ME0056 services such as those provided by public

utilities and
METHODS OF RESEARCH FOR
governments.)
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MODULE 1 SUBTOPIC 1
2. Human Development Index
WHY DO RESEARCH?
A summary composite index that measures a
FEU TECH country's average

By achievements in three basic aspects of

human development:
Economy — The Basics
longevity, knowledge, and a decent
Considered as the most influential driving standard of living.
force in a society.

Affects: A. Longevity:

• Politics B. Knowledge:

life expectancy at birth

• Family
adult literacy rate
• Gender
combined primary, secondary, and tertiary

Economy gross enrolment ratio

Definition:

The Basics C. Standard of Living: GDP per capita

The social institution that organizes the

production, :
distribution, & consumption of goods and 3. GDP
services.
Gross Domestic Product- measure of total
economic production
...and since it is an institution,
for a country, GDP represents the market
It is organized and predictable (to some value of all goods and
extent)
services produced by the economy during
the period measured,

Measuring the economy: including personal consumption, government

purchases, private
1. Standard of living
inventories, paid-in construction costs
Level of material comfort that an and the foreign trade
individual or group aspires to
balance (exports are added, imports are
or may achieve. This includes not only subtracted).
privately purchased

goods and services but collectively

consumed goods and
Standard of living 3 Main factors that affect it:

Affected by: 1. Human Capital:

1. Productivity (output per unit of input, - Training and education

usually output per worker)
- Skills
2. Income distribution

3. Unemployment

2. Investment

Productivity - Capital formation

-Is determined to be a huge factor in - Machines

economic
- Infrastructure
development

- Directly proportional to income per

capita
3. Technological progress

- Quality of machines

- Technology
GDP per capita vs. labour productivity,
2016 - Organizing industrial activities

Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita,

measured in 2011 international-$ versus
labour
Of these, the most crucial is...
productivity, measured as GDP per hour
worked, adjusted to 2011 PPPs and 2015 US$ Technological progress (better technology)

prices.

"Technological progress is a vital source

of economic growth

Productivity and R&D, a vital source of technological

progress."
3 Main factors that affect it:

1. Human Capital

2. Investment
New Growth Theory
3. Technological progress
The rate of economic growth is driven by
the total stock of

human capital—the collection of knowledge

or innovative

'ideas' held at any one time by people in

businesses,
universities, and governments."

New Growth Theory

New ideas are the root source of growth

because they lead to

technological innovation and hence to

productivity

improvements.

Thus, if too few resources are dedicated

to education and scientific

research and development then the rate of

economic growth will

be lower than it otherwise could have

been.

Economy — Global Competitive Index

The Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 2019

Rankings

Covering 141 economies, the Global

Competitiveness Index 4.0 measures
national

competitiveness—defined as the set of

institutions, policies and factors that
determine

the level of productivity.

MODULE 1 SUBTOPIC 2 advantage

INNOVATION
Innovation: Some key terminologies
Knowledge
The whole body of scientific evidence and
human expertise that is,
or could be, useful in the production and
supply of commodities
and in the invention and design of new
products and processes.
Types of Innovation
l. Product Innovation
The act of bringing something new to the
market place that
improves the range and quality of products
on offer.
-5 The introduction of a new product, or a
significant qualitative
change in an existing product.

E.g. Ipod vs. Discman vs. Walkman

Knowledge
Types of Innovation
1. Codified: Written (e.g. Chemical
formulas or algorithms)

2. Tacit: Person knows how to do something

that is not written down (e.g. how to
weld, draw in AutoCADD)

3. Human capital: Embodied in individuals

(increased by acquisition of new skills

and knowledge through education and
training) Types of Innovation

ll. Process Innovation

- A new way of making or delivering goods

Technology or services.
-The application of selected parts of the The introduction of a new process for
knowledge stock to production activity. making or delivering
-Current set of production techniques used goods and services.
to design, make,
package, and deliver goods and services in E.g. MILES by FEU Tech
the economy.
JIT manufacturing (Toyota)
-The application of scientific knowledge
for practical purposes, especially in Uber
industry.
Spotify

