dissemination
Training enhancement
Promoting research culture

Motivations in Engineering Research

Motivation plays a pivotal role in engineering research, driving researchers to explore, innovate,
and contribute to the field.

1. Problem solving drive:

Identifying challenges - Engineers are often motivated by the opportunity to tackle real-world
problems and challenges faced by industries or society.
Innovation and solutions - The drive to find innovative solutions and contribute to
advancements in technology and methodologies fuels motivation.
2. Curiosity and inquisitiveness:
Desire for knowledge - Curiosity serves as a strong motivator, leading researchers to explore
uncharted territories within their respective engineering domains.
Quest for understanding - Seeking deeper insights and understanding the principles behind
phenomena or systems motivates engineers to delve into research.
3. Impact and contribution:
Societal impact - The desire to make a positive impact on society, whether by improving
infrastructure, enhancing quality of life, or addressing environmental concerns, serves as a
strong motivational factor.
Contribution to Science and technology - Engineers are motivated by the prospect of
contributing new knowledge, theories, or methodologies to the scientific community.

5 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

4. Innovation and creativity:

Pushing boundaries - The motivation to push the boundaries of what's possible in engineering
through innovative designs, technologies, or processes drives many researchers.
Freedom to explore - Having the freedom to explore creative solutions and unconventional
approaches encourages motivation in engineering research.
5. Career advancement and recognition:
Professional growth - The drive to advance in one's career, whether through publications,
patents, or impactful research, serves as motivation.
Recognition and prestige - Being acknowledged for significant contributions in the field of
engineering motivates researchers to excel in their work.
6. Collaboration and networking:
Interdisciplinary collaboration - The opportunity to collaborate with experts from various fields
and engage in diverse projects fuels motivation.
Learning and networking - Engaging with peers, sharing knowledge, and learning from others
in the engineering community serves as a motivational factor.
7. Personal fulfilment and passion:
Intrinsic motivation - This is the desire to do something for one's own good without any
external reward. Intrinsically motivated engineers are driven by a passion for learning, solving
problems, and changing the world.
Sense of purpose - Feeling a sense of purpose in contributing to the greater good through
engineering research motivates individuals.
8. Continuous learning and growth:
Dynamic nature of engineering - The ever-evolving nature of engineering fields motivates
researchers to stay updated, learn new technologies, and adapt to emerging trends.
Intellectual stimulation - The intellectual challenge of solving complex engineering problems
and the continuous learning process motivates researchers.
9. Ethical and environmental concerns:
Sustainability and ethics - The increasing importance of sustainable solutions and ethical
considerations in engineering research motivates researchers to find environmentally friendly
and socially responsible solutions.
10. Challenges as opportunities:
Overcoming obstacles - Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks
can serve as a strong motivational factor for engineers in research.

Types of engineering research

Engineering research encompasses various approaches and methodologies to investigate and solve
problems within the field. Here are the detailed notes on the types of engineering research.

1. Basic research: The objective of basic research is the fundamental exploration to expand the
understanding of underlying principles, often without immediate application. In-depth
investigation to generate new theories, concepts, or knowledge in engineering disciplines.
Example, studying the properties of materials at a molecular level to understand their
behaviour in various conditions.

2. Applied research: Practical application of existing knowledge to solve specific problems or

develop new technologies. Applied research is directly aimed at addressing practical issue or
improving existing systems, products or processes. Example, designing and testing of a new
type of energy efficient cooling system for buildings.

6 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

3. Quantitative research: This involves collecting and analysing numerical data to draw
conclusions or make predictions. Quantitative research relies on measurable and quantifiable
data, often using statistical analysis for interpretation. Example, conducting experiments to
measure the strength of different construction materials.

4. Qualitative research: Qualitative research focuses on understanding human behaviour,

experiences, and perceptions in engineering contexts. This utilises non numeric data, such as
interviews, observations, or case studies, to derive insights. Example, analysing user
experiences and feedback to improve the usability of software interface.

5. Experimental research: This involves controlled experiments to test hypotheses or investigate

cause-and-effect relationships. Characteristic of this is systematic and controlled conditions.
Example, testing the performance of different aerodynamic designs in a wind tunnel.

