Research Methodology & Intellectual Property Rights Module 1 PPT by Prof. Manjula K,Assistant Professor, SJCIT

1. Academic Credentials

2. Course Introduction
• Research methodology refers to the systematic
approach and techniques for conducting research
• Intellectual property rights(Patents, copyrights,
trademarks, Industrial designs and geographical
indications) which are legal protections for original
creations, including inventions and innovations.

3. Course Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to Research & Ethics in Engineering Research
Module 2: Literature Review and Technical Reading & Attributions and Citations
Module 3: Introduction To Intellectual Property & Patents, Process of Patenting
Module 4: Copyrights and Related Rights & Trademarks
Module 5: Industrial Designs, Geographical Indications & Case Studies on Patents

4. Course Goals & Outcomes
Course Objectives:
 To Understand the knowledge on basics of
research and its types.
 To Learn the concept of Literature Review,
Technical Reading, Attributions and Citations.
 To learn Ethics in Engineering Research.
 To Discuss the concepts of Intellectual
Property Rights in engineering.
Course Outcomes:
o Know the meaning of engineering research.
o Know the procedure of Literature Review and
Technical Reading.
o Know the fundamentals of patent laws and
drafting procedure.
o Understanding the copyright laws and subject
matters of copyrights and designs.
o Understanding the basic principles of design
rights.

5. Research Methodology & IPR
Module 1: Introduction & Ethics
in Engineering Research
By,
Manjula K
Assistant Professor, Dept. of ECE, SJCIT

6. Well, research is tech
nically made up of
two distinct terms,
namely, Re and Sear
ch; while the former
means ‘to do it
again’, the latter is ‘to
investigate or to
look for something’!

7. What is
Research???
Research refers to a careful, well-defined (or
redefined), objective, and systematic
method of search for knowledge
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.
Research is a process
of creating,
or formulating
knowledge that does
not yet exist.

8. Again… What is Research????
It is instead adding, maybe small and
specific, yet original, contribution to
that existing body of knowledge.
Research is not just
about reading a lot of
books and finding a
lot of, gathering a lot
of existing
information.
So, research is about how one poses a question which
has relevance to the world that we are living in, and while
looking for that answer one has to be as systematic as
one can be.

9. Research involves
 Formulation of hypothesis or proposition of solutions,
 Data analysis, and deductions;
 Ascertaining whether the conclusions fit the hypothesis.
Key Elements of Research

10. Research
cycle
What and Why
the problem
solution is
imp!!
Activity/ Set
of activities

11.  Research cycle starts with a practical problem: one must be
clear what the problem being attempted to solve is and why
it is important.
 This problem motivates a research question without which
one can tend to get lost in a giant swamp of information.
 The question helps one zero in onto manageable volume of
information, and in turn defines a research project which is
an activity or set of activities that ultimately leads to result
or answer
 Which in turn helps to solve the practical problem that one
started with in the first place

12. Good Research :)
 The objective of a good research program is to try and
gain insight into something.
 Or indeed, to try and solve a problem.
Good research questions develop throughout the
project actually and one can even keep modifying them.

13. Categories of
Knowledge

14. The three ways of developing
and accessing knowledge are :
(i) Observation is the most fundamental
way of obtaining information from a source,
(ii) Models are approximated, often
simplified ways of describing sometimes
very complex interactions in the form of a
statistical relationship, a figure, or a set
of mathematical equations.
(iii) The final category is a way of arranging
or doing things through processes,
algorithms, procedures, arrangements, or
reference designs, to get a certain
desired result.
In a scientific experiment, researchers
observe and measure the reaction rates of a
chemical in a controlled environment. The
observed data could include measurements
such as temperature, pressure, and reaction
time.
In climate science, researchers develop
models that represent the Earth's climate
system. These models use mathematical
equations to simulate various factors like
temperature, ocean currents, and
atmospheric conditions. The model helps
scientists understand and predict climate
patterns.
In software development, a team follows a
specific process or methodology to create a
new application. This process includes
defining requirements, designing the
architecture, coding, testing, and
deployment. Following a well-defined
process ensures that the software meets
the desired specifications.

15. Objectives of
Engineering Research
The objective of engineering
research is to solve new and
important problems, and since
the conclusion at the end of
one’s research outcome has to
be new, but when one starts, the
conclusion is unknown.