Innovation
Types of Innovation
-5 The application of new ideas to the
products, processes, or other aspects of Tangible:
the activities of a firm that lead to
increased "value." - Personal computers, mobile phones, and
microwave ovens.
-The creation, development and
implementation of a new product, process, Intangible:
or service, with the aim of improving
efficiency, effectiveness, or competitive
- Computer software, supply of
communication services, smart heating
Combination:
- e.g. Robotic machine, self-driving cars
Review:
The application of new ideas to the
products, processes, or other aspects of
the activities of a firm that lead to
increased "value."
This definition has a problem!
Innovation or imitation?
Review:
The application of new ideas to the
products, processes, or other
aspects of the activities of a firm that
lead to increased "value."
*What if the "innovation" is an imitation?
(Adoption of a new technique or design
that is already in the
market)
Innovation or imitation?
A change to a product or process can be:
-New to the firm
-New to the domestic market
-New to the world market
Innovation or imitation?
A change to a product or process can be:
-New to the world market
(would pass as a qualification for
innovation)
But what if product is not internationally
traded?
Innovation or imitation?
A change to a product or process can be:
New to the domestic market
(acceptable as sign of innovation if
factors like the nature of the product,
prohibitive transport costs, or
restrictions on trade are present)
e.g. Shopee and Lazada in the Philippines,
even if there is Amazon already in other
countries
Innovation or imitation?
A change to a product or process can be:
-New to the firm
(insufficient test for innovation, as the
firm in question may simply be adopting a
product design, or a production method,
introduced by a competitor)
Innovation or imitation?
Therefore a proper test for innovation is:
New to the firm and
New to the relevant market.
(dependent on the product or process in
question and the degree to which it is
traded in a competitive global or local
environment)
Innovation
Features:
1. Product or process must be introduced
into the market place so that consumers or
other firms can benefit.
- Not an invention/discovery
(enhances the stock of knowledge, but it
does not instantaneously arrive in the
market place as a full-fledged novel
product or process).
Innovation
Features:
2. Innovation occurs at the point of
bringing to the commercial market new
products and processes arising from
applications of both existing and new
knowledge
MODULE 2.1
Nature and Characteristics of Research
Research
The act of discovering more of what you want
to know.
The process of systemizing available
information on your favorite topic or on a topic
you are curious about.
Allows you to contribute new knowledge and
discoveries to the existing body of scientific
research.
Systematic and organized effort to investigate a
specific problem that needs a solution.
Involves finding something new.
Adheres to a strict set of protocols and
structure.
Methodical study to prove a hypothesis or
answer a specific question.
Research
Purposive, systematic and scientific process of
gathering, analyzing, classifying, organizing,
presenting and interpreting data for the
solution of a problem for prediction, invention,
discovery of the truth, or for the expansion /
verification of existing knowledge, all for the
preservation and improvement of the quality of
human life.
Process: Purposive, Systematic, Scientific
Activities: Gathering, analyzing, classifying,
organizing, presenting and interpreting data
Objective: Solution of a problem, prediction,
invention, discovery of the truth, expansion /
verification of existing knowledge
Main Goal: The preservation and improvement
of the quality of human life.
Purpose of Research
1. Discover new facts about phenomena
2. Finds answers to problems, which are
only partially solved by existing
methods
3. Improve existing techniques / develop
new instruments or products
4. Discover previously unrecognized
substance / elements
5. Discover pathways of action of known
substances and elements
6. To provide basis for decision-making in
different sectors (business, industry,
education, government)
7. To satisfy the researcher’s curiosity
8. To acquire a better and deeper
understanding about the phenomena
9. To expand / verify existing knowledge
Basic vs. Applied Research
Basic Research:
Concerned with clarifying, validating, or
building a theory.
Applied Research:
Used to solve practical problems/issues,
with an emphasis on achieving measurable
outputs that are specific to a particular
organization.
Basic Research
Purpose
-Expand knowledge of organization
processes
-Develop universal principles
-Produce findings of significance and value
to society
Applied Research
Purpose
-Improve understanding specific
organizational problems
-Create solutions to organizational
problems
-Develop findings of practical relevance to
organizational stakeholders
The Scientific Process
Science
- A methodological and systematic
approach to the acquisition of new
knowledge.
Research using the scientific method
- Scientific knowledge is based on objective
data that were reliably obtained in the
context of a carefully designed research
study.
- Gain new knowledge by making careful
observations and using systematic,
controlled, and methodical approaches to
draw valid and reliable conclusions about
what they are studying.
- Scientific knowledge is based on the
accumulation of empirical evidence.
The basis for all scientific investigation.
 An approach to the acquisition of new A. Accuracy refers to whether the
knowledge. measurement is correct
B. Reliability refers to whether the
Set of research principles and methods that
measurement is consistent
helps researchers obtain valid results from
- Sample Vs Population
their research studies.
- Quantitative vs. Qualitative
It provides a set of clear and agreed upon 6. Analyses
guidelines for gathering, evaluating, and - Use of statistical techniques to interpret
reporting information in the context of a the data
research study. 7. Conclusions
- Make only those conclusion that can be
Elements: supported by the data analyses
1. Empirical approach - Correlation ( a relationship between
2. Observations two things) does not equal causation
3. Questions Correlation
4. Hypotheses - A relationship between two things)
5. Experiments 2 Types:
6. Analyses 1. Positive correlation
7. Conclusions - As A increases, B increases too
8. Replication 2. Negative correlation

