a guide to academic research - content.kopykitab.com€¦ · 5.3 patents on products or processes...

A Guide to

Academic Research

BASICS ON HOW TO START AND CONTINUE AN ACADEMIC RESEARCH

Prof.K P Mohandas (Former Dean, P G Studies & Research, N I T Calicut)

Sanguine Technical Publishers, Bangalore.2014

Title: A Guide to ACADEMIC RESEARCHAuthor: Dr. K.P. Mohandas

This book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reprinted material is quoted with permission, and sources are indicated. Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and the publisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or for the conse-quences of their use.

Neither this book nor any part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photo-copying, microfilming and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior remission in writing from the publish-ers.

The consent of SANGUINE TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS does not extend to copying for general distribution, for promotion, for creating new works, or for resale. Specific permission must be obtained in writ-ing from SANGUINE for such copying.

The export rights of this book is solely vested with the publisher.

Enquiries: E-mail [email protected] our website at: www.sanguineindia.comPublished by Lal Prasad for SANGUINEProduction Editor: R.Subramanian

© 2014 by Sanguine Technical Publishers, Bangalore – 560 016.

` 150.00$ 7.99

Price:

Table of Contents

Chapter - 1 Basics of doing Research 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.1.1. What is research? 1

1.1.2. Why do research? 2

1.2. Academic and Industrial Research 3

1.3. Academic Research – Essential steps 4

1.3.1 Types of Research 4

1.3.2. Choice of an area of research 4

1.3.3. Converging on a problem: the search 5

1.4. How to start on a Research career? 6

1.4.1 .Choice of guides. 6

1.4.2. Tools and facilities required. 7

1.4.3. Course requirements 7

1.4.4 Review of progress- regular affair. 8

1.4.5 Comprehensives Examination-

a hurdle to cross 8

1.4.6. Proposal defense 9

1.5. Actual Research 9

1.5.1. Communication of results. 10

1.5.2 Ethics in research 10

1.6 Thesis submission 12

1.7 PhD Defense and Viva Voce examination 13

iv A Guide to Academic Research

Chapter - 2 Literature Survey using Internet 15

2.1. Introduction 15

2.2. Literature survey from Library 16

2.2.1. Books 16

2.2.2. Journals and back volumes 16

2.2.3. Types of Journals 17

2.2.4. Collection and storage 19

2.3. From Internet 20

2.3.1 Some common search engines

21

2.3.2 Meta search Engines 24

2.4 Content curation tools 26

2.4.1 Bookmarking services 27

2.4.2 New tools 27

2.4.3 Pearltrees (http://www.pearltrees.com/)

28

2.4.4. Scoopit (www.scoop.it) 29

2.4.5. Mind map (http://en.wikipedia.org/

wiki/Mind_map) 29

2.5 Coping with on line applications 30

2.5.1 Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/)

31

2.5.2 Web store 32

2.5.3 Google Reader 33

2.6 Some skills for literature survey 32

2.7. Preparation of survey papers 33

2.8 Open educational resources 36

2.9. On line learning resources 37

2.9.1. OpenStudy 39

2.9.2. Udemy 39

2.9.3 MOOC

Table of Contents v

(Massively Open Online Courses)