16. •Starting Point:
•The objective of engineering research is to
solve new and important problems.
•At the beginning of the research, the
conclusion is unknown, making the start
tricky.
•Circumstantial Evidence, Intuition, and Imagination:
•To overcome the uncertainty, researchers rely on
circumstantial evidence, intuition, and imagination.
•Example: A materials engineer is exploring new
materials for lightweight and durable aircraft
components. Based on existing research, the engineer
observes that certain alloys have promising properties.
Intuitively, they imagine that modifying these alloys
could lead to a breakthrough in aircraft design.
•Guessing the Possible Conclusion:
•Researchers make an initial guess about
what may be a possible conclusion.
•Example: The materials engineer guesses
that by tweaking the composition of the
alloy, they could achieve a material with
enhanced strength and reduced weight,
contributing to fuel efficiency in aircraft.
•Negative Results and Serendipity:
•Negative results may indicate that the initial
target is not achievable, but they could lead to
fortunate discoveries (serendipity).
•Example: While trying to improve alloy
strength, the engineer accidentally discovers
a novel heat treatment process that has
broader applications in materials science.
•Possible Outcomes:
•Initial attempts may reveal that the guess
is incorrect, but this process may suggest
new avenues or targets.
•Example: Testing the modified alloy might
show unexpected weaknesses, prompting
the engineer to explore alternative
modifications or materials.
•Working Toward a Target:
•The guess serves as a target to work
toward in the research.
•Example: The engineer designs
experiments and simulations to test the
modified alloy, aiming to achieve the
target properties.
Convoluted Research Objectives:
Research objectives can sometimes be
convoluted and challenging to follow.
Example: The engineer's objective to improve
aircraft materials may involve multiple
variables, intricate processes, and unforeseen
challenges.

17. • The objectives of engineering research should be to
develop new theoretical or applied knowledge and not
necessarily limited to obtaining abilities to obtain the
desired result.
• The objectives should be framed such that in the event
of not being able to achieve the desired result that is
being sought, one can fall back to understanding why it
is not possible, because that is also a contribution
toward ongoing research in solving that problem.
• Of course, someone else might come along and
actually propose a different approach where the desired
objective is indeed possible to be achieved.

18. Research Problem: Students Irregularity
• Identify Factors Influencing Irregular Attendance
• Analyse Attendance Patterns Across Demographics
• Examine the Impact of Technology on Attendance
• Explore Perceived Barriers to Attendance
• Assess the Relationship Between Attendance and Academic
Performance
• Evaluate the Impact of Teaching Methods
• Develop and Implement Attendance Interventions

19. Motivation in
Engineering
Research
Intrinsic Motivations
Extrinsic Motivations
Influences
Personal Motivation
interest,
challenge,
learning,
meaning, purpose
rewards for good work
include money, fame,
awards, praise, and
status
competition,
collaboration,
commitment &
encouragement
solving unsolved
problems, intellectual
joy, service to
community, and
respectability
strong creative
performance
may block
creativity

20. Types of Engineering Research
Comparative and
correlational methods, and
fact-finding inquiries
effectively describe the
present state of art
Analytical research, already
available facts for analysis
and critical evaluationare
utilized.
Descriptive
versus
Analytical
Applied research seeks to
solve an immediate problem
facing the organization,
Fundamental research is
concerned with
generalizations and
formulation of a theory.
Applied
versus
Fundamental Quantitative research uses
statistical observations of a
sufficiently large number of
representative cases to
draw any conclusions
Qualitative researchers rely
on a few nonrepresentative
cases or verbal narrative in
behavioral studies
Quantitative
versus
Qualitative

21. Objective: The primary goal of descriptive
research is to describe the characteristics or
present state of a phenomenon, without
manipulating variables or trying to establish
causal relationships
Methods: Descriptive research uses methods
such as surveys, observations, and content
analysis to collect data. It can include
comparative methods (comparing groups or
conditions) and correlational methods
(examining relationships between variables).
Control: The researcher has little to no control
over the variables; the focus is on observing and
reporting what exists.
Example: A researcher conducts a survey to
understand the demographic characteristics
and preferences of smartphone users in a
specific region. The study aims to describe the
current state of smartphone usage without
manipulating any variables.
Objective: Analytical research goes beyond
description and aims to analyze existing data or
facts critically. It involves examining
relationships between variables, identifying
patterns, and drawing conclusions
Methods: Analytical research utilizes existing
data for analysis. It involves techniques such as
statistical analysis, data modeling, and critical
evaluation of information.
Control: The researcher doesn't collect new
data but rather analyzes already available
information in a systematic and structured
manner.
Example: A researcher analyzes the historical
sales data of a company to identify patterns and
trends. By using statistical methods, the
researcher aims to understand the factors
influencing sales performance over the past few
years.
Descriptive Research Analytical Research