1. Empirical Approach
- Evidence-based
- Relies on direct observation and
experimentation in the acquisition of
new knowledge
- Scientific decisions are made based on
the data derived
- Emphasis on direct, systematic, and
careful observation
2. Observations
- Refers to two distinct concepts – being
aware of the world around us and
making careful measurements.
operational definition:
- Ensure that everyone is talking about
the same phenomena
3. Questions
- Translating a research idea into an
answerable question
- Can be answered through available
scientific methods and procedures
4. Hypothesis
- An educated – and testable – guess
about the answer to the research
question
- An attempt by the researcher to explain
the phenomenon of interest
(prediction)
- Predictions are then tested by gathering
and analyzing data, and the hypothesis
can either be supported or refuted on
the basis of the data
5. Experiments
- Measuring the phenomeon of interest
in an accurate and reliable manner
Causation:
- The cause-and-effect relationships
between variables
Prerequisites for inferences of
Causality
1. There must be an existing
relationship between two events
2. The cause must precede the effect
3. Alternative explanations for the
relationship must be ruled out.
8. Replication
- Conducting the same research study a
second time with another group of
participants to see whether the same
results are obtained.
- Researchers should avoid drawing
broad conclusions based on the results
of a single research study because it is
always possible that the results of the
particular study were an aberration.
The Scientific Process
Steps:
1. Define the question
2. Gather information and resources
3. Form a hypothesis (educated guess)
4. Experimentation and collection of data
5. Analyze the data
6. Interpret data and draw conclusion
7. Report results
8. Retest
9. Go back to #3
Characteristics of a Good Research
1. Use of primary sources
2. Expert, systematic, and accurate
 3. Logical and objective (strive to • Future career-based topic
eliminate bias) • Track-based topic
4. Quantify • Faculty-based topic
5. Careful recording / recording • Problem-based topic
The Research Project • Past study-based topic
• ME Department project-based topic
The requirement of a degree programme • KISS your thesis topic
which requires the student to successfully • Original / innovative
design, conduct and write up a piece of • What’s your budget?
research as a condition of being awarded • Social impact
the degree. • Fabrication
Thesis vs. Dissertation The Road to Graduation: Requirements
Not much difference among the two: I. MEPROSTUD1 ( THESIS-1)
- Same principles of academic writing, To pass:
style, structure, organization
- Both require originality and have Satisfying panel and advisor that:
expectations
1. Your thesis proposal requires the use of
- Primary differences is in level of detail:
several ME principles
Takes longerto complete a dissertation
2. The project can be done within 2 terms,
(usually 3 years of study; only major
and that you can afford it.
requirement in PhD)
3. Everyone knows what they’re talking
Originality: about
4. Nicely written proposal draft
- Research must add something “new” to
the body of knowledge to an existing NOTE: has to be enrolled
field of study
The proposal drafts
- Must be about a topic never been
acquired in the past or a research Major parts:
product that has never been come up
• Cover page
with.
• Table of contents
• List of figures
• List of tables
MODULE 2.2
• List of equations
TIPS ON SELECTING THE BEST THESIS TOPICS • Chapter 1 : Introduction
Outline of Presentation • Chapter 2: RRL
• Chapter 3: Methodogy
I. Why take research class? • References
II. Topic selection Tips: Do you want to • Appendices
save the world?
III. The road to graduation: Commercial break:
Requirement to pass The course of INCOMPLETE
IV. Tips
V. Traps to avoid • Thesis course vs non-thesis course
VI. Finals Remarks • Lapse period
• After lapse, reenrol
Why take Research Class?
• The floating 3 units
• Research is good for the economy • Present any time within the term
• FEU -TECH requirement
DO NOT FORGET ABOUT IT!!!
• Gatekeepers
• Lifelong learning Major Events:
• Competitive Edge
- Form a group (1-4 people)
Topic Selection Tips: Do you want to save the - Topic proposal
world? - Topic approval
- Write your proposal draft
Choose the best topic for your group using the - Advisor endorsement to present
following topics: - Oral Presentation (-12th week)
 II. MEPROSTUD2(thesis-2) • Work on it little by little
To pass: • Regularly consult advisor during
• Satisfy panel and advisor that: milestones
1. Your thesis project • Consult panel during major changes
objectives have been • Follow policies, deadlines and
met instructions
2. Everyone knows what • Don’ let problems grow out of
they’re talking about proportion
3. Nicely written final
draft
4. Satisfactory oral
presentation
• Turnitin, two hardbound copies, one
poster, PDF presentation, one journal
version, etc.