6. Simulation and modelling: Creating virtual representations to simulate real-world scenarios

or systems for analysis or prediction. This utilizes computer-based models to mimic complex
phenomena or engineering systems. Example, simulating the behaviour of a bridge under
various loads to optimise its design.

7. Design-oriented research: This focuses on creating and refining new designs, products, or
systems to meet specific objectives. Design oriented research emphasises innovation,
creativity, and problem-solving in engineering design. Example, developing a new type of
efficient and durable prosthetic limb.

8. Developmental research: Developmental research involves refining and improving existing

technologies, processes, or methodologies. This aims to enhance performance, efficiency, or
functionality based on existing knowledge. Example, upgrading an existing software system to
improve its security features.

9. Interdisciplinary research: This involves collaboration between multiple engineering

disciplines or with other fields to address complex problems. This draws on expertise from
various disciplines to approach multifaceted challenges. Example, integrating principles from
materials science, mechanical engineering, and biology to develop bio-inspired materials.

10. Action research: Action research involves researchers working in partnership with
practitioners to address real-time issues or challenges. This focuses on practical solutions, with
on-going feedback and iterative improvement. Example, collaborating with a construction
company to implement and evaluate safety protocols on construction sites.

Understanding these various types of engineering research helps researchers choose appropriate
methodologies and approaches to address specific problems or inquiries within the field.

7 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

Finding and solving a worthwhile problem

Finding and solving a worthwhile problem is at the core of engineering research.
Here are detailed notes on the process.

1. Identification of a problem:
Observation and exploration - Start by observing the world around you, within your field of
expertise. Look for inefficiencies, limitations, or areas that could be improved.
Market or industry analysis - Explore trends, needs, and gaps in the market or industry related
to your field of interest. Identify areas where innovation or improvement is needed.
Consultation and collaboration - Engage with peers, professionals, or stakeholders within the
field to gather insights about existing challenges or unmet needs.

2. Defining the problem:

Specificity - Clearly define the problem statement. Ensure it is precise, measurable, and well-
defined to avoid ambiguity.
Understanding root causes - Investigate the underlying causes of the problem to ensure the
proposed solution addresses the core issues.
Scope and constraints - Establish the scope of the problem and consider any limitations or
constraints (budget, resources, time) that may affect the solution.

3. Research and analysis:

Literature review - Conduct a thorough review of existing research, methodologies, and
solutions related to the identified problem. Analyse previous attempts to solve similar issues
and learn from their successes or failures.
Data collection and analysis - Gather relevant data through experiments, surveys, or
observations. Analyse this data to gain insights into the problem's nature and potential
solutions.
Risk assessment - Evaluate potential risks and uncertainties associated with different solutions
or approaches. Anticipate challenges that may arise during the problem-solving process.

4. Brainstorming and ideation:

Divergent thinking - Engage in brainstorming sessions to generate a wide range of ideas and
potential solutions. Encourage creative thinking without limiting possibilities.
Idea prioritisation - Evaluate and prioritize generated ideas based on feasibility, potential
impact, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with the defined problem statement.
Innovation and uniqueness - Aim for innovative solutions that offer unique approaches or
features to solve the problem more effectively than existing methods.

5. Solution development:
Prototyping and testing - Develop prototypes or models of potential solutions. Test these
prototypes rigorously to assess their functionality, reliability, and effectiveness.
Iterative approach - Embrace an iterative process, refining and improving solutions based on
feedback from testing and evaluations.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration - Involve experts from diverse fields if the problem requires a
multidisciplinary approach, leveraging different perspectives and expertise.

6. Implementation and evaluation:

Implementation plan - Develop a strategy for implementing the chosen solution, considering
scalability, cost, and feasibility.

8 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

Evaluation metrics - Define measurable criteria to evaluate the success of the implemented
solution. Assess its impact on solving the identified problem.
Feedback and adaptation - Gather feedback from stakeholders or end-users and adapt the
solution based on their experiences and suggestions.

7. Documentation and communication:

Documentation of process - Document each step of the problem-solving process, including
methodologies, results, and challenges faced, and lessons learned.
Communication of findings - Share your findings, methodologies, and successful solutions
through publications, presentations, or conferences to contribute to the knowledge base in your
field.

Finding and solving a worthwhile problem involves a systematic and comprehensive approach
that combines observation, analysis, creativity, and iterative problem-solving methodologies
within the engineering domain.