40

2.10. Keeping yourself up-to-date 43

2.11. References 46

Chapter - 3 Tips on Technical writing 47


3.2. Creative writing and Technical writing

47

3.2.1 Technical Writing 47

3.2.2 Research papers 48

3.3. What to write? 50

3.3.1. Literature Survey 50

3.3.3. General layout of the paper 51

3.3.4. Organization of a review paper

51

3.3.5 Language and Grammar 52

3.3.6 Tables, Figures and Graphs. 53

3.3.7. Abbreviations or short forms and symbols

54

3.3.8. References 54

3.4. Problems faced by non-native English speakers. 55

References 57

Chapter - 4 Seminar Presentations 59


4.2 Different types of presentations 59

4.3 How to present things? 60

4.4 Preparing for a seminar 61

4.5 How many slides? 61

4.6 Good quality slides 62

vi A Guide to Academic Research

4.7 Some common mistakes to be avoided

63

4.8 Preparation for presentation 64

4.9. Interpersonal communication tips 65

4.10 Always remember 66

4.11 Starting and ending 66

4.12. Checking the equipments. 67

4.13. References 67

Chapter - 5 Quality of Research 69

5.1 Introduction 69

5.2 Invention or discovery? 69

5.3 Patents on products or processes 70

5.4 Publications 71

5.4.1. Reputation of the journals and

citation index. 72

5.4.2 Why not Conference Papers? 73

5.5 Research without patents or publications

74

5.6 Peer review of research work 75

5.7 Open seminars colloquiums and review

by friends 75

Chapter - 6 Other Problems for Researchers 77

6.1. Problems created by self. 77

6.1.1 Perfectionism. 78

6.1.2 Procrastination, the habit of

postponing things. 78

6.1.3 Isolation or loneliness 79

6.2. Problems from supervisor 80

Table of Contents vii

6.2.1 Remember ‘supervisors are not superhuman’.

81

6.2.2 If a supervisor is not helpful, where can

a student find support? 82

6.2.3. Emotional support 82

6.2.4 Honest discussion helps 83

6.2.5 Complementing, not replacing. 84

6.3. Securing money for research is hard for

everyone84

6.3.1 Getting funding is harder for women?

84

6.4. Competing for high stakes 85

6.5. Accessibility to important research literature.

86

6.6. Cost of publication 88

6.7. References. 90

CHAPTER - 7 Summing Up 91

APPENDIX – I Format for a Ph.D. Thesis 93

APPENDIX – II Research Funding and Travel Grants 203

Preface

As a teacher, educational administrator and a research

supervisor for almost four decades, many students and

prospective researchers have contacted me on how to start

on a research career in Engineering. Starting with the initial

steps on applying for an admission to an institution of repute,

preparation of a research proposal as part of the application,

choice of institutions and guides, there are a large number of

things that a young research aspirant has to get some guidance

on. This book is an attempt to suggest answers to some of

these questions. It is based on some lectures that the author

has given to the students at different venues and institutions.

In chapter one, the basic questions are addressed. The

second chapter gives methods of finding suitable research

literature using online resources. Use of online educational

resources and content curation services are briefly dealt with in

this chapter. Chapter three gives some tips on technical writing

as different from other forms of writing including some typical

problems faced by non-native speakers of English language.

The fourth chapter is used to illustrate some ideas on seminar

presentations. Parameters or criteria for assessing the quality

of research are discussed in the fifth chapter. Research being a

lonely affair, many are faced with several problems, sometimes

personal. Based on studies made by academicians and from

x A Guide to Academic Research

personal experiences, some suggestions are given in chapter

six. Seventh chapter summarizes the major conclusions.

Typical format for PhD/Master’s thesis is given in Appendix –

I followed by a list of websites of institutions for funding of

research and travel grants in Appendix –II.

The author fervently hopes that this small book will

prove to be useful to those who are interested in pursuing a

career in research.

Prof K P Mohandas [email protected]

CHAPTER - 1

Basics of doing Research

1.1 Introduction

Human beings are inquisitive and are always interested in exploring the unexplored. All the new gadgets developed and the comfort and convenience made possible is due to the exploration or discovery. These are the outcomes of formal or informal efforts of researchers in different forms. For many, exploring the unknown to fi nd the truth behind it is highly satisfying and innovative and creative ideas are emerging from earlier ones. However, a student who wants to pursue a research career has many things to sort out, particularly in the formal institutional research. A prospective researcher is confronted with many problems of fundamental nature and often they have to fi nd the answers to the questions by themselves.

1.1.1. What is research?

Oxford dictionary defi nes research as: the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Research is thus a systematic investigation conducted on a given problem or phenomenon for the purpose of establishing facts and use the investigations to reach a new conclusion. The defi nition is fairly clear, however the point is, where do you

A guide to academic research.indd Sec1:1A guide to academic research.indd Sec1:1 23/07/2014 11:19:56 AM23/07/2014 11:19:56 AM

2 A Guide to Academic Research

start the investigation and how. In this context, the domain of knowledge of the student trying to do research becomes very important. As research degrees are the highest degrees awarded by academic institutions, it cannot be awarded to anyone or everyone. Basic knowledge in an identifi ed area is a necessary prerequisite for the award of any research degree like Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Science (D Sc) Master of Philosophy (M Phil) and so on. Many universities prescribe a minimum qualifi cation as eligibility for a research degree except for degrees awarded on honorary basis for eminent persons. Therefore, the fi rst step is to fi nd the minimum eligibility requirements for admission to a research programme. Many institutions insist that a research student should have a Masters degree for admission. Brilliant students with Bachelors degree also can be considered eligible to do research over an extended period, if so desire.

1.1.2. Why do research?

The search for the unknown has always been the motivation for advanced research. Research is exploring new knowledge and hence is always needed. The evolution of human beings from the Neanderthal men to the present man who has almost conquered everything on the ground by constant research and exploration has been achieved by people who put their efforts in research and exploration. Innovations have resulted in improving the quality of life on earth and have developed many gadgets that have made life more comfortable by reducing the drudgery in day today life. Starting with the earliest levers and wheels and coming to the humanoid robots and space exploration, research has contributed so much to human life. Coming to more mundane things, research degrees are the highest honour one can achieve in education. Once a person is awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD),


Basics of doing Research 3

it is assumed that he has reached the pinnacle of knowledge in the chosen fi eld. Further, it can fetch the individual higher career positions. A person with a research degree is automatically empowered to lead or guide research in the chosen or even allied areas. Many academic institutions require their faculty to do research for career advancement.