Major Events:

- Endorsement from advisor

- Schedule of oral presentation
- Oral presentation
- Major revision: edit and re-defence
- Minor revision: edit
- Submission of mentioned
requirements

Traps to Avoid

Topic selection phase:

• Promise of budget / sponsorship

• Having no clear idea how to complete
thesis project (and total approximate
cost)
• Saving the world / “ultimate thesis”
• Friendship as a main criteria for thesis
grouping

Thesis Proper:

• Treating your group leader as a friend

• Lapse in project management
• “Too busy”
• Not communicating with panel, advisor,
and coordinator
• Murphy’s Law
• Mediocrity
• Plagiarism (Hello, Turnitin)

Problem Resolution

• Simple resolution (members dialogue at

their level)
• Advisor level
• Coordinator level
• Dean level
• Change topic (re-defense)
• Disbanding / kicked-out

Final Remarks

• Manage your time wisely

• Focus on your goal
MODULE 3 ➢ Index

SUBTOPIC 1 – FEU Tech Thesis Format The Front Matter

• Cover Page • Considered as the “envelope” of

• Approval And Acceptance Sheet
• Acknowledgment
• Table of Contents
• List of Tables
• List of Figures
• List of Abbreviations
• Abstract
• Chapter 1: Introduction
➢ 1.1 Background of the Study
➢ 1.2 Significance of the Study
➢ 1.3 Objectives
➢ 1.4 Scope and Delimitations
• Chapter 2: RRL
➢ 2.1 Related Studies
➢ 2.2 Related Literature
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Results and Discussion
• Chapter 5: Conclusion
• Chapter 6: Recommendations
• Bibliography
• Appendices
• Appendix A: Communication Letters
SUBTOPIC 2 – Writing the
Introduction Chapter
Format – Elements that make up the
structure of the technical document
Three main parts:
your document
• Elements introduce the reader to
the body
• Contains the author details,
problem, argument, and
methods used.
• Answers who, what, where,
when, why and how
A. The Title & The Title Page
- Title should be clear and
specific
- Title Page includes the title,
author/s, affiliation, date,
etc.
The Title & The Title Page: tips for a
strong title:
1. Use descriptive titles
Should be detailed enough to
give a specific idea of what is
covered
Ex. Bad Title: Solar Absorption of
Clouds
Good Title: Direct Observation of
Excess Solar Absorption by
Clouds
The Title & The Title Page: tips for a
strong title:

• Front Matter Bad Title: Design of a Ventilation System

• Body
Good Title: Development of a low0cost
• End Matter
Ventilation system for use Inside a lecture
ELEMENTS OF THE FRONT MATTER: Room at a State University in Cavite

➢ Title Page Bad title: Computer Modelling of Particles

➢ Abstract Inside a room
➢ Table of Contents
Good Title: Simulation of the Fate of
➢ List of Figures
Bioaerosol Particles inside an Air-
➢ List of Terminologies
conditioned Residential Room with 100%
➢ Acknowledgements
Recirculated Air
ELEMENTS OF THE BODY:
TIPS FOR A STRONG TITLE:
➢ Introduction
2. Use 2-part titles if title is too
➢ Background
complex
➢ Literature Review
➢ Theoretical Considerations Ex. Soot Morphology: An application
➢ Methodology of Image Analysis in high-resolution
➢ Results transmission Electron Microscopy
➢ Discussion
➢ Conclusion 3. Avoid noun strings
➢ Recommendations If there are too many nouns and
leaves words hard to sort, add
ELEMENTS OF THE END MATTER: prepositions to resolve ambiguity
Ex. Bad: Dietary Nitrate and
➢ References
Nitrate human cancer Roles
➢ Appendices
 Good: The roles of Dietary opportunity) arising
nitrate and nitrite in Human from the situation /
cancer. prevailing condition
4. Good titles contain about 15 B. Significance of the Study
words - Discusses the value of
5. It is not necessary to specific all the new knowledge
variables involved in as study in and information that
the title might come out of
6. Avoid “cliche” titles the study and, most
especially, benefits
Ex. “An investigation of….”
that will be derived
“A study of …..” from the successful
culmination of the
7. Do not use humorous & catchy study.
titles
Title Should reflect the formal This section may also contain:
/serious nature of the report
- Relevance of the
8. Do not commit yourself to a
study
definite title until after a study is
- Possible solutions to
complete.
existing problems
THE FRONT MATTER: - Improvements to
unsatisfactory
• Table of Contents conditions
• List of Figures - Who are to be
• List of Tables benefited (and how)
• List of terminologies /Abbreviations - Contribution to the
• Acknowledgements fund of knowledge
• Abstract - Possible implications
- Summarizes the whole
document in 200 words Common mistakes of undergrads:

