Q.

01 a Define the term research

The term "research" can be defined in various ways by Different author/researchers. 

Redman and Mory define research as a “systematized effort to gain new knowledge.” 
Some people consider research as a movement, a movement from the known to the
unknown. It is actually a voyage of discovery.  A person employs for obtaining the
knowledge of whatever the unknown, can be termed as research

Ans. Research meaning of research as “a careful investigation or inquiry especially

through search for new facts in any

Research is a systematic and rigorous process aimed at discovering new knowledge,

validating existing knowledge, or addressing specific questions. It involves the collection,
analysis, and interpretation of solve problems.

 Research in common parlance refers to research for knowledge.

 In fact, research is an art of scientific investigation.

 Research is an integral part of your professional practice.

How to ensure a good quality research?

Ans. Research may have certain other qualities such as:

a) It is a prearranged / structured enquiry. Scientific methods consist of systematic

observation, classification and interpretation of data.

b) It utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems (the method used should
be able to give repetitive results under similar conditions)

c) It should create new knowledge that is generally applicable

d) It is creative process to develop better understanding of mankind, social and cultural

and economical issues.

e) It should be useful to others who wish to apply the findings in developing new policies
or applications .

1. Purpose should be clearly defined.

2. Common concepts should be used that can be understood by all.

Objectives of Research

Exploratory Research: To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or obtain new insights

into it. This type of research is often called exploratory or formulation research, as it aims
to explore unknown areas and generate initial understanding.

Descriptive Research: To accurately describe the characteristics of a particular

individual, situation, or group. Research with this aim is known as descriptive research,
focusing on providing a detailed picture of the subject.

Diagnostic Research: To determine the frequency or association of a phenomenon with

another factor. This type of study, called diagnostic research, examines how often
something occurs or how it relates to another factor.

Hypothesis-Testing Research: To test a hypothesis regarding a causal relationship

between variables. Known as hypothesis-testing research, this objective aims to confirm
or refute specific assumptions about the relationship between factors.
 Types of Research:

Descriptive Research vs. Analytical Research:

Descriptive Research: This type of research involves surveys and fact-finding inquiries,
aiming to describe the current state of affairs as it exists. This research type commonly uses
survey methods, comparative studies, and correlational techniques to gather and describe data.
Descriptive Research Example: A survey is conducted to find out how many hours students
spend studying each day, providing data on study habits.

Analytical Research: In contrast, analytical research relies on existing data and

information, which the researcher examines and critically evaluates. Instead of describing what is
happening, we interpret and analyze facts to provide deeper insights and evaluations of the
material

Analytical Research Example: Existing data on study hours and exam scores are analyzed to
determine if more study time leads to higher scores, exploring potential relationships.

Applied Research Vs Fundamental (or Basic) Research:

Applied Research: This type of research focuses on solving specific, immediate problems faced
by society, industry, or businesses. Its goal is to find practical solutions with direct application,
such as determining the most effective marketing strategy for a product or developing a new
technology to reduce pollution. Example: A company conducts research to find ways to improve
customer satisfaction and reduce product return rates. This research aims at implementing
changes based on findings to address a concrete business issue.

Fundamental (Basic) Research: Also known as pure research, this research is motivated to
expand general knowledge without any immediate practical application in mind. It aims to
understand underlying principles, create theories, or make generalizations. Example: A study on
the impact of sleep on memory to understand cognitive functions better, without targeting any
immediate problem, is fundamental research. This knowledge may eventually help in various
fields but is primarily aimed at expanding theoretical understanding.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative:

Quantitative Research: Quantitative research focuses on measuring quantities and using numbers
to analyze patterns. It often involves surveys, experiments, or numerical data to uncover
statistical relationships or trends. Example: A school conducts a survey asking students how
many hours they study per week and then calculates the average study time. They find that
students spend, on average, 12 hours per week studying. This data helps the school understand
the study habits of students in terms of numbers and analyze how study time correlates with
grades.

Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is aimed at understanding the qualities, characteristics,

or reasons behind behaviors. It involves descriptive data, often collected through interviews or
open-ended questions, to gain insight into motivations and opinions. Example: A researcher
conducts in-depth interviews with students to understand why they feel stressed about exams. By
listening to students’ detailed responses, the researcher uncovers themes such as pressure to
perform, fear of failure, and time management issues. This qualitative insight helps the school
develop programs to support students emotionally and academically.

Conceptual Research Vs.Empirical Research:

Conceptual Research: Conceptual research involves exploring abstract ideas or theories, often
without direct experimentation or observation. It is commonly used by philosophers, theorists, or
thinkers to develop new concepts, focusing more on the idea than on practical testing. Example:
A philosopher explores the concept of justice and develops a new theory on how it should be
applied in modern societies. This research relies on abstract thinking and existing literature rather
than observation or experimentation.

Empirical Research: Empirical research is based on observed and measured phenomena and
derives knowledge from actual experience rather than theory. It is data-driven and typically
involves experiments, where the researcher controls and manipulates variables to observe
outcomes. Example: A scientist tests whether a new teaching method improves student
performance by conducting an experiment with two groups of students: one using the new
method and one using traditional methods.

OTHER TYPES
Research Methods and Methodologies

Research Methods Research methods are the specific techniques or procedures used to gather
and analyze data in a research study. These methods are the practical tools researchers employ to
carry out their investigations.

Examples of Research Methods:

Surveys: Used to collect data from a large group of people through questionnaires. For
example, a researcher studying customer satisfaction may distribute surveys to gather opinions
from a broad customer base.

Experiments: Used to observe the effects of controlled variables in a research setting.

Case Studies: In-depth studies of a single instance or group, often used in social sciences. A
case study might examine how a specific community adapts to environmental changes.

Interviews: Face-to-face or virtual conversations used to collect qualitative data. For example, a
researcher investigating workplace culture may conduct interviews with employees to understand
their experiences.

Research Methodology

Research methodology is the strategy that explains the logic, approach, and rationale behind the
choice and application of research methods. It provides a framework for understanding the entire
research process.

Examples of Research Methodology:

Quantitative Methodology: This approach involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to
find patterns, relationships, or trends. A study analyzing customer behavior data from an e-
commerce platform using statistical tools like regression analysis exemplifies a quantitative
methodology.

Qualitative Methodology: This approach focuses on understanding phenomena in a descriptive

and interpretative manner. A researcher studying cultural shifts within an organization might use
interviews and observational methods to gather insights, interpreting the data through thematic
analysis.
Mixed-Methods Methodology: Combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a
more comprehensive view of a research question. For instance, a study on healthcare quality
might include both patient surveys (quantitative) and in-depth interviews with healthcare
providers (qualitative) to gather broader insights.

Experimental Methodology: Uses controlled experiments to explore cause-and-effect

relationships. For example, a researcher testing a new drug’s efficacy on a sample population in
a clinical trial would follow an experimental methodology, including randomized control groups.

Explain Research Process with dig :

The research process is a systematic series of steps undertaken to conduct research effectively. It
provides a structured framework that guides researchers from identifying a problem to presenting
conclusions. The research process involves a series of sequential steps to ensure the research is
well- structured, effective, and scientifically valid

 Formulating the Research Problem: Clearly define the issue you want to study. Example:
Studying the impact of urban development on wildlife.

 Literature Survey: Review past studies to understand what's been done and identify gaps.
Example: Reading about urban development effects on wildlife.

 Developing Hypotheses: Create an initial assumption to guide your study. Example:

Hypothesizing that urban growth reduces bird populations.
 Preparing the Research Design: Plan methods for data collection and analysis. Example:
Choosing a descriptive design to observe bird populations.

 Determining Sample Design: Select a representative sample for your study. Example:
Choosing diverse urban areas to observe birds.

 Collecting the Data: Gather data through chosen methods. Example: Observing and
recording bird counts.

 Execution of the Project: Follow the research plan consistently. Example: Checking data
collection for accuracy.

 Analysis of Data: Organize and analyze data, often using statistical tools. Example: Using
software to identify patterns in bird data.