1.2. Academic and Industrial Research

It is necessary to distinguish between two major categories of research, namely academic research and industrial research. By academic research, it is meant the research work carried out in academic institutions under the guidance of supervisor(s) and leading to the award of a research degree, MS, M Phil or PhD. This type of research is in a way restrictive in the sense that the student is confi ned to work within the rules and regulations to be followed and the work has to be completed within a defi nite time frame. Very often the outcome of the research may not be immediately useful to the society and occasionally remains within the university or in the form of a thesis or a set of publications. However, the researcher has more freedom in the choice and execution of the research and develops a new device or a process that can contribute to better quality of life. It may also happen that academic research may not fi nd any immediate applications.

On the other hand, industrial research is based on a need to innovate depend on the real time problems faced by the industry. There are many situations in industry where unless innovation is made, sustaining the industry may be diffi cult. Very often an industrial research is in the form of a project to be completed within a limited period. The methodology and result obtained in an industrial research project will be of immediate use in the industry resulting in the enhancement of the quality of a product



or a process. The contributions in an industrial research belong to a group of individuals or team of scientists with the credit going to the team rather than a few individuals as in academic research.

1.3. Academic Research – Essential steps

1.3.1 Types of Research

There are different types of research which can be classifi ed as follows.

Research leading to totally new theory, e.g., Theory of relativity, gravitational forces, Newton’s laws etc.

A new interpretation or explanation of a physical or natural phenomenon; e.g., Origin of the universe, Theory of black holes, Invention of the wheel etc.

Extension/ modifi cation/ counter proof for existing theory or explanation.

Verifi cation by simulation and validation of a proposed theory or explanation.

Collection of extensive data on the phenomenon by experiments and interpretation of the pattern for improving the quality of life on planet earth.

1.3.2. Choice of an area of research

The fi rst and major step is to decide on or identify a problem for research. Many candidates ask the guide to tell him the problem. If the problem is very well defi ned, the guide or someone else must have already solved the problem. So, the major problem in research is to get a problem that will yield reasonably accurate and useful conclusions within a reasonable time. Identifi cation of a problem is not very easy as the research



always starts with a search and the problem can be identifi ed only after a thorough search. Any search can be done only within a limited domain and hence for one who wants to do research, one has to decide on an area in which he wants to do something. Based on his/her educational back ground and interest, he/she can decide on a minor area within a major area. For example, a graduate or post graduate in Electrical Engineering can choose broad areas like Electrical Machines, Power systems, Control Systems, Power Electronics etc. The area cannot be a water tight compartment, but based on the nature of investigation, it may also involve study of other related areas. In engineering research, mathematical knowledge in a particular area may be desirable or sometimes essential. Another important factor is that the candidate or scholar should have strong fundamentals in the area chosen. If the basics are not sound, advanced research in the area may be diffi cult; “If the foundation is weak, the superstructure may come down any moment”. Therefore, the choice of the area from the individual point of view should be such that he/she should be confi dent in doing something in the chosen area. Subsequently, some minor adjustments may have to be made when one starts his/her research work under a supervisor in an institution based on the choices available therein.

1.3.3. Converging on a problem: the search

Someone said: research is 90% search and 10% research. Identifying a problem that can be done within the time frame is the major problem in institutional research leading to the award of a degree. So, having identifi ed an area of research, the scholar should be on the lookout for probable topics of research in the area. This is not an easy task as often in depth reading on the different types of research work done in recent times and published



literature on these topics can be the starting point. Abstracts of theses from different reputed institutions can be referred to and the recent innovations can be seen. Review papers by eminent researchers in the area and special issues of journals on the area of research can prove very handy. These survey papers are written by leading researchers who have worked in the research area for several years and build up the chronological development along with suggestions for possible further work. Excellent tutorials on many topics are freely available on the net which have to be identifi ed and read. So, search for a suitable problem is the major step and once a problem even if it is in vague form is available, the next step is to fi nd possible methodology and tools for the solution of the problem and then solve it.

1.4. How to start on a Research career?

1.4.1 .Choice of guides.