THE BODY - Too ambitious: “This

study will change the
A. Overview / Background of the Study way the world works.”
- Presents the prevailing - Unrealistic: “This
situation / general condition, study will enable the
which resulted in or brought school administration
about the existence of the to solve their problem
problem to be undertaken about…”
- Provides enough information
to allow readers to Typical significance:
understand the specific
- “This study MAY (help
problem being addressed and
administrators /
to provide a context for the
provide insights /
document
suggest another way
May also include: to solve / assist future
researchers…)”
o Historical summary of
the problem being THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
addressed
- Presents the group’s
o Brief summary of
proposed action to
previous work on the
address the identified
topic, including (if
problem (or to take
applicable), relevant
advantage of situation
theory.
described)
o Specific reasons why
- General objective/s
the document is being
must be must be
written
started, followed by
o Statement of the
specific, well defined
problem: the
and measurable sub
technical problem ( or
 objectives (broken
down from the main
objective/s)
- Arguably the most
important part of your
manuscript

Tips on how to write effective Objectives:

1. Start with your research questions

2. Convert questions into hypothesis
3. Convert hypothesis into research
objectives
- Objectives should be
SMART
• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

SCOPE AND LIMITAIONS

Presents the extent to which study will

conducted, which areas (test, experiments,
design, fabrications) will be included and
which will not be. This establishes the
domain, right from the start.

Arguably the second most important part of

your manuscript.

SUBTOPIC 3- WRITING THE

INTRODUCTION CHAPTER

The Objectives of the Study

-Presents the group’s proposed action to

addr3ess the identified problem (or to take
advantage of situation described)

-General objective/s must be must be

stated, followed by specific, well defined
and measurable sub objectives (broken
down from the main objective/s)