Ethics in engineering research

Ethics in engineering research is crucial for ensuring the integrity, responsibility, and
accountability of researchers.

1. Responsible conduct of research:

Integrity and honesty - Upholding truthfulness, honesty, and accuracy in reporting research
findings. Preventing fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in any form should be considered.
Transparency - Providing clear and complete information about research methodologies, data
collection, and analysis processes.
Data handling and management – Proper handling, storage, and retention of research data
should be ensured, while respecting confidentiality and privacy concerns.

2. Respect for participants and stakeholders:

Informed consent - Voluntary and informed consent from research participants should be
obtained, explaining the purpose, risks, and benefits of their involvement.
Protection of human subjects - Respecting the dignity, rights, and well-being of individuals
involved in research, ensuring their safety and welfare.
Community engagement – Local communities and stakeholders should be involved in decision
making process, considering the impact of research.

3. Safety and risk mitigation:

Health and safety measures – Appropriate safety protocols and precaution should be
implemented, considering the safety of researchers, participants and the public.
Risk assessment - Identifying and minimizing potential risks associated with research
activities, especially in engineering experiments involving hazardous materials or
environments.

4. Environmental responsibility:
Sustainable practices - Considering the environmental impact, eco-friendly solutions, and
minimizing resource consumption or pollution should be aimed.
Compliance with regulations - While conducting research activities, especially those involving
natural resources or ecosystems, adherence to environmental regulations and standards should
be ensured.

9 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

5. Conflict of interest and bias mitigation:

Declaration of conflicts - Any potential conflicts of interest that may influence the research
process, results, or interpretations should be disclosed.
Objectivity and impartiality - Objectivity and avoiding biases in data collection, analysis, and
interpretation of research findings should be attempted.

6. Intellectual property and authorship:

Intellectual property rights - Respecting intellectual property rights, acknowledging and
attributing sources appropriately, and adhering to patenting and copyright laws.
Authorship and contribution - Ensuring fair and accurate attribution of authorship based on
substantial contributions to the research work.

7. Ethical review and oversight:

Institutional review boards (IRBs) - Seeking ethical approval from IRBs or similar entities for
research involving human subjects or sensitive data.
Ethics committees - Establishing and adhering to ethical guidelines and policies set by
professional organizations or institutions governing research activities.

8. Accountability and professionalism:

Accountability - Taking responsibility for the consequences of research actions and decisions,
addressing any errors or discrepancies transparently.
Continuous learning and training - Engaging in on-going education and training in ethical
standards and practices relevant to engineering research should be considered.

9. Ethical communication and dissemination:

Honest dissemination - Presenting research findings accurately, without misrepresentation or
exaggeration, in publications, presentations, or public communication.
Responsible collaboration - Collaborating with integrity, acknowledging contributions, and
respecting intellectual property rights of collaborators should be part of engineering research.

Ethics in engineering research forms the foundation for trust, credibility, and the responsible
advancement of knowledge and technologies within the field. Adhering to ethical principles
ensures that research contributes positively to society while upholding moral and professional
standards.

Ethics in engineering research practice

Ethics in engineering research practice is essential for maintaining the integrity, credibility, and
responsible advancement of the field.

1. Integrity and honesty:

Truthfulness and accuracy - Upholding honesty in reporting findings, methodologies, and
results without distortion or misrepresentation is required.
Avoiding plagiarism - Respecting intellectual property rights by properly attributing sources
and avoiding the use of others' work without appropriate acknowledgment is the prerequisite in
engineering research.
Falsification and fabrication - Rejecting the manipulation or fabrication of data, results, or
information to fit desired outcomes is very important.

10 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

2. Respect for human subjects and participants:

Informed consent - Voluntary and informed consent should be obtained from individuals
participating in research activities, clearly explaining the purpose, risks, and benefits.
Protection of rights - Respecting the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of participants while
ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the research process.
Vulnerable populations - Special protections should be provided for vulnerable groups such as
children, the elderly, or individuals with limited capacity to consent.

3. Safety and risk management:

Safety protocols - Implementing appropriate safety measures to safeguard researchers,
participants, and the public involved in experiments or engineering activities.
Risk assessment - Identifying potential risks associated with engineering research, especially
when working with hazardous materials, equipment, or environments.

