RESEARCH METHODOLOGY - PREVIOUS QUESTIONS

1. What is the role of negative space or white space in a slide?

Answer: White space is the unused space between the various elements (i.e.
shapes, text boxes, pictures, etc.) on your PowerPoint slide. 
It's a design tool that is used both actively and passively to transform your slide
into something that is crisp, clean, elegant and just plain awesome.
2. What is the norm followed for (a) size of text and (b) foreground and
background colours in a slide?
Answer:
a) Font in calibri/arial
Main Title: 40
Heading: 36 - 44
Body / sub heading: 24 – 28
Text size: 22 – 24
Reference/captions: 16-18
b) foreground and background colours
Dark letters on light back ground (for small rooms & teaching room)
Light letters on dark back ground (for large rooms)
Preferable contrast between back ground and fore ground. Generally used light
blue title and dark blue text.
3. Name three techniques to reduce the anxiety just before a
presentation?
Answer: Acknowledge your fear, Act confident, visualize your success, Use deep-
breathing techniques, Focus on message, and not fear.
4. What happens when you press “B” during presentation using *.pptx?
Why do you need such an approach?
Answer: When we want the attention of audience on us instead of on slide, press ‘B’
on the keyboard. The slide blanks out and audience attention shifts on to speaker.
5. Mention one skill that you lack when compared with a good presenter.
What is your plan to overcome the same?
Answer: Talk too fast, and we'll sound nervous and hard to understand. Talk too
slowly, and we'll risk putting our audience to sleep.
When practicing my presentation, watch myself in the mirror to observe my
gestures and other nonverbal cues. I could even record myself and watch the
footage afterward. During my presentation, make an effort to look engaged in what
I’m saying.
 6. With an example, write the basic difference between communication
and effective communication.
Answer: the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using
some other medium. It is the act of giving, receiving, and sharing information
Example: During the lectures for few topics/subjects we require visual presentation
but instead of it when I present it in oral.
Effective communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions,
knowledge, and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity
and purpose. When we communicate effectively, both the sender and receiver feel
satisfied.
Example: when I have presentation with my management regarding the academic
status I used to more data into the slides which shows the effectiveness of the
curriculum our institute is heading
7. With an example, write the major difference between hearing and
listening.
Answer: Listening and hearing are different; hearing refers to the act of receiving
sounds and becoming aware of sounds through your ears, but listening refers to
making a conscious effort to perceive the sound.

HEARING LISTENING

Hearing is the act of perceiving sound and

Listening is the act of hearing a sound
receiving sound waves or vibrations
and understanding what you hear.
through your ear.

Hearing is one of the five senses and it just

Listening Requires concentration so
happens all the time – whether you like
that your brain processes meaning from
it or not – unless you have a hearing
words and sentences.
problem

Hearing simply happens. Listening leads to learning.

Listening uses different senses, like

Hearing is a skill where you use your ears
the sense of hearing, seeing, or sense of
only. It one of the five senses.
touch.

Hearing is an involuntary act where you Listening is a skill that lets the sound
simply receive vibrations through your you hear go through your brain to
ears. process the meaning of it.

Physiological Psychological

Subconscious level Conscious level

Concentration is not required Concentration is required

 8. What is your communication style? Cite two reasons in support of your
claim.
Answer:
Assertive communication style:

1. Recently we got NBA accreditation for our mechanical engineering

department in my college. I was the NBA Coordinator; it was a great achievement in
my professional life. It was a great team work. I did it successfully without hurting
any of my teaching and non-teaching staff.
2. When we have a meeting with management, I represent my teaching and
non teaching staff without any selfishness.

9. Why ‘personal opinions’ is considered as a barrier for effective

communication?
Answer:
During a talk on religious matter if I express more aggressiveness (my personal
opinions) on other religion it may create misunderstanding with my friend,
colleagues who are from other religion it will hurt them with my words that will
result into broken relationship.
10. What is ‘Pareto analysis’ of time management? Whether it has any
connection with the Eisenhower method?
Answer:
Pareto analysis
 80% of tasks can be completed in 20% of the disposable time
 The remaining 20% of tasks will take up 80% of the time
 Sort tasks into two parts
 Tasks that fall into the first category be assigned a higher priority.