-Arguably the most important part of your

manuscript
ME0056 METHODS OF RESEARCH FOR
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FEU TECH
Technology Driven By Innovation The School of
innovation
MODULE 4 SUBTOPIC 1.1 Review of Related
Literature
Review of Literature
Scouring the existing literature to get ideas for
future research is a technique used by most
researchers.
Becoming familiar with the existing literature
(e.g., books, journal articles) on a particular
topic. The critical review of the literature
provides the foundations of your research.
Time-consuming, arduous, and a difficult process
if there has been a great deal of research
conducted in a particular area.
It is likely to continue almost to the writing up
stage, especially since your own research may
generate new issues and ideas that you will want
to relate to the literature.
• Often, the results of a well-conducted
literature review will reveal that the study being
planned has, in fact, already been conducted.
A key aspect of this process is that it needs to be
comprehensive and systematic.
If you're explaining which approaches have been
tried before, and you miss two of the main ones,
then that sends out a signal that you do sloppy
work.
It also brings the strong likelihood that you will
reinvent the wheel and make it square.
Purpose of the Review
The primary purpose of a literature review is to
help researchers become familiar with the work
that has already been conducted in their
selected topic areas.
1. Inform and refines your research objectives
(example: are they topical, worthy of research,
original?)
2. Provides a benchmark against which you can
compare and contrast your results.
3. Enables you to demonstrate a critical
awareness of the relevant knowledge in the field.
4. Provides an up-to-date understanding of the
subject and its significance and structure.
5. Identifies the kinds of research methods that
have been used.
6. Makes you informed by the views and
research of experts in the field.
7. Assists in the formulation of research topics,
questions and direction.
8. Provides a basis on which the subsequent
research findings can be compared
9. Explains to the reader what problem it is that
you're tackling.
10. Explains which approaches have been tried
before.
11. Explains why others failed (otherwise it
would be solved and no longer a problem).
MODULE 4 SUBTOPIC 1.2
Managing Information and Referencing Sources
Managing Information
Without an accurate, consistent and searchable
means of storing your literature search data,
your efforts will lack the reward that they
deserve.
The key is the maintenance of a research log.
This can be paper based or a computer file,
depending on which you are most comfortable
with.
The research log could contain sections on:
Search logs – information on what you have
searched, when, how, and with what results.
Contact details of people, organizations, Internet
newsgroups, online discussion groups, etc. CD
ROM and Internet sources. Bibliography
Managing Information Importance:
• It means that you have a printable
bibliographical record at the end of your
research project.
• Keeping a searchable record allows you to
locate all your references on specific issues
(topics, authors, dates of publication etc.) when
you are writing up your research.
Citations: What are they?
Whenever you make a significant assertion of
fact which is not taken for granted by your
intended readership, you include some text
which tells the reader where you got that fact
from.
Example:
"At a given location, temporal variability on a
large scale means that the amount of wind may
vary from one year to the next, with even larger
scale variations over periods of decades or more.
These long-term variations are not well
understood, and may make it difficult to make Locating the reference Journal articles
accurate predictions of the economic viability of
→ Journals usually publish one volume a year
particular wind-farm projects, for instance." [1]
with several issues per year (volume 18, issue 3).
(in-text citation)
→ Concentrate on peer-reviewed journals.
[1] Mark's Standard Handbook for Mechanical
• Articles in credible journals are scrutinized for
Engineers, 11th ed., McGraw-Hill, NY, 2006, pp.
their relevance, originality and validity by other
1700 - 1710.6 (References section entry)
academic researchers.
You'll need to include the source for this
• The quality and reliability of such articles, while
assertion - the article, book or whatever it was in
not guaranteed, is more assured.
which you found the evidence for this statement.
You don't need to do this for statements which
your intended readers will take for granted – for
instance, that Paris is the capital of France, or for
trivial statements, since otherwise the number
of references would become unmanageable.

If in doubt, either ask your supervisor or err on

the side of including a reference.

Citations: Why include it?

1. It provides a chain of evidence, so that if

someone for whatever reason wishes to
check what you're claiming, then they
can look up the reference in question
and check the full details. (Good
referencing makes it clear to readers
that your claims are solidly based)

2. References might give other researchers

a useful new source of information which
might help them to solve problems of their
own.

Shows the reader that you have done all

the homework that you should have
done (credibility).

Citations: Reminders

They're a functional tool, not an ornament. → Be

very careful in noting your references. Ensure
accuracy!!!

Take note of editions!

→ Successful books are periodically revised,

updated, and generally changed, then
republished.
Locating the reference
→ The result is that any two editions published
!!!WARNING!!!
in different years may contain very different
material. → There are many fake / predatory journal
articles!
Specify full and unambiguous details for
everything we cite. → Make sure to get your journal articles from
reputable sources like: ScienceDirect ASHRAE
→There may be large numbers of books with the
ASME EBSCO
same title, or with very similar titles, particularly
on popular topics. → You can check if a journal publication is legit
by using online tools like:
→ There may be authors of the same name in a
field. • https://beallslist.net/ • Google: “is a predatory
journal”
 • Books
• Grey literature
Published and unpublished material that
cannot be Identified through the usual
bibliographic methods.
Ex. websites, academic theses and
dissertations, newspaper and magazine
articles, editorials, materials produced
by business and trade journals, reports,
and publications by clubs and societies.
Citations... more detail
The details of the presentation depend on the
style stipulated by the journal or thesis. Citations
(or in-text citations) refer to the list of references
at the end of the paper, where the full
publication details are written.
Citations are also used to construct an argument
which justifies your own study and shows why
and how it is Important (to develop your own
argument).
Forms of citations
However, Jones et al. [2] found that industry
difficulties were more related to quality of
supply than to demand issues. It is clear that
considerable disagreement exists about the
underlying sources of these problems.
Example:
Author prominent citation style 2
• Beware of using this style as overdoing it may
simply look like a listing.
• Gives the reader advance notice that some
other contrast may be coming.
• Indicate that what is being cited is not
necessarily accepted as correct by you.
Example:
Weak author prominent citation Several authors
have reported that the wool industry is
experiencing difficulties related to falling
demand since the development of highquality
synthetic fibres [1] [2] [3]. For example...

A. Information prominent Focus of the sentence

is only on the information being presented.

B. Author prominent Name of the author of the

information is given prominence in the sentence.

