RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

(Syllabus of Ph.D/ M.Phil/ M.S course work from the academic year 2010-2011)
(Common to all branches of Engineering/ Management/Human Social Sciences)

The objective of the course is to introduce the basic methods of conducting research,
explore ideas in formulating research objectives and hypotheses and sample framework
for takingup research studies in a structured manner. Also it is intended to facilitate for
the development of an insight into different statistical tools for data analysis,
interpretation and presentation of reports in different areas of research.
The literature study conducted during the research work should chronologically and
logically analyse the research problem contemplated and should result in framing a
research problem which will further enhance the level of understanding. With the
enhancement of technology and access to internet, research results are available
abundantly. The thesis submitted by a scholar should in no way a repetition of the work
already done. It should be uniquely different and distinctly help in enhancement of
scientific and technical knowledge. The technology must be utilized for improving the
quality of research and should not be a short-cut for producing a duplicate work.

Unit-I: General introduction to Research Methodology: History of Science &

Technology: Importance of research, role of research, aims & objectives, research
process, phases of research.

Unit-II: Research Problem Formulation: Review of Research Literature: Purpose and

use of literature review, locating relevant information, use of electronic databases,
preparing written literature review, research article reviews, theoretical models and frame
work. Identification of gaps in research, formulation of research problem, definition of
research objectives.

Unit-III: Research Design: Qualitative Methods: Types of hypothesis and

characterization. Quantitative Methods: Statistical methods for testing and evaluation.
Characterization of experiments: Accuracy, reliability, reproducibility, sensitivity.

Unit-IV: Research Publication: Thesis, Research Paper, Review Article & Technical
Reports: Organisation of thesis and reports, formatting issues, citation methods,
references, prevention of review of literature. Quality indicies of research publication:
impact factor, immedicacy factor, H-index and other citation indicies.
Unit-V: Research Ethics and Morals: Issues related to plagiarism, collaborative models
and ethics, acknowledgements. Intellectual Property Rights: copy rights, copy left;
Patents, Industrial designs, Trade marks.

References:
1. Chalmers, A.F.: What is this thing called Science.
2. Graziano, A.M., Raulin, M.L : Research Methods – A Process of Inquiry, Pearson
Publications.
3. C.R. Kothari: Research Methodology, Methods & Techniques, 2nd Edition, Viswa
Prakashan 2009.
4. Bhandarkar & Wilkinson: Methodology and Techniques of Social Research,
Himalaya publications, 2009.
5. Bell. J.2005: Doing your Research Project, 4th Edition, Open University Press,
Berkshire.
6. How to write a Thesis:, Murray, R. Tata Mc Graw-Hill.
7. Writing for Academic Journals, Murray, r. 2009, McGraw-Hill International.
8. A Handbook of Academic Writing, Murray, R. and Moore, S. 2006, Tata Mc
Graw-Hill Interantional.
9. Wrinting for Publication, Henson, K.T. 2005.