Course Code : 21RMI56

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS(RMI)

CIE Marks : 50
SIE Marks : 50
Effective Search: The Way Forward
• Diverse Sources and Considerations:
• 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.
• Multiple Sources Needed: No single source provides all required
information; researchers must explore various sources.
• Availability and Timing: Not all information is online; scholarly
information may take time to publish, and current news may not
have scholarly coverage.
• Iterative Process: Searching involves experimenting with
keywords, evaluating results, modifying searches, and analyzing
citations and references.
 Research Process Steps:
• Literature Survey: Engage in an iterative process of
searching, evaluating, and modifying searches to identify
relevant sources.
• Critical Reading: Thoroughly read and observe salient points
in selected sources, making notes and summarizing findings.
• Comparison and Contrast: Compare and contrast findings to
identify patterns, trends, and inconsistencies.
•
Continuous Process: Literature survey is ongoing, as new
literature appears and understanding grows, leading to new
connections and related problems.
 Importance of Skill Development:

• Reading Math-Heavy Articles: Developing the skill

to understand complex, math-heavy articles is
essential. This skill is honed through reading and
seeking help.
• Gradual Skill Growth: Graduates develop the skill
over time through reading, coursework, and
seeking guidance.
 Maintaining Focus and Active Engagement:

• Purpose of Literature Survey: Extensive searches

should be purposeful, as time can be wasted
without active reading and idea development.
• Continuous Engagement: Literature survey is
ongoing, with new connections and evolving
problems leading to further searches.
 Synopsis and Doctoral Committee Approval:

• Ph.D. Scholar's Task: A Ph.D. scholar

undertakes an extensive literature survey
during the synopsis writing stage.
• Source Exploration: Archived journals and
bibliographies are initial sources, leading to
further exploration.
 Introduction to Technical Reading
Strategies for Reading Research Papers:
• Selective Reading: Not all papers are worth reading in-depth. An initial skimming helps decide
whether a paper is worth further exploration.
• Skimming Process:
– Read the title and keywords: Determine if the paper is interesting and relevant.
– Read the abstract: Gain an overview of the paper's content and relevance.
– Jump to conclusions: Assess if the paper aligns with your research goals.
– Review figures, tables, and captions: Quickly understand the key results.
• In-Depth Reading:
–
Introduction: Understand the background and purpose of the study.
– Results and Discussion: Focus on the core findings and their interpretation.
– Experimental Setup/Modeling: Read if interested in detailed methodology.
• Consider Author Reputation: Evaluate not only the content but also the reputation of the authors
who produced the knowledge.
• Staying Updated: Continuously search for relevant literature and remain up-to- date with
 Research Projects:

• Small Projects: Advisor might provide specific papers to read.

• Large Projects: Develop a personal strategy for finding and
reading relevant literature.
 Importance of Strategy:

– Efficient Time Utilization: Avoid reading irrelevant papers by

skimming and selecting wisely.
– Focused Learning: Delve deeper into sections crucial for
understanding, such as Introduction and Results/Discussion.
– Research Relevance: Ensure alignment between the paper's
content and your research goals.
 Conceptualizing Research
Characteristics of a Good Research Objective:

• Novelty and Significance: Research objectives should

contribute new insights and be recognized as valuable by
peers.
• Feasibility: Objectives should be achievable within available
resources and methodologies.
 Conceptualizing Research at Different Levels:

Ph.D. Level and Higher:

• Expertise Requirement: Developing a research objective demands
expertise at the edge of knowledge.
•
Immersion in Literature: Continuously reading and understanding
existing literature is crucial for combining problem significance,
existing knowledge, and potential methods.
Smaller Scope Projects (Master’s Thesis):
• Expert Guidance: Researcher may lack the time to become an
expert. Supervisor's expertise helps formulate research objectives.
• Efficient Literature Navigation: Established researchers guide
 Balancing Building and Knowledge Creation:

– Engineer's Perspective: Engineers often prefer tangible outcomes.

However, research's primary goal is new knowledge creation.
– Building vs. Knowledge: Even unique creations can be labeled as
lacking research value if they are intuitive and expected from
competent engineers.
 Critical and Creative Reading
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 and Creative Approaches:

–
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.
– 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.
 Taking Notes While Reading
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.
 Methods of Note-Taking:

–
Marginal Annotations: Researchers often jot down notes in the
margins of paper copies or digitally using specialized tools.
– Content Highlighting: Key concepts, definitions, and noteworthy
passages are highlighted for quick reference.
– Questions and Critiques: Noting questions, concerns, and critiques
helps engage deeply with the material.
– Summary Sentences: Concluding the reading with a
few sentences summarizing the paper's contributions is a
beneficial practice.
 Evaluating Contributions and Comparative Analysis:

– Assessing Technical Merit: A thorough reading culminates in

understanding the paper's contributions.
– Comparative Perspective: Evaluating the paper's content in relation to
existing works in the same area provides context and insights.
 Types of Contributions:

• New Ideas: Identifying novel concepts or methodologies

introduced in the paper.
• Application of Existing Ideas: Analyzing how established ideas
are implemented in new experiments or applications.
• Synthesis of Existing Ideas: Recognizing the integration of
different existing concepts under an original framework.
 Interplay with Existing Literature:

– Contextual Understanding: The type of contribution a paper makes

becomes clearer when viewed in comparison with related literature.
– Identifying Gaps and Innovations: Reading multiple papers in the
same area helps identify research gaps and potential areas for
innovation.
 Reading Mathematics and Algorithms
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.
 Reading a Datasheet
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.
 Reading Datasheets:

– Initial Skimming: Begin with an initial skimming to assess the relevance of the datasheet to the
research task at hand.
– Functional Block Diagram: Review the functional block diagram to understand the internal
functions and connections of the component.
– Pinout and Physical Layout: Examine the pinout to identify the physical location of pins,
ensuring correct placement in the circuit.
– Graphs and Performance Data: Study graphs depicting performance against variables like
supply voltage and temperature. Note safe operating regions for reliable functioning.
– Truth Tables: Understand truth tables detailing input-output relationships, aiding in configuring
the component correctly.
– Timing Diagrams: Analyze timing diagrams to grasp data transmission and reception speed and
patterns.
– Package Dimensions: Note accurate package dimensions, which are vital for proper PCB layout.
 Benefits of Reading Datasheets:

– Efficiency 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.
 Attributions and Citations: Giving Credit Wherever
Due 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.
 Citations: Functions and Attributes
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:
• Verification Function:
– Citations enable readers to validate claims and verify information.
–
Intentional or unintentional distortion can be identified through citations.
• Acknowledgment Function:
– Researchers receive credit through citations, influencing their reputation.
– Citations play a role in obtaining research funding and career advancement.
• 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.
 Impact of Title and Keywords on Citations

• 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Keywords and their Role:
– Keywords provide essential information about the paper's content.
– Search engines, indexing services, and digital libraries use keywords
to categorize research topics.
– Keywords ensure the paper reaches the relevant audience and
enhances visibility.
• 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.