The Eisenhower Method:

Both are decision-making tools aiming to get the most of limited resources such as
time and money.
 11. Name four time management techniques that one should follow for
better time management.
Answer:
 Be organised (creating an environment conducive to effectiveness)
 be systematic
 “Protecting one's time" by insulation, isolation and delegation
 Priorities multiple tasks
 Strong relationships with co-workers
 Unlearn the bad time-habits and learn good time-habits
 Time to have your regular exercise, entertainment, fun
 Have enough sleep each night
 Learn to say "No"

12. Write two signs of stress to a PhD student.

Answer:

 Problem in the choice of the research topic

 Not getting expected response from the Supervisor
 Not so good relation with the Supervisor
 Unequal treatment by your Supervisor to his/her students
nd
 First author Vs 2 author
 Co-workers don't do their fair share
 Minimum CPI – 6.5
 CPI < 6.5 means automatic cancellation of registration.
 Could not succeed to clear comprehensive examination in first
attempt; Second attempt within 6 months; If fail, registration will be
automatically cancelled.
 Presentation of Synopsis: two journal papers; at least one SCI.

13. Name three stress management techniques to overcome acute stress.

Answer:
1) Grounding
2) Unhooking
3) Acting on your values
4) Being Kind
5) Making Room

14. Write the three main requirements for ‘discipline in writing’.

Answer:
People who write correctly have discipline their mind
• to look for error after they write,
 • to avoid errors while they write and
• to correct error after they read what they have written.

15. State the objectives of research.

Answer: Research objectives are the outcomes that you aim to achieve by
conducting research.

16. What is the importance of a literature survey in thesis

research?
Answer: A literature review allows researchers to critically assess the quality of
previous research on the topic

17. State the factors to be considered for research design?

Answer: Research methodology is a scientific and logical technique that helps
you decide on an appropriate research method to collect data.
The key elements that every good research design has are:
 Purpose statement
 Data collection techniques
 Methods of research data analysis
 Type of research methodologies
 Possible obstacles to the research
 Settings for research study
 Time of the research study
 Analysis measurement

18. Mention the various stages of research sequentially.

Answer: The steps of research in the sequence are presented in the thesis too.
Thus, the correct sequence is Problem, Review of Literature, Conceptual
Framework, Results, and Discussion.

19. State the attributes of a Research Scholar.

Attributes of a good research scholar
Personal Academic
Social skills Analytical mind
Patience Scientific discipline
Flexibility Presentation skills
Determination Writing skills
Self-confidence Global outlook     
Persistence Innovative approach
Freedom from the obsessions of clock
Originality
and calendar
Dedication Precision and accuracy
Passion for knowledge Keen observation
 Questioning attitude Concentration
Spirit of enquiry Insight
Resilience to withstand temporary
Intellectual curiosity
setbacks

20. Explain various types of research with suitable examples.

 Fundamental research. ...
 Applied research. ...
 Qualitative research. ...
 Mixed research. ...
 Exploratory research. ...
 Field research. ...
 Laboratory research. ...
 Fixed research.

21. Give two reasons as to why figures should be more added in

slides than text.
Answer:

 one Figure gives more information than 1000 words.

 Figure shows concept than the text

22. Write one sentence describing the phycology of a research

student.
Answer: The mental characteristics or attitude towards the research solving
problem.

23. How to compare the intelligence and creativity of a PhD

student?
Answer: The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skill.
Converting imagination or original ideas to crate something.

24. Write two symptoms by which you know that you are suffering
from acute stress?
Answer: During the preparation of examination I used to take lot of tea.
When I’m going to face an interview I sweat too much.

25. Why Pomodoro is a beneficial time management principle?

Sketch the efficiency vs time to answer the question.
Answer: Frequent breaks make the user more productive as long as they stay
committed to the work and don’t allow themselves to be distracted.
 26. How does the Eisenhower method work for time-management?
Answer: According to Eisenhower, activities are divided into 4 categories
based on urgent, important.

27. Write two attributes of a good presenter?

Answer: Attributes of an Effective Speaker
 Integrity
 Should be honest and sincere.
 Knowledge
 Must have sufficient knowledge of the topic.
 Self-Confidence
 A firm belief in their own abilities and traits.
 Eloquence (the art of speaking)
 Should have powerful and effective language.

28. Cite two examples of non-verbal communication which have a strong

impact on the outcome of a presentation.
Answer:
Nonverbal Communication:

a) Appearance:
 Speaker: clothing, hairstyle, neatness, use of cosmetic

Surrounding: room size, lighting, decorations, furnishings

b) Body Language:

Facial expressions, gestures, postures

c) Sounds:

Voice Tone, Volume, Speech rate

29. Mention two differences between Abstract and Conclusion.

Answer:
Abstract: It’s a short note that express the contents of the work.
It contains the key words.
Conclusion: It’s a statement/decision reached by the researcher based on
findings in the research.
  Abstract Conclusion
Allow people to decide Remind the reader of the
whether to read the paper or strength of stated arguments.
Aim: not. Indexation in Promote further research on
databases. a topic.
Question answered: What? What next?
Citation of other No. Yes.
scientific work:
Type of language: Direct, impactful Direct, impactful
Summarization Very high High
level:
Length: Short Short

30. Correct the following sentences.

Call me tomorrow, you can give me an answer then.
Cookie Monster was told to eat less cookies.
Answer:
You can call me tomorrow to give an answer.
Cookie Monster was told not to eat too much cookies.