 Hypothesis Testing: Test if the data supports your hypothesis. Example: Checking if higher
urbanization correlates with fewer birds.

 Generalizations and Interpretation: Draw conclusions from your findings. Example:

Concluding urban growth impacts bird populations.

 Preparation of the Report: Document all steps, findings, and conclusions in a clear report.

Criteria for Good Research

1. Clearly Defined Purpose: The research should have a specific, well-defined goal to stay
focused.
2. Detailed Procedure: All methods should be fully documented, allowing others to
replicate the study.
3. Carefully Planned Design: The research design should be structured to minimize bias
and ensure accurate results.
4. Transparency about Limitations: Any limitations should be openly reported to show
their impact on findings.
5. Adequate Data Analysis: Analysis should highlight the findings’ significance, with
methods ensuring data validity.
6. Data-Justified Conclusions: Conclusions should rely only on the research data, avoiding
unsupported claims.
7. Researcher’s Integrity and Experience: Research is more credible when done by
experienced and honest researchers.
 What is Research Problem?
A research problem is a specific issue or challenge that a researcher aims to solve, either in
theory or practice. For a research problem to exist, these conditions should be present:

1. Involvement of an Entity: The problem must be linked to a person, group, or

organization in a particular environment.
2. Availability of Multiple Choices: There should be at least two possible actions or paths,
each leading to different outcomes.
3. Clear Objective or Desired Outcome: The researcher should have a specific goal,
making one choice seem more desirable than others.
4. Varying Effectiveness of Choices: The different options should have varying success
rates in achieving the goal, making it important to identify the best one.
5. Uncertainty: The researcher must be uncertain about which option will best meet the
objective, requiring a systematic investigation.

Ethics in Engineering Research:

Ethics in Engineering Research is essential to ensure integrity, accountability, and social

responsibility within the field. It guides engineers and researchers in conducting their
studies responsibly, respecting human values, and adhering to professional standard.

Ethics in Engineering Research Practice:

1. Integrity and Honesty: Researchers should be honest in collecting, analyzing, and

reporting data. Fabricating or altering data is unethical and harms trust in research.
2. Social Responsibility: Engineering research should benefit society, minimizing harm to
communities and the environment.
3. Accountability and Confidentiality: Researchers should be accountable for their work
and protect confidential information.
4. Respect for Human and Animal Subjects: When involving human or animal subjects,
researchers should ensure their well-being, get informed consent, and minimize harm.
5. Objectivity and Avoiding Bias: Research should be free of personal or financial bias,
with researchers staying impartial throughout the process.

Types of Research Misconduct

Fabrication: Creating fake data, results, or processes that aren't based on reality. This can
happen in reports, data creation, or project proposals and is unethical because it harms the trust in
research.

Falsification: Changing research materials, data, or processes to get a specific result. This
includes altering data, images, or other parts of the research to mislead or misrepresent the
findings.

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Plagiarism: Using someone else’s ideas, results, words, or intellectual property without giving
proper credit. This includes copying text, data, or images without citation or presenting someone
else’s work as your own.

Other Misconduct: This includes actions like misrepresenting credentials, not disclosing
conflicts of interest, or mishandling confidential information. In engineering research, it also
involves failing to obtain necessary approvals or certifications.

What are the ethical issues related to authorship in research?

 Criteria for Authorship: Only those who make a significant intellectual contribution to the
research should be listed as authors. Minor contributors, like those doing editing or
administrative work, should be acknowledged but not included as authors.

 Order of Authors: The order of authors typically shows the level of contribution, with the
first author being the main contributor. It’s important to decide on the order early to avoid
conflicts.

 Ghost Authorship: This unethical practice happens when a key contributor is left off the
author list. It misrepresents who contributed to the research.

 Honorary or Gift Authorship: Adding someone as an author who didn’t contribute

significantly, often to honor them or due to their position, is unethical. Authorship should be
based on actual contributions, not relationships.

 Acknowledging Contributions: All contributors, including those who provided funding or

guidance, should be properly credited. Failing to acknowledge others' contributions is unethical.