C. Weak author prominent Ideas of author(s) are

given prominence, but author names do not
appear in the main part of the sentence.

Example: Information prominent citation Avoiding plagiarism Plagiarism

Shrinking markets are also evident in other
Using data, ideas, or words that originated in
areas.
work by another person without appropriately
The wool industry is experiencing difficulties acknowledging their source.
related to falling demand worldwide since the
Generally regarded as a form of cheating in
development of high-quality synthetic fibres [1].
academic and publishing contexts.
(This is the default style in many areas of science)
The important thing to watch for is that it is clear
Example: Author prominent citation style 1
to your reader whether the idea or fact you are
Shrinking markets are also evident in other
using in each and every sentence is your own, or
areas. As Smith [1] pointed out, the wool
has come from the work of another person.
industry is experiencing difficulties related to
falling demand worldwide since the If it comes from someone else's work, cite them!
development of high-quality synthetic fibres.
Remember also that direct quotations using
(This style gives more option to show the writer's quotation marks or inverted commas ("...") are
view of the cited fact. In this case, it shows that extremely rare in science writing.
the writer (you!) agrees with Smith.
Authors need to paraphrase sentences that
Example: Author prominent citation style 2 appear in the work of other authors, rather than
Shrinking markets are also evident in other copying them verbatim.
areas.

Smith [1] argued that the wool industry was

experiencing difficulties related to falling
demand worldwide since the development of
high-quality synthetic fibres.

MODULE 4 SUBTOPIC 1.3 IEEE Referencing
IEEE Citation Style
- The Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE) Style - Based on the Chicago
Manual Style - Very simple:
• Has 1 bracketed number for in-text citation
• Has a reference section at the end of the
manuscript arranged chronologically
The Different Styles
It is important to check what style is required by
your school or the journal to which you will
submit your article
Different styles
AAA (American Anthropological Association)
Style Primarily uses the uses the Chicago Manual
of Style and Webster's Tenth New Collegiate
Dictionary.
APA (American Psychological Association) Style
ASA (American Sociological Association) Style
CSE (Council of Science Editors) Style
CMS (Chicago Manual of Style)
-Used for both the arts and the technical fields.
MLA (Modern Language Association) Style
Turabian Style
IEEE Citation Examples
Books
Book: Single Author [1] [1] W.-K. Chen, Linear
Networks and Systems. Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth, 1993, pp. 123-135
Book: Two or More Authors [2] [2] U.J. Gelinas,
Jr., S. G. Sutton, and J. Fedorowicz, Business
Processes and Information Technology.
Cincinnati: SouthWestern/Thomson Learning,
2004.
Book: Organisation as Author [3] [3] World Bank,
Information and Communication Technologies:
A World Bank group strategy. Washington, DC:
World Bank, 2002.
Book: Government Agency as Author [4] [4]
Australia. Attorney-Generals Department.,
Digital Agenda Review, 4 Vols. Canberra:
Attorney-General's Department, 2003.
Book: No Author [5] [5] The Oxford Dictionary of
Computing, 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University
Press, 2003. Book: Editor [6] [6] D. Sarunyagate,
Ed., Lasers. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996.
Book: Different Editions [7] [7] K. Schwalbe,
Information Technology Project Management,
3rd ed. Boston: Course Technology, 2004.
E-Books
[8]
[8] L. Bass, P. Clements, and R. Kazman, Software
Architecture in Practice, 2nd ed. Reading, MA:
Addison Wesley, 2003. [Online] Available: Safari
e-book.
E-journals
[9]
[9] P. H. C. Eilers and J. J. Goeman, "Enhancing
scatterplots with smoothed densities,"
Bioinformatics, vol. 20, no. 5, pp. 623-628, March
2004. [Online]. Available:
www.oxfordjournals.org. [Accessed Sept. 18,
2004).
Journals (hard copy)
Journal Article in Print
[10] [10] J. R. Beveridge and E. M. Riseman,
"How easy is matching 2D line models using local
search?" IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis
and Machine Intelligence, vol. 19, pp. 564-579,
June 1997.
Newspaper Articles
Newspaper Article in Print
[11] [11] N. Perpitch, "Green groups battle to
overturn gas plan," The Australian, p. 2, Sept. 7,
2010. Newspaper Article from the Internet
[12] [12] C. Wilson-Clark, "Computers ranked as
key literacy," The West Australian, para. 3,
March 29, 2004. [Online]. Available:
http://www.thewest.com.au. [Accessed Sept.
18, 2004).
Theses
Unpublished Thesis
[13] [13] M. W. Dixon, "Application of neural
networks to solve the routing problem in
communication networks," Ph.D. dissertation,
Murdoch Univ., Murdoch, WA, Australia, 1999.
Published Thesis [14] [14] M. Lehmann, Data
Access in Workflow Management Systems.
Berlin: Aka, 2006.
Conference Papers