31. We say the concept of 7x7 for slide preparation. What is the meaning
of this?
Answer:
7 bullets on each slide with each bullet containing 7 words.

32. Write two measures of outcome-based PhD in contrast with

output- based PhD.
Answer:

33. Mention one major limitation of your presentation skill. What is

 your most effective plan to overcome such limitation?
Answer: Talk too fast, and we'll sound nervous and hard to understand. Talk too
slowly, and we'll risk putting our audience to sleep.
When practicing my presentation, watch myself in the mirror to observe my
gestures and other nonverbal cues. I could even record myself and watch the
footage afterward. During my presentation, make an effort to look engaged in what
I’m saying.

34. Classify the following style of communication. Use only the

question numbers in your answer book.
a) I love your hair. Most people probably can’t even tell it’s a wig.
b) I know that it’s important. It is also important to me. Let’s figure out
some options that are fair to both of us.
c) People never consider my feeling.
d) I am superior and right, and you’re inferior and wrong.
Answer:
a) Manipulative

b) Submissive

c) Passive aggressive

d) Aggressive

35. Does the effectiveness of your communication depend on the

channel of the communication? Give an example to illustrate the
answer.
Answer: Yes, the effectiveness of the communication can be more, if we use face
to face.

36. Arrange the following To-Do list in an Eisenhower table. Use only
the question numbers.
i) Preparation of an examination
ii) Final cricket match between India and Pakistan
iii) Attend the birthday party of your close friend.
iv) Your regular slot of exercise.
Answer:
I
IV
II
II

37. With an example, clearly, state the concept of Pomodoro.

Answer: The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method based on 25-
minute stretches of focused work broken by five-minute breaks.
The 25-minute work sprints are the core of the method, but a Pomodoro practice
also includes three rules for getting the most out of each interval:
Break down complex projects, Small tasks go together, Once a pomodoro is set, it
must ring.

38. Write two sources which cause stress on you; find three
different effective solutions to overcome your stress.
Answer:
 Problem in the choice of the research topic
 Not getting expected response from the Supervisor
 Not so good relation with the Supervisor
 Unequal treatment by your Supervisor to his/her students
nd
 First author Vs 2 author
 Co-workers don't do their fair share
 Minimum CPI – 6.5
 CPI < 6.5 means automatic cancellation of registration.
 Could not succeed to clear comprehensive examination in first
attempt; Second attempt within 6 months; If fail, registration will be
automatically cancelled.
 Presentation of Synopsis: two journal papers; at least one SCI.
Tips to reduce stress
 Talk with family and friends. 
 Engage in daily physical activity. 
 Embrace the things you are able to change.
While we may not be able to do some of the things, we will enjoy. We are
never too old to learn a new skill, work toward a goal, or love and help
others.
 Remember to laugh. 
 Give up the bad habits. 
 Slow down. 
Try to "pace" instead of "race." Plan ahead and allow enough time to get the
most important things done without having to rush.
 Get enough sleep. 
 Get organised. 
 Practice giving back. 
Volunteer your time or spend time helping out a friend.
Helping others helps you.
 Try not to worry. 
 39. What is plagiarism?
Answer: Plagiarism is stealing or copying another’s work and representing it as our
own work without giving them the credit.

Webster dictionary defines plagiarism as

a) The theft and use of other people's ideas or words as yours;

b) Use of sources without attribution;

c) Literary theft and

d) Presenting some ideas as own and as it is new, While this idea already
exists in other source.

40. What is verbatim?

Answer: Copying another person’s work word to word and not representing it in
quotation marks is known as Verbatim. Verbatim is also known as direct
plagiarism.

41. What is paraphrasing

Answer: Paraphrasing means the representation of an idea or thought in our own
words in such a manner that the original essence of that idea remains the same.

42. Different Types of plagiarism?

Answer: Types of plagiarism:

1. Intentional or Unintentional
2. Complete
3. Verbatim
4. Self Plagiarism
5. Text/words or Ideas/data
6. Source
7. Mosaic/patch writing

 Intentional or Unintentional
When the author deliberately, intentionally or knowingly copies entire
text, paragraph or data and presents as its own.
Unintentional occurs when the author either is not aware of such
research, is unaware of the ethics in writing or does not know how to cite
and thus presents similar articles.

 Complete Plagiarism:
Complete Plagiarism is the most extreme form of plagiarism. In this
plagiarism, a person completely copies someone else’s work such as a
 research paper, article, image, etc, and represents it as their own work. This
form of plagiarism is similar to identity theft or stealing.