4. Environmental responsibility:
Sustainability and impact - Considering the environmental implications, aiming for sustainable
practices, and minimizing adverse effects on ecosystems or resources is very important.
Compliance with regulations - Adhering to environmental regulations, ensuring responsible use
of natural resources, and minimizing pollution or environmental degradation are the
requirements in engineering research.

5. Conflict interest management:

Disclosure of conflicts - Any conflicts of interest that may affect research integrity or
objectivity should be transparently disclosed.
Objective decision making – Engineering research should ensure that personal, financial, or
professional interests do not compromise the impartiality of research activities or decision-
making processes.

6. Intellectual property rights and authorship:

Respect for Intellectual property - Respecting patents, copyrights, and acknowledging
contributions to intellectual property appropriately.
Authorship and attribution - Recognizing and attributing contributions fairly, ensuring accurate
authorship credits in publications and collaborations is very important in engineering research.

7. Ethical review and oversight:

Ethics committees and review boards - Seeking ethical approval and guidance from
institutional review boards or ethics committees, especially for research involving human
subjects.
Adherence to guidelines - Ethical guidelines and standards set by professional organizations,
institutions, or governing bodies should be followed.

8. Accountability and professionalism:

Responsibility and accountability - Taking responsibility for the outcomes of research
activities, addressing errors or discrepancies transparently is important aspect in engineering
research.
Professional development - Engaging in continuous education and training to stay updated on
ethical standards and best practices in engineering research.

11 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

9. Communication and dissemination:

Transparent reporting - Communicating research findings accurately and transparently,
avoiding misleading or exaggerated claims.
Responsible collaboration - Collaborating ethically, acknowledging contributions, and
respecting intellectual property rights of collaborators.

10. Ethical leadership and mentorship:

Setting ethical standards - Leading by example and fostering a culture of integrity and ethical
conduct within research teams or academic environment is very important.
Guidance and mentorship - Providing guidance and mentorship to young researchers,
emphasizing the importance of ethics in engineering research practice.

Adhering to ethical principles in engineering research practice is fundamental for maintaining

public trust, fostering innovation, and ensuring the responsible advancement of the engineering
field. Integrating ethical considerations into research activities leads to the development of
reliable, ethical, and socially beneficial engineering solutions.

Types of research misconduct

Research misconduct refers to unethical or improper behaviour in conducting, reporting, or
reviewing research.

1. Fabrication: Creating, making up, or manipulating data or research findings that never
existed. Example - Falsifying experimental results or data to support a desired hypothesis.

2. Falsification: Manipulating research materials, equipment, processes, or changing or omitting

data or results to mislead. Example - Selectively excluding data points that contradict the
expected outcomes.

3. Plagiarism: Using someone else's ideas, words, or work without proper acknowledgment or
attribution. Example - Copying text verbatim (word to word / letter to letter) from a published
paper without citation or acknowledgment.

4. Duplicate publication: Submitting or publishing substantially similar research or findings in

multiple publications without proper cross-referencing or disclosure. Example - Submitting the
same manuscript to different journals without disclosure.

5. Salami slicing (Least publishable unit): Dividing research into smaller parts to generate
multiple publications from a single study, minimizing the overall contribution to the field.
Example - Splitting a comprehensive study into smaller, incomplete parts for separate
publication.

6. Misleading authorship: Inaccurate attribution of authorship or contribution, either by

including undeserving authors or excluding significant contributors. Example - Adding the
name of an influential person to gain favour or omitting a significant contributor intentionally.

7. Improper data handling and management: Violating ethical standards in handling, storing,
or presenting research data. Example - Failure to maintain proper records or altering data
without documentation.

12 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

8. Conflict of interest: Failure to disclose financial, personal, or professional interests that could
influence research objectivity or integrity. Example - Conducting research while having a
financial stake in a product or company related to the research.

9. Ethical oversight violations: Failure to comply with ethical guidelines, regulations, or

institutional policies related to research. Example - Not obtaining proper consent from
participants or conducting research without ethical review board approval.

10. Reviewer misconduct: Providing biased, inaccurate, or malicious reviews of research

submissions. Example - Providing a biased review based on personal prejudices or conflicts of
interest.

11. Misrepresentation of credentials: Falsifying academic or professional qualifications,

credentials, or affiliations. Example - Claiming degrees or certifications not earned or falsely
claiming affiliations with prestigious institutions.