22. Objective: Applied research is focused on
solving specific, practical problems or
addressing immediate issues faced by
organizations or industries.
Characteristics: The primary goal is to
provide practical solutions, and the
research is often problem-oriented. Applied
research is conducted with a direct and
immediate application in mind.
Example: A pharmaceutical company
conducts research to develop a new drug to
treat a particular medical condition. The
research team is focused on solving the
specific problem of finding an effective
treatment for the targeted disease. The
outcome of this research is expected to
have direct and immediate applications in
Objective: Fundamental research is concerned
with advancing knowledge, understanding
underlying principles, and formulating theories. It
aims at generalizations that may not have an
immediate practical application.
Characteristics: focus is on theoretical aspects
and the exploration of principles rather than
solving specific problems. Basic research
contributes to the overall understanding of a
subject area.
Example: A physicist conducts experiments to
study the behavior of subatomic particles. The
goal of this research is not to develop a new
technology or solve a specific problem but to gain
a deeper understanding of the fundamental
principles governing the behavior of particles. The
insights gained from this research may contribute
to the advancement of scientific knowledge and
have applications in the future, but the immediate
goal is not solving a practical problem.
Applied Research Fundamental Research

23. Objective: Quantitative research aims to gather
numerical data and use statistical methods to
analyze patterns, relationships, and trends in a
large and representative sample. The goal is to
draw generalizable conclusions that can be
applied to a broader population..
Characteristics: Quantitative research involves
the collection of structured data through methods
such as surveys, experiments, or statistical
analysis of existing data. It relies on quantifiable
measures and statistical tools for analysis.
Example: A transportation engineer conducts a
study on traffic flow at a busy intersection. The
researcher installs sensors and cameras to collect
quantitative data on the number of vehicles, their
speeds, and the timing of traffic signals. By
analyzing this large dataset statistically, the
engineer aims to draw conclusions about the
efficiency of the intersection and propose
improvements based on numerical evidence.
Objective: Qualitative research seeks to
understand the underlying meanings, motivations,
and experiences of individuals. It often involves a
smaller, non-representative sample and relies on
non-numerical data such as observations,
interviews, or textual analysis.
Characteristics: Qualitative research is
exploratory and aims to uncover patterns, themes,
and insights through non-statistical analysis. It
often involves rich, descriptive data and may use
methods like interviews, focus groups, or content
analysis of text.
Example: A transportation researcher conducts
qualitative research to explore the clustering effect
at intersections. The researcher conducts in-depth
interviews with drivers, pedestrians, and traffic
management officials to understand their
perspectives and experiences at specific
intersections. By analyzing the verbal narratives
and identifying common themes, the researcher
Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

24. Case study
Consider a study on the impact of a new educational program on student
performance. The researcher first collects descriptive data to characterize the
current state of student performance before the program's implementation. After
the program is implemented, the researcher then analyzes the data to
determine whether there are any significant changes in student performance.
In this case, the study is both descriptive (describing the initial state)
and analytical (analyzing the impact of the educational program).
Which Research
Method does the
researcher adopted????

25. Case study
A study examining the relationship between traffic congestion and the timing of
traffic signals at multiple intersections in a city. The researcher collects
numerical data on traffic volume, signal timing, and congestion levels to
statistically analyze patterns and draw general conclusions.
Which Research
Method does the
researcher adopted????
An investigation into the subjective experiences of cyclists navigating through a
particular intersection. The researcher conducts interviews with cyclists to
gather qualitative data on their perceptions, challenges, and behaviors at the
intersection. The analysis involves identifying themes and patterns in the verbal
narratives rather than using statistical methods.
Quantitative
Qualitative

26. Case study
A market research firm conducts a study
to determine the preferences and buying
behavior of consumers for a new product.
The goal is to provide actionable insights
to a company launching the product,
addressing the immediate need to
understand consumer preferences for
effective marketing strategies.
Which Research
Method does the
researcher adopted????
An astronomer studies the behavior
of distant galaxies. The research
aims to contribute to our
understanding of the universe's
fundamental principles, with no
immediate application in solving a
specific practical problem.
Fundamental
Applied

27. Finding and Solving a Worthwhile Problem
A researcher may start out with the research problems stated by the Supervisor
or
posed by others that are yet to be solved
Research scholars are faced
with the task of finding an
appropriate problem on which
to begin their research
It may involve rethinking of a basic theory, or need to be formulated or put
together from the information provided in a group of papers suggested by the
Supervisor.

