Methods Prelim Drei 2

Systematic investigation to solve engineering problems that generates new knowledge or improves technology based on experimentation, modeling, or analysis.

Basic research expands fundamental knowledge with no immediate application required, while applied research targets real engineering problems to produce practical solutions.

1. Observation/Problem Identification, 2. Literature Review, 3. Hypothesis Formulation, 4. Experimentation/Modeling, 5. Data Collection, 6. Data Analysis, 7. Conclusion, 8. Communication.

A prediction of an expected outcome that must be testable, measurable, and guides the experimentation.

It is disproved if a single example or condition is found that contradicts the statement (e.g., finding one solar cell with higher efficiency than the hypothesized maximum).

It must be applied to human systems, yield practical and beneficial outcomes for humanity, be ethically based, consider environmental outcomes, and use standard industry testing.

To assess the validity, quality, and originality of research by experts in the field before it is declared as new knowledge.

Unsubstantiated claims (like aromatherapy), work conducted in secret, or research outcomes that are already well known to others.

1. A paradigm shift (fundamental innovation), 2. Applying techniques from one field to another, 3. Modifying existing concepts or technologies for improved efficiency or sustainability.

Avoid plagiarism, report data honestly, ensure safety and compliance, and respect confidentiality.

Clear objectives, systematic methodology, reproducibility, evidence-based conclusions, and ethicalnbiased conduct.

It focuses on investigating causes, such as why a specific infrastructure or machine failed (Failure Analysis).

It focuses on mechanisms, such as how a system functions or activates under specific conditions.

To substantiate conclusions with results from different approaches, adding confidence to the research outcomes.

To minimize engineering failures, enforce codes of ethics, accredit professionals, and facilitate the exchange of information.

The Challenger space shuttle explosion, the Chernobyl nuclear reactor meltdown, and the sinking of the Titanic.

By making participation voluntary, obtaining informed consent, allowing withdrawal without recrimination, ensuring anonymity, and potentially using an independent third party.

A comprehensive summary of previous research that identifies gaps, prevents duplication, and places the current research within the context of existing knowledge.

Permanently stored published scientific literature (journals, books, papers) deemed to be of value to future generations.

They are considered the most valuable contributions to archival literature because they report the latest developments and undergo rigorous review.

Journal title, paper title, author list and affiliations, abstract, keywords, and publication details (dates, volume, issue).

A document written to protect an original idea from commercial advantage, theft, and exploitation.

They often lack rigorous peer review, may be sensationalist, do not always provide references, and are often secondary sources.

A metric where a researcher has an index of *h* if they have *h* papers that have been cited at least *h* times each.

The yearly average number of citations per paper published in a specific journal.

Society publications are often funded by membership/subscriptions, whereas Open Access journals are free for readers but often require the author to pay publication fees.

A numerical style used by IEEE where references are referred to by a number in square brackets (e.g., [1]).

An author-name style where references in the text use the first author's family name and date of publication (e.g., Newton, 1729).

Missing information, inconsistencies, or open questions left from previous studies that justify the need for new research.