1.Define the term research and explain the research flow cycle with a relevant diagram.

Research
Research refers to a careful, well-defined (or redefined), objective, and systematic method of
search for knowledge, or 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 involves formulation of hypothesis or proposition of
solutions, data analysis, and deductions; and ascertaining whether the conclusions fit the
hypothesis. Research is a process of creating, or formulating knowledge that does not yet exist.
Thus research is an art of scientific investigation
ENGINEERING RESEARCH PROCESS
Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out
research and the desired sequencing of these steps.
The term "research" refers to the systematic investigation into and study of materials and
sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. It involves the process of
gathering, analysing, and interpreting information to answer questions or solve problems.
The research flow cycle typically consists of the following steps:
1. Formulating the research problem: This involves identifying the general area of interest
or
aspect of a subject matter that the researcher wants to inquire into.
2. Extensive literature survey: After formulating the problem, the researcher conducts a
thorough review of existing literature and research related to the problem.
3. Development of working hypotheses: Based on the literature survey, the researcher
formulates working hypotheses, which are tentative assumptions made to draw out and test
their logical or empirical consequences.
4. Preparing the research design: The researcher outlines the conceptual structure within
which the research will be conducted, aiming to collect relevant evidence with minimal
expenditure of effort, time, and money.
5. Determining sample design: The researcher decides on the method for selecting a sample
from the population, such as random sampling, stratified sampling, or cluster sampling.
6. Collecting the data: The researcher collects the appropriate data using various methods,
such as experiments, surveys, observations, interviews, or questionnaires.
7. Execution of the project: This step involves carrying out the research project in a systematic
manner, ensuring that the data collected are adequate and dependable.
8. Analysis of data: The researcher analyses the collected data, which includes categorization,
coding, tabulation, and drawing statistical inferences.
9. Conclusion and reporting: The researcher summarizes the results of the research and
presents the findings in a clear and precise manner, often including appendices, bibliography,
and an index.
2.Discuss the different types of engineering research. Clearly point out the
differences between all of them with examples.
Engineering research
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. Research objectives
can sometimes be convoluted and difficult to follow. Knowing where and how to find different
types of information helps one solve engineering problems, in both academic and professional
career. Lack of investigation into engineering guidelines, standards, and best practices result
in failures with severe repercussions. As an engineer, the ability to conduct thorough and
accurate research while clearly communicating the results is extremely important in decision
making.
The main aim of the research is to apply scientific approaches to seek answers to open
questions, and although each research study is particularly suited for a certain approach 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

TYPES OF ENGINEERING RESEARCH

Descriptive versus Analytical:
Descriptive research includes comparative and co relational methods, and fact-finding
inquiries, to effectively describe the present state of art. The researcher holds no control over
the variables; rather only reports as it is.
Descriptive research also includes attempts to determine causes even though the variables
cannot be controlled. On the contrary, in analytical research, already available facts for analysis
and critical evaluation are utilized. Some research studies can be both descriptive and analytical

Applied versus Fundamental:

Research can either be applied research or fundamental (basic or pure) research. Applied
research seeks to solve an immediate problem facing the organization, whereas fundamental
research is concerned with generalizations and formulation of a theory. Research concerning
natural phenomena or relating to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental research.

Quantitative versus Qualitative:

Quantitative research uses statistical observations of a sufficiently large number of
representative cases to draw any conclusions While qualitative researchers rely on a few non
representative cases or verbal narrative in behavioral studies such as clustering effect in
intersections in Transportation engineering
to make a proposition.

Conceptual vs. Empirical

Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by
philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. On the other
hand, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard
for system and theory.

3 What are the key ethical issues related to authorship? Explain each one.
The key ethical issues related to authorship include:
1. Determining who should be included as an author and the appropriate order of listing of
authors.
2. Ensuring that individuals who are deeply involved during the research work, but may not
contribute in the drafting phase, are appropriately credited.
3. Avoiding "guest" or "gift" authorship, which dilutes the contribution of those who actually
did the work and inflates the credentials of listed authors.
4. Preventing career-boost authorship, where a primary author bestows coauthorship on a junior
faculty or student to boost their chances of employment or promotion.
5. Addressing career-preservation authorship, where administrators are added as coauthors due
to a quid pro quo arrangement, without doing the required work for it.
6. Seeking consent from all authors before submission and ensuring their agreeability to the
submission.
7. Quantifying the contributions of each coauthor to appropriately recognize and ascertain the
degree of associated accountability.
8. Avoiding double submission, which involves submitting a paper to two forums
simultaneously to increase publication possibility.