Conference Paper in Print

[15] [15] L. Liu and H. Miao, "A specification

based approach to testing polymorphic
attributes," in Formal Methods and Software
Engineering: Proc. of the 6th Int. Conf. on Formal
Engineering Methods, ICFEM 2004, Seattle, WA,
USA, November 8-12, 2004, J. Davies, W. Schulte,
M. Barnett, Eds. Berlin: Springer, 2004. pp. 306-
19.

Conference Papers

Conference Paper from the Internet

[16] [16] J. Lach, "SBFS: Steganography based file

system," in Proc. of the 2008 1st Int. Conf. on
Information Technology, IT 2008, 19-21 May
2008, Gdansk, Poland [Online]. Available: IEEE
Xplore, http://www.ieee.org. [Accessed: 10
Sept. 2010).

Online Document

[17] [17] Australian Energy Market Act 2004

(Cth). [Online]. Available:
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A0
1335. [Accessed: Apr. 11, 2019]. Reference
Website https://libguides.murdoch.edu.au/IEEE/all
[18] [18] J. Geralds, "Sega Ends Production of MODULE 4 SUBTOPIC 2 Writing the Review of
Dreamcast," vnunet.com, para. 2, Jan. 31, 2001. Related Literature
[Online]. Available:
http://nl1.vnunet.com/news/1116995. Nature of the Literature
[Accessed: Sept. 12, 2004). A good first step is to read an introduction to the
topic. (encyclopedia articles and book chapters)

Introduction section of a recent journal article on

your topic allows you to get a basic, overview of
the study you are about to do.

After acquiring a reasonable overview of the

field, you can now move on to tracking down the
key articles.

1. Key Articles: Seminal Articles Articles

which first introduce a concept to the
world, or at least introduce it to a field
where it was not known previously.
Ex: Lotfi Zadeh introducing fuzzy logic to
the world. John Maynard Smith
introducing game theory

Read and cite these articles partly to show due

respect, and partly to show that you have done
your homework thoroughly right back to the
start.

2. Key Articles: Milestone Articles Studies

that mark a place where research in a
field made a significant advance, or took
a marked turn in a particular direction.
 Ex. Introduction of fuzzy control theory 2. A citing of all key studies in the subject
territory.
Development of fuzzy logic
3. A clear indication of how the review
3. Key Articles: Example Papers Example
links to your research questions.
papers are papers which you use as
examples of something in your study.
Generally useless, but may earn you
some merit for having read much.
4. Key Articles: Foundational Articles
Article that you are using as your
starting point.
Must be a REALLY GOOD article
(content, quality of the Journal it's in,
and the status of the author's previous
Questions to ask
publications, etc.)
You may use more than one By answering several questions related
foundational article. to the topic, such questions will help guide
the researcher in an appropriate direction.
Structure of the Literature
1. Have other researchers done any work in
Related Literature & Related Studies
this topic area?
Chapter 2.1 Related Studies
2. What do the results of their studies
- include Foundational articles suggest?

- optional: example papers milestone articles, 3. Did previous researchers encounter any
and seminal articles. unforeseen methodological difficulties of
which future researchers should be aware
- recommended at least five (5) foundational when planning or conducting studies?
articles.
4. Does more research need to be
Related Literature & Related Studies conducted on this topic, and if so, in what
I. Introduction specific areas?
Informs the reader about how the review is 5. What is the purpose of the study?
to be organized and structured.
II. Independent variables 6. What is the focus of the study?

Addresses the literature on the 7. What types of data were collected?

independent variable or variables (the
8. How were the data managed?
influences on the dependent variable or
subject, upon which the research is focused) 9. What analytical approach is used?

III. Dependent Variables 10. How is validity addressed?

Addresses the literature on the 11. How are ethical issues handled?
dependent variable or variables. Devote a
Remember: Wise students add continuously
sub-section to each one (if more than 1), or
to their references as they go
focus on a single important dependent
variable.

IV. Combination of independent and

dependent variables

The literature that relates the

independent variable to the dependent
variable. This section should be relatively
short and should focus on studies that are
extremely close in topic to the proposed
study.

Structure of the Literature Showcase

the following:

1. A clear understanding of the topic.