 Verbatim:
Verbatim is also known as direct plagiarism. When we read a book we
must have observed that if any statement that a famous person has made is
always represented in double quotations and is highlighted so that we get to
know that it is said by this particular person. Similarly consider a person
writing an article and mentioning someone’s else work or words that too
exactly the same. But this person doesn’t represent it in quotation marks.
Then that person is said to be exhibiting direct plagiarism. Hence copying
another person’s work word to word and not representing it in quotation
marks is known as Verbatim or direct plagiarism.
 Self Plagiarism:
This kind of plagiarism is the duplication of a person’s own work, also
known as auto plagiarism. It occurs when a person copies some words of his
own published work and uses the same for another work. This form of
plagiarism is commonly observed in research journals. Researchers may
make re-use of their research work for another research work, however, the
percentage of re-usage must be according to those set by the publishing
journals if they allow them to do so.

 Text/words or Ideas/data

The commonest form of plagiarism is of text known as “copy-cut-

paste” or “word-to-word” writing wherein complete sentences, paragraph,
tables or even pictures are reproduced without acknowledgement. Described
as “copying a portion of text from another source without giving credit to its
author and without enclosing the borrowed text in quotation marks.”Although
previous research need to be discussed complete copying of text is to be
avoided. With use of computers and the internet this form of plagiarism is
very prevalent. Copying of ideas is a common form of plagiarism wherein
someone else’s ideas, presentations, audio or video files, thoughts,
inferences or suggestions are made into research and presented as own
without proper acknowledgement. This is of course very difficult to detect or
prove. Some other methods are taking ideas from books, previously
published thesis, journals, magazines, conferences or meetings.

 Source-Based Plagiarism:
This form of plagiarism is most commonly observed in research work.
In the research paper one needs to provide references that have contributed
to their work, If a person provides wrong references that do not exist, or that
are not relating to the work then it is known as source-based plagiarism. The
falsification of data or its fabrication is also source-based plagiarism.
Falsification and fabrication of data are manipulating or representing false
or non-existing data.
  Mosaic/patch writing

This happens when a new author uses the previous article text by
replacing, reordering or rephrasing the words or sentences to give it new look
without acknowledging the original author. The American Medical
Association Manual of Style describes mosaic plagiarism as“… borrowing the
ideas and opinions from an original source and a few verbatim words or
phrases without crediting the original author. In this case, the plagiarist
intertwines his or her own ideas and opinions with those of the original
author, creating a confused, plagiarized mass.”

43. What are the Remedies and penalties of Plagiarism?

Answer: Remedies of Plagiarism
There are certain steps we can follow in order to avoid plagiarism.
 Always give credit to the person whose work you are including in your own
work. Make use of double quotations to prevent verbatim.
 Build your own ideas and thoughts and use them in your work. Do not copy
another person’s ideas or work. Develop yourself and work on yourself so
that you can enhance your thought process. Increase the domain of your
knowledge.
 Make use of paraphrasing. Paraphrasing means the representation of an
idea or thought in our own words in such a manner that the original essence
of that idea remains the same. But we should also do paraphrasing in such
a manner that it does not convert to plagiarism.
 Use online plagiarism checker tools. There are many sites that offer
plagiarism checker tools. These sites check your work against thousands of
other works available on the internet and give you a percentage of
plagiarized or unique content. They can even tell from which site the content
is copied. We should always use plagiarism checker tools in order to prevent
plagiarism. Some of the plagiarism checking tools are – Grammarly,
smallseotools, turnitin, quetext, etc.
 Always provide correct references in your research paper or article.
 Learn how to cite your articles, provide references, use double quotations,
etc. You should know how to write a scholarly article or book or research
paper before you begin writing.
 If you are using someone else’s videos, images, or audios in your own video,
etc always ask them first, and even after that provide them the credit for the
same.
 Keep your morals high. Be educated about plagiarism and be an ethical
person. As in real life, you don’t do bad things as you know the
differentiation between what is good and bad similarly teach your inner
conscience that plagiarism is unethical and you should not make use of
plagiarized content.
 44. What is WIPO?
Answer: It’s a world international property organisation, it’s a modern day of
dealing with the regulation of IPR.
The main aim of WIPO is to make the nations to follow the norms that are as high
as with the standards as possible which must be ideally be consistent and
coherent.

45. What is IPR

Answer: the product/process/idea which is outcome of the brain of a person and
can be used on commercial scale for benefits of human kind is called intellectual
property rights.

Or

It referes to creation of the mind-inventions, literary, artistic works and symbols,

names, image and designs used on commercial scale.

Types of IPR
Answer: Patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets are valuable assets
of the company and understanding how they work and how they are created is
critical to knowing how to protect them.
Patent rights and its scope

Patentability criteria with case studies.

Patent application and registration process.

Indian copyright act and its implication in academics.