These issues are important in maintaining the integrity of research and ensuring that credit is
given where it is due.

4.What are 3 ways to credit the research contributions? Explain Research

contributions can be credited in three major ways in research publications:
1. Authorship: This involves being listed as an author of the intended publication. Authorship
establishes both accountability and gives due credit. A person is expected to be listed as an
author only when associated as a significant contributor in research design, data interpretation,
or writing of the paper.
2. Citation: Research contributions can also be credited through citation of previously
published or formally presented work. This acknowledges the inputs to the present research
and gives
credit to the original sources.
3. Acknowledgment: Contributions can be recognized through a written acknowledgment of
some inputs to the present research. This allows for the recognition of individuals who may
have provided valuable input but may not meet the criteria for authorship.

These methods of crediting research contributions are important for establishing priority for
discoveries, building peer-reputation, and ensuring that individuals receive appropriate
recognition for their work.

5.What are the primary goals of conducting a literature review in academic

research?
The primary goal of literature review is to know the use of content/ideas/approaches in the
literature to correctly identify the problem that is vaguely known beforehand, to advocate a
specific approach adapted to understanding the problem, and to access the choice of methods
used.
It also helps the researcher understand clearly that the research to be undertaken would
contribute something new and innovative.
The quality of such review can be determined by evaluating if it includes appropriate breadth
and depth of the area under study, clarity, rigor, consistency, effective analysis.

The significance can normally be argued from the point of view that there is indeed an existing
problem and that it is known by looking at what already exists in the field.
The existing knowledge is needed to make the case that there is a problem and that it is
important.
One can infer that the knowledge that is sought to be produced does not yet exist by describing
what other knowledge already exists and by pointing out that this part is missing so that what
we have is original. To do this, one again needs the existing knowledge: the context, the
significance, the originality, and the tools.
Normally, one finds this knowledge by reading and surveying the literature in the field that was
established long ago and also about the more recent knowledge which is in fact always
changing.
With this foundation in place, the new knowledge that one will make will be much more
difficult to challenge than without that strong foundation in place which is ensured with lots of
references to the literature.

6.How does the new and existing knowledge can contribute to the research
process? Explain with relevant points.
New and existing knowledge
New knowledge in research can only be interpreted within the context of what is already
known, and cannot exist without the foundation of existing knowledge.
The new knowledge can have vastly different interpretations depending on what the
researcher‘s background, and one‘s perception of that new knowledge can change from in
difference to excitement (or vice versa), depending on what else one knows. The significance
can normally be argued from the point of view that there is indeed an existing problem and that
it is known by looking at what already exists in the field.
the existing knowledge is needed to make the case that there is a problem and that it is
important.
One can infer that the knowledge that is sought to be produced does not yet exist by describing
what other knowledge already exists and by pointing out that this part is missing so that what
we have is original. To do this, one again needs the existing knowledge: the context, the
significance, the originality, and the tools.
Normally, one finds this knowledge by reading and surveying the literature in the field that was
established long ago and also about the more recent knowledge which is in fact always
changing.
With this foundation in place, the new knowledge that one will make will be much more
difficult to challenge than without that strong foundation in place which is ensured with lots of
references to the literature.
Often, but not always, the textbooks contain the older established knowledge and the research
papers the newer work. Reading the textbooks on one‘s topic provide the established
knowledge and the background to be able to read the newer work usually recorded in the
research papers
The research paper is written for other researchers out on the edge of knowledge and it assumes
that the reader already knows a lot in that field
The review process must explain how a research item builds on another one. An effective
review of literature ensures a firm foundation for advancing knowledge, facilitates theoretical
growth, eliminates as areas that might be of interest, and opens new avenues of possible work
Generally, a good literature survey is the first expectation of a supervisor from the research
student, and when done well can create a good impression that the state of art in the chosen
field is well understood

6.Define the term Citation. Describe the three functions of Citation.

a. Citations

Citations (references) credit others for their work, while allowing the readers to trace the
source publication if needed. Any portion of someone else‘s work or ideas in papers, patents,
or presentations must be used in any new document only by clearly citing the source.This
applies to all forms of written sources in the form of texts, images, sounds, etc. and failure to
do may be considered plagiarism When a bibliography of previously published patents or
papers is placed in the new works of a researcher, a connection is established between the new
and previous work.
There are three main functions of citation:
(i) Verification function: Authors have a scope for finding intentional or unintentional
distortion of research or misleading statements. Citation offers the readers a chance to ascertain
if the original source is justified or not, and if that assertion is properly described in the present
work
(ii) Acknowledgment function: Researchers primarily receive credit for their work through
citations. Citations play crucial role in promotion of individual researchers and their continued
employment. Many reputed organizations and institutes provide research funding based on the
reputations of the researchers. Citations help all researchers to enhance their reputation and
provide detailed background of the research work.
(iii) Documentation function: Citations are also used to document scientific concepts and
historical progress of any particular technology over the years

7.What are datasheets and write their contents?