After getting admission to an institution or even before, occasionally, the scholars will be asked to identify a guide or supervisor. At times, this can be a diffi cult task particularly when there are several guides available for a selected area. On enquiry about the guide or from earlier students will be defi nitely helpful to fi nd whether the guide is sympathetic and ready to work with you in case you are stuck somewhere. It should be remembered that research work is essentially that of the student and no guide will do the work for a student. But a helpful attitude, time for discussion and an occasional word of encouragement will be always desirable. Sometimes one may have to choose from:

a) A very senior person who has produced several PhDs and publications, but has little time to spare for scholars.



b) A relatively junior person who has plenty of time and fresh ideas, but not enough experience in guiding.

An advantage of having an experienced senior guide is that he will be able to assess the quality and originality of the work easily. On the other hand, a younger inexperienced guide may have diffi culty in deciding whether the quantum of work done is good enough for the award of a degree. Ideally, a combination of the two will be desirable. It is common practice in many institutions to have two guides, if they can work together as a team with you without any clash of ego. A senior guide and his former student is an ideal combination, which personally the author had while doing his PhD work.

1.4.2. Tools and facilities required.

It is of interest to see suffi ciently early to fi nd whether the facilities required for the research is available in the institute. It can be the equipment, simulation tools and packages etc. If the essential things are not available, one should fi nd out whether it will be possible to procure them within a reasonable time and whether any funding required for this will be available. The cost of procurement is to be assessed in the beginning itself. Research grants available with the guides or department will prove handy. Otherwise, the researcher may have to initiate steps to prepare a project proposal which will fetch the grant. This may take a few months depending on the funding agency and review procedure for the grants. This is particularly relevant for experimental type of work which requires additional equipment.

1.4.3. Course requirements

Having identifi ed an area of research, the fi rst and foremost thing is to fi ne tune your fundamentals, if you are out of touch.



Depending on the area, additional courses may have to be studied. Many institutions have minimum credit requirements and if the courses chosen are useful for the ongoing research it will serve both purposes. If a post graduate course is being run by the department/ institution, some of the courses the scholar have not studied in his/her Masters can be chosen. PhD level courses are rarely offered as the number of takers may be too few and hence some courses may have to be studied by self study or by consultation with the course faculty. If a master’s course is chosen, the semester in which this course is offered is also to be considered.

1.4.4 Review of progress- regular affair.

Many academic institutions have set up mechanism for evaluation of progress made by the research scholars at least once in a semester or as often as required. Doctoral Committees (DC) with experts from inside and if necessary outside are constituted for each scholar within a few weeks after admission. The scholar is required to present the work done to the members of the DC occasionally and satisfactory progress is required for renewal of the scholarship or any fi nancial support. Suggestions from the members of the DC can defi nitely enhance the quality of the research in addition to those from the supervisor(s). Occasionally, open presentations or seminars on the research work and discussions with colleagues and peers will prove to be quite useful.

1.4.5 Comprehensives Examination- a hurdle to cross

Comprehensive examinations are held for PhD scholars to make sure that the scholar has adequate knowledge to carry out research in the chosen area. Interdisciplinary areas require additional study through crediting course or auditing. In any case,



the comprehensive examination is held before the completion of one year by which time the candidate must have completed the course requirements. Based on the courses undergone by the scholar and the background knowledge required to pursue research in the chosen area, a panel of experts are chosen as examiners from different departments by the Dean. Usually only an oral examination is conducted. In the comprehensive examination, if the examiners feel that the candidate is not adequately prepared to pursue research, the committee may propose additional courses to be taken for acquiring further credits or by auditing the courses.

1.4.6. Proposal defense

Once the course work and comprehensive examination are successfully completed, the candidate is considered to be eligible to pursue research in the proposed area. A research proposal may be prepared based on the literature survey and preliminary study. This is to be examined by the Doctoral committee in detail and the feasibility of the proposal verifi ed by the guide and experts in the committee. This may have to be presented in front of the DC and after discussion, if necessary, get approved.

1.5. Actual Research

Now that the preliminaries are completed, the student can spare his or her full time on research. The search is an ongoing process and can never be stopped in this era of information explosion. Work done today may become obsolete tomorrow and so a researcher should always be in touch with the developments in the chosen area. Systematic planning and step by step procedures can progressively approach the goal within a reasonable time period. Publications in journals, presenting papers in conferences and attending conferences and seminars on the topic of research


A Guide To Academic Research

Publisher : Sanguine Publishers ISBN : 9789383506132 Author : Prof . K PMohandas

Type the URL : http://www.kopykitab.com/product/5987

Get this eBook

50%OFF

http://www.kopykitab.com/A-Guide-To-Academic-Research-by-Prof-K-P-Mohandas

a guide to academic research - content.kopykitab.com€¦ · 5.3 patents on products or processes...

Documents