28. Imagine you are a researcher interested in exploring the impact of social media on mental
health among teenagers. Initially, you have a vague idea of the problem—social media's
potential influence on mental well-being. To ensure that your research is worthwhile and
hasn't been extensively covered, you would follow a systematic process.
1.Vague Problem Identification:
1. Initial Statement: "I'm interested in exploring the impact of social media on the mental health of
teenagers."
2.Literature Survey and Technical Reading:
1. This is the step highlighted in your passage. Before diving into your research, you would conduct a
literature survey and engage in technical reading.
2. Literature Survey: You would search and review existing studies, articles, and academic papers related
to the impact of social media on mental health. This involves looking at what other researchers have
already discovered and understanding the current state of knowledge in the field.
3. Technical Reading: In addition to general literature, you might delve into more technical aspects
related to your study, such as methodologies used in similar research, statistical analyses, and
relevant theories.
3.By doing this, you aim to:
1. Ensure that your chosen problem is not already extensively studied or that you identify gaps in existing
knowledge.
2. Understand the methodologies and approaches that have been successful in similar studies.

29. It's important to note that
the researcher's
conviction about the
problem's worthiness is
crucial. This conviction
ensures that the
researcher is committed
to putting in the best
efforts, and the resulting
work has a higher chance
of being accepted and
valued by the research
community. Additionally,
not all problems need
to be grand; significant
advancements can arise
from effectively
addressing smaller
Consider a researcher in the field of
artificial intelligence who is fascinated by
the challenge of creating a general artificial
intelligence system—a system that can
perform any intellectual task that a human
being can. This is a universally recognized
hard and open problem in the field.

30. Understand the
Problem
• Restate it in your
own words
• Visualize the
process by
sketching
diagrams or
flowcharts
• Assess whether
additional
information is
required
Explore Possible
Strategies
• Break down the
complex issue
into smaller,
more
manageable
components
• Explore different
technologies,
analyze the data
Execute the Plan
and Iterate
• If the initial
approach does
not yield the
desired results,
you don't give up.
• Reassess your
strategy, and
perhaps try a
different
approach
Reflect and Learn
• reflection helps
in understanding
the effectiveness
of the chosen
strategy,
assimilating the
lessons learned,
and making
adjustments for
the future
George Pólya 4-step problem-solving
procedure
Iterative refinement based on feedback and results
is a key aspect of problem-solving.
Helps in gaining a clear and comprehensive
understanding of the problem at hand.

31. Write a problem statement in the field of

32. George Pólya 4-step problem-solving
procedure
Understand the Problem
• Imagine you are an engineer
working on optimizing the
energy efficiency of a
manufacturing process. To
understand the problem, you
would restate it in your own
words, visualize the process by
sketching diagrams or
flowcharts, and assess whether
additional information is
required. This step helps in
gaining a clear and
comprehensive understanding
of the problem at hand.
Explore Possible Strategies
• Once you understand the
energy efficiency problem, you
need to systematically explore
possible strategies. This might
involve breaking down the
complex issue into smaller,
more manageable components.
For instance, you could explore
different technologies, analyze
the data from sensors in the
manufacturing process, or
consider alternative materials.
By starting somewhere and
looking for patterns, you
systematically explore potential
solution
Execute the Plan and Iterate:
• After devising a strategy, you
would execute the plan to
improve energy efficiency in the
manufacturing process. If the
initial approach does not yield
the desired results, you don't
give up. Instead, you go back to
step two, reassess your
strategy, and perhaps try a
different approach. Iterative
refinement based on feedback
and results is a key aspect of
problem-solving.
Reflect and Learn
• Once you have executed your
plan and achieved some results,
it's crucial to look back and
reflect on the process. This
reflection helps in
understanding the
effectiveness of the chosen
strategy, assimilating the
lessons learned, and making
adjustments for the future. In
the context of our example,
reflecting on the optimization
process may reveal insights into
the interplay of different factors
affecting energy efficiency.
applicable not only to mathematical problem-solving but also to engineering research