Researchers in different fields of engineering will need to read certain types of documents. For
example, mechanical and civil engineers would need to read drawings related to mechanical
parts and buildings. Researchers in the field of electronics need to read datasheets.
On occasions, researchers in other fields may also need to incorporate a certain electronic part
in which case careful reading of the datasheet is imperative. The same principles like initial
skimming of the datasheet are required to ascertain whether further careful reading is needed.
Datasheets are instruction manuals for electronic components, which (hopefully) details what
a component does and how one may use it. Datasheets enable a researcher (or a working
professional) to design a circuit or debug any given circuit with that component.
The first page of the datasheet usually summarizes a part‘s function and features, basic
specifications, and usually provides a functional block diagram with the internal functions of
the part.
A pin out provides the physical location of a part‘s pins, with special mark for pin 1 so that the
part can be correctly plugged into the circuit. Some parts also provide graphs showing
performance versus various criteria (supply voltage, temperature, etc.), and safe region for
reliable operation which should be carefully read and noted by the researcher.
One should be also in the lookout for truth tables which describe what sort of inputs provide
what types of outputs, and also timing diagrams which lay out how and at what speed data is
sent and received from the part.

8.What are the factors that motivate you to do engineering research? Briefly
explain
Individuals are motivated to engage in engineering research for various reasons. Some of these
motivations include:
1. Personal fulfilment: The desire to solve unsolved problems, intellectual joy, and the sense
of service to the community and respectability are driving factors for individuals in engineering
research.
2. Competition and collaboration: Influences from others, such as competition, collaboration,
commitment, and encouragement, serve as motivating factors for research. For example, the
desire to do better than others or to contribute to the improvement of society can be strong
motivators.
3. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors: Motivations can stem from both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Intrinsic motivations like interest, challenge, learning, and purpose are linked to strong creative
performance. Extrinsic motivating factors such as rewards for good work, including money,
fame, awards, praise, and status, also play a role in motivating individuals.
4. Contribution to society: The opportunity to improve the state of the art in technology and
contribute to the improvement of society serves as a motivation for individuals engaged in
engineering research.
5. Government directives and funding opportunities: External factors such as government
directives, funding opportunities in certain areas, and terms of employment can also motivate
people to get involved in engineering research.

In summary, individuals are motivated to engage in engineering research by a combination of

personal fulfilment, competition and collaboration, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the
opportunity to contribute to society, and external influences such as government directives and
funding opportunities.

9. Define engineering research and list its aims and objectives

Engineering research refers to a systematic method of inquiry aimed at expanding the existing
knowledge base, solving new and important problems, and making original contributions to
the field of engineering. The aims and objectives of engineering research include:

- Solving new and important problems by applying scientific approaches

- Developing new theoretical or applied knowledge
- Testing hypotheses of causal relationships between variables
- Determining the frequency of occurrences or associations
- Gaining familiarity with a phenomenon or achieving new insights
- Portraying accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation, or group
- Contributing to the improvement of society and the state of the art in technology
- Obtaining a patent for innovative outcomes
- Fulfilling personal motivations such as intellectual joy, service to the community, and
respectability

These objectives are pursued through various types of engineering research, including
exploratory, descriptive, and hypothesis-testing studies. Motivations for engaging in
engineering research can be intrinsic, such as interest, challenge, and learning, as well as
extrinsic, including rewards for good work like money, fame, awards, and status

10. List the different types of research misconduct and provide a brief
explanation for each one.
The different types of research misconduct are fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
1. Fabrication: This involves the illegitimate creation of data or experiments with the intention
of presenting false information as genuine. It can occur when there are pressures to meet
deadlines or expectations.
2. Falsification: Falsification refers to the inappropriate alteration of data or experiments to
support a desired hypothesis, even if the actual data suggests otherwise. This can involve
misrepresentation, misinterpretation, or illegitimate changes to data.
3. Plagiarism: Plagiarism occurs when someone uses or reuses the work of others without
proper attribution, presenting it as their own. This includes verbatim copying or reusing one's
own published work without acknowledgment.