basics in academic research
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Basics on how to start a career in researchTRANSCRIPT
BASICS OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH
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Prof K P MohandasDean Academic, MES College of Engg(Former Dean PG Studies & Research NIT Calicut)[email protected]
Basics : what is research? Research is nothing but:
Exploring the unexplored, searching for the new things – curiosity is the driving force
Definition:( Oxford dictionary)
“the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions”
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Basics 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
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Why do research?1. To find something new, out of curiosity
All gadgets and innovations which make human life better are the outcomes of research by individuals or groups.
In actual life for many academics
2. To get a research degree MS, M Phil or PhD
3. To get career advancement in profession
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Academic /Industrial research By academic research 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.
Restrictive in the sense that the student is confined to work within the rules and regulations to be followed and the work has to be completed within a definite time frame.
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Outcome of Academic research 1. Award of degrees like MS, M Phil, PhD or D Sc.
2.Research publications in conferences and journals
3. Patents which may be of
immediate use by industry Or
may be used only after years
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Industrial research
Industrial research is based on
1. A need to innovate depend of the real time problems faced by the industry.
2. Sustaining the industry may be difficult without innovation due to stiff competition.
Very often an industrial research is in the form of a project to be completed within a limited period.
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Outcome of Industrial researchThe methodology and results
Will be of immediate use to the industry resulting in the enhancement of the quality of a product or a process and results in more profit.
The contributions in an industrial research belongs 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
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Types of Academic research
Research leading to totally new theory: Theory of relativity, gravitational forces, Newton’s laws etc.
A new interpretation or explanation of a physical or natural phenomenon : origin of the universe, theory of black holes, invention of the wheel etc.
Extension/ modification/ counter proof for existing theory or explanation.
Verification by simulation and validation of a proposed theory or explanation.
Collection of extensive data on a phenomenon by experiments and interpretation of the pattern for improving the quality of life on planet earth.
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Where do you start ? Choice of an area of research
Choice based on:
Previous familiarity and interests –
Strong in fundamentals
Availability of research institutions
Availability of guides in the institution
Possibility of completion within a
reasonable period, say, 3-4 years
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Proposal for research along with application Required in many institutions
Identify a topic in your chosen area
Read extensively the literature on the same.
Prepare a proposal based on your idea
Do not worry about whether this will be good
enough as a PhD problem
Extension of work done in Master’s thesis may be a starting point
But one should be clear about what you have in mind and tell others what you are planning to do
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Choice of a guide Matching your interest with the work done by
guide.
But often, the scholar may have to choose an area/topic suggested by the guide.
Sometimes one may have to choose from:
A very senior person who has guided several
PhDs and publications, but has little time to spare.
A relatively junior person who has plenty of time and
fresh ideas, but not enough experience in guiding
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Converging to a problem – the search Research is 90% search
to find a problem that can be solved
The scholar should be on the look out for
probable topics of research in the area - not easy
Requires in depth reading
On different types of work done in recent times
Published literature on these topics
Abstracts of theses from different reputed institutions
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Continue the search through Review papers by eminent researchers in the area
written by leading researchers which gives the chronological development along with suggestions for future work.
Special issues of journals on the area of research
Excellent tutorials on many topics are freely available on the net which have to be identified and read.
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Checking availability of Facilities Equipment for experimental work
Simulation tools or packages
If not available
Is it possible to procure them?
Are funds available for procurement
Are these available in nearby institutions?
Can you get permission to use them ?
If not initiate steps early to get funding & buy
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Hurdles to cross -1:Course (credit) requirements
Minimum no of theory courses( credits required) to be taken – CGPA of 6+.
Can you choose available PG courses?
If so, availability in odd/ even semesters.
Special PhD level courses required?
Requirement of completion in the first year
Home study courses, if not offered
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Hurdle No 2: Comprehensive examinations
Essential in many good institutions to check the preparedness of the student for research
May require extra crediting/ auditing courses depending on the area (inter disciplinary)
Normally an oral examination at the end of an year
Additional courses to be taken if the performance is not adequate
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Review of progress or update Doctoral committees (DC) with Chairman,
guides and experts from outside (other departments)
Proposal defense or second comprehensive
Frequent presentation for evaluation of progress
Required for renewal of financial support
Suggestions from members of DC helpful
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Communication of results Results obtained interim to be checked
Possible publications in conferences or journals.
Discussion with colleagues working in similar areas, supervisors and peers
Discussions and reviews of papers (even if not accepted) very useful to enhance quality
Filing of patents
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Ethics in research
Objectivity: define specific goals and arrive at precise and accurate conclusions.
Honest and Integrity: Honesty and commitment to a moral code is always required.
Carefulness: Careless or casual in the presentation. Never overlook minor things and be sure of what you do. Check thoroughly before the work is shown to others including your friends or guides.
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Ethics - continued Confidentiality: Preserve the confidentiality of the work
of others if they help you. Never disclose things which others want you to keep confidential.
Mentoring and social responsibility: Senior students may be entrusted with some social responsibility such as mentoring of younger researchers. Even if one is pressed for time, one has to do it without hesitation.
Transparency and openness: Do not be too secretive in the work thinking that someone else will steal their work. This apprehension is unfounded. Discussions on your work with trusted colleagues and peers will help a long way
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Ethics in Research No discrimination: Never discriminate others by
race, religion, or gender and give them due respect they deserve
Intellectual property rights. Never copy from others. Plagiarism is a crime. Avoid it at any cost. Acknowledge earlier work. Violation of IPR can invite strong reprimands which may result in even disqualification as a punishment.
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Thesis submission When can I submit my thesis ?
Crucial decision with the guide whether requirements are satisfactorily completed.
A scholar has to accept that.
Approval by Doctoral Committee
Preparation of synopsis & approval by DC
Preparation of first draft of the thesis
Correction by guides several times
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Oral examination/ defense Thesis Acceptance by examiners ( both national
and international)
Examiners’ recommendations can be :
Accepted/ clarifications sought/ rejected
Prepare clarifications or queries with great carewithout offending the examiner before approval
Resubmission after further work, if rejected
Award of provisional certificate and
Degree at the next convocation
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