12. Suppression or concealment (hiding) of conflicting evidence: Intentionally suppressing or

hiding conflicting evidence that could challenge or contradict research findings.
Example - Withholding data that doesn’t support the desired outcome of the research.

13. Mismanagement of research fund: Misusing or mishandling research funds, grants, or

resources. Example - Using research funds for personal expenses unrelated to the research.

14. Retaliation or sabotage: Engaging in retaliatory actions against whistle-blowers or colleagues

exposing misconduct. Example - Threatening or undermining individuals who report research
misconduct.

Addressing and preventing research misconduct is crucial to maintain the integrity and credibility
of scientific research. It's important for researchers, institutions, and regulatory bodies to actively
promote ethical behaviour and adherence to standards to ensure the trustworthiness of research
findings.

Ethical issues related to authorship

Authorship in academic and scientific publications involves various ethical considerations and
potential issues that researchers need to navigate. Here are detailed notes on ethical issues related
to authorship.

1. Authorship criteria and contributions:

Issue - Determining who qualifies as an author and their contribution to the research.
Considerations - Contributions could include conceptualization, methodology, data collection,
analysis, writing, or critical review.
Ethical concern - Ensuring that all deserving contributors are appropriately acknowledged as
authors while preventing honorary or undeserved authorship is very important aspect.

2. Order of authorship:
Issue - Determining the sequence or order of authors on a publication.
Considerations -Vary by field, level of contribution, seniority, or alphabetically.
Ethical concern - Transparency and fairness in assigning authorship order based on substantial
contributions rather than arbitrary reasons.

13 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

3. Gift, ghost and guest authorship:

Issue - Inappropriate assignment of authorship.
Gift authorship - Including individuals who haven't contributed substantially due to personal
relationships or hierarchy.
Ghost authorship - Excluding individuals who made significant contributions, often due to
contractual or other reasons.
Guest authorship - Adding well-known researchers for their reputation without their actual
involvement.
4. Corresponding author responsibilities:
Issue - Responsibilities of the corresponding author in a multi-author publication.
Considerations - Communication with journals, handling revisions, and responding to
inquiries.
Ethical concern - Ensuring proper representation of all authors’ contributions and addressing
any concerns or conflicts that may arise.

5. Contribution disclosure and acknowledgment:

Issue - Recognizing contributions that may not meet authorship criteria but still deserve
acknowledgment.
Considerations - Technical support, funding acquisition, administrative assistance, or
mentorship.
Ethical concern - Properly acknowledging non-author contributions to maintain transparency
and fairness.

6. Duplicate or redundant publication:

Issue - Publishing substantially similar research in multiple papers without proper citation or
disclosure.
Considerations - Reusing data or findings in multiple publications without acknowledgment.
Ethical concern - Adhering to publication guidelines and disclosing any overlap or related work
to avoid misleading readers or editors.

7. Authorship disputes:
Issue - Conflicts or disagreements among authors regarding credit, order, or inclusion.
Considerations - Differences in perceptions of contributions, disagreements over data
interpretation, or career-related concerns.
Ethical concern - Resolving disputes through transparent discussions and adherence to
established authorship guidelines or agreements.

8. Intellectual property and copyright:

Issue - Ownership and rights to the intellectual property presented in the publication.
Considerations - Ensuring proper attribution and ownership of ideas, methodologies, or
findings.
Ethical concern - Respecting intellectual property rights and adhering to copyright laws while
disseminating research findings.

9. Reviewer and editor misconduct:

Issue - Unethical behaviour by peer reviewers or editors related to authorship.
Considerations - Unfair treatment, biased reviews, or manipulation of authorship decisions.
Ethical concern - Maintaining impartiality and fairness in the review and publication process.

14 of 15
 Sambhram Institute of Technology – Research methodology &
Intellectual Property Rights

10. Honorary titles and degrees:

Issue - Claiming unearned academic titles or degrees for authorship.
Considerations - Misrepresenting qualifications or affiliations for credibility or recognition.
Ethical concern - Ensuring that authorship reflects genuine academic achievements or
credentials.

Navigating these ethical issues related to authorship requires clear communication, adherence to
established guidelines, and a commitment to fairness, transparency, and proper attribution of
contributions in academic and scientific publications.

15 of 15