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ACADEMIC YEAR: 2022-23 1st SEMESTER

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY & IPR –
PG(IT)DS-105
QUESTION BANK
Faculty: Dr. Paulami Pramanick

A. Very Short Answer Type (each carrying 1 mark):

1. Define Research.
Ans: Research is the process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough
study and analysis of the situational factors applying scientific techniques.
OR
Research is a quest for knowledge through diligent search and investigation or
experimentation in order to discover and interpret the new knowledge.
In doing so, application of Scientific methods become an integral part which is
a systematic body of procedures and techniques to carry out research
investigations and experiments and obtain knowledge in the form of data.
2. What is a multivariate analysis?
Ans: When you are dealing with more than one or two variables in a research
work.
3. Define research ethics.
Ans: Research ethics is defined as Principles for guiding, decision making and
reconciling conflicting values.
4. Define Plagiarism.
Ans: To plagiarize is to use words or ideas of other people (or another person)
as your own words or intellectual contribution.
OR
To steal or commit literary theft from an already existent database and
present it to others as a new and innovative idea of your own.

5. What is copyright?
6. What is the aim of a research?
Ans: The aim of research is to find out the hidden truth (reality, theoretical Vs
practical) and that is not yet discovered (innovative findings).
7. What is an objective of a research?

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Ans: To find out the purpose of a given research, answering questions through
the application of scientific procedures.
8. What is Hypothesis testing?
Ans: To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables
(Null/Alternative hypothesis).
9. Define thesis.
Ans: A proposition containing detailed research work, laid down to be
discussed, evaluated and proved. A thesis is written and defended (delivered)
by a candidate to obtain a Doctoral degree (PhD) from a University.
10. What is the literal meaning of dissertation?
Ans: To discuss.
11. What is a case study?
Ans: It is an intensive investigation of a person, a family, a group, a social
institution or an entire community in a natural setting.
12. Define Correlational study.
Ans: It is a descriptive research technique utilized to identify consistent
relationship among variables.
13. Define Basic research.
Ans: Basic research involves the search for knowledge without a defined
purpose. The set of data is obviously providing with knowledge but it may or
may not be helpful in solving practical issues.
14. What is meant by descriptive research?
Ans: It involves the details of distribution of data across the population of
diverse places or the world.
15. What is applied research?
Ans: Applied research is problem oriented and directed towards a defined
and specific purpose.
16. What are the basic steps of Research Methodology?
Ans: The basic steps are:
• Collection of Data
• Statistical Analysis- establishing relationship between the variables
• Evaluation- checking for accuracy
17. A newspaper is a _________________ source of information.
Ans: Primary

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18. What is citation?

Ans: Citation is a reference to a published or unpublished source, which
may or may not be an original source.
OR
The purpose of acknowledging the relevance of works of others to the
topic of discussion at the place where the citation appears.
19. What is falsification of data?
Ans: It is creating false data without actually generating the data.
20. What is Intellectual Property?
Ans: Intellectual property is a property that arises from the human
intellect. It is a product of human creation. There are two types:
(a) Literary and artistic works
(b) Industrial property
21. Which of the following is not true about Research hypothesis
a. They are formulated prior to review of literature
b. They are stated such that they can be confirmed or refuted
c. They are statements of predicted relationship between variables
d. They are unambiguous
Ans: a. They are formulated prior to review of literature
22. Infringement of copyright is _______________.
Ans: piracy
23. Write down the full form of IPR?
Ans: Intellectual Property Rights
24. What is the full form GI in GI-tagging?
Ans: Geographical Indications
25. Which of these is a geographical indicator?
a. Champagne
b. World wide web
c. BMW
d. Hogwarts
Ans: Champagne
26. What is the span of a patent in terms of years (How long does a patent last)?
Ans: 20 years
27. Name the first Indian product to receive the GI-tag?
Ans: Darjeeling Tea
28. A research methodology in conducting a biological research is not patentable.
a. True
b. False
Ans: True
29. What are the criteria of a research problem?
Ans: The criteria of a research problem are as follows:
a. It has utility and relevance
b. It is new and adds something to knowledge

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c. It is researchable

30. What is the first step in conducting a research?

Ans: Identifying a research problem/question
31. Which of the following is not the purpose of literature review?
a. Provide background information
b. Data classification
c. Identifying potential weakness in existing works
d. Establish significance of the scope of work
Ans: Data classification
32. What does ANOVA stand for?
Ans: Analysis of Variance
33. Which of the following is not a criteria for good research?
a. Purpose is clearly defined
b. Findings are presented unambiguously
c. Conclusions are made based on researcher’s opinion rather than results
d. Limitations of research are clearly expressed
Ans: Conclusions are made based on researcher’s opinion rather than results
34. What is a pre-requisite to pursue a research?
Ans: Identifying a research problem or question
35. What is a salami publication?
Ans: Salami publication is is publishing different aspects of the same study which can be published as
one large paper with substantiate data.
36. What is the meaning of “et al.”?
Ans: Abbreviated form of “et aliae” (feminine plural) or “et alii” (masculine plural) means ‘and
others’.
37. What is the significance of a “keyword”?
Ans: Important because they form vital search engines about a particular topic of research.
38. What does WIPO stand for?
Ans: World Intellectual Property Organization
39. Why is statistical analysis important?
Ans: It is a vital step in conducting research as this ensures that the data obtained are significant and
have a high degree of confidence.
40. What are the motivations to pursue research?
Ans: a. Desire to get a degree
b. desire to get respectability
c. desire to face challenge in solvig unsolved problems
d. desire to get intellectual joy of pursuing a creative work
e. desire to be of service to the society
41. What is meant by replicable or reproducible in research?
Ans: The data obtained while doing a research is acceptable only when it is replicable or
reproducible if followed the exact experimental conditions or protocols.
42. Correlation is not a measure of central tendency.
a. True
b. False
Ans: True
43. The statement “There is no relationship between a family’s income and expenditure on
recreation” is an example of
a. Descriptive Hypothesis
b. Relational Hypothesis

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c. Causal Hypothesis
d. Null Hypothesis
Ans: Null Hypothesis
44. In a normal distribution, which of the following is true
a. Mean > Median > Mode
b. Mean = Median = Mode
c. Mode > Median > Mean
d. Median < Mode < Mean
Ans: Mean=Median=Mode
45. What are indexed journals?
Ans: Indexation of a journal is considered a reflection of its quality. Indexed journals are considered
to be of higher scientific quality as compared to non-indexed journals.
46. What is impact factor of a journal?
Ans: Impact factor is commonly used to evaluate the relative importance of a journal within its field
and to measure the frequency with which the “average article” in a journal has been cited in a
particular time period.
47. What is h-index of a journal?
Ans: The h index is a metric for evaluating the cumulative impact of an author's scholarly output and
performance; measures quantity with quality by comparing publications to citations. The h index
corrects for the disproportionate weight of highly cited publications or publications that have not yet
been cited.
48. Why is it important to keep an ethical review committee?
Ans: The purpose of keeping an ethical review committee are as follows:
a. Maintain ethical standards of practice
b. Ensure protection of subjects/research workers
c. Provide reassurance to the public
d. protect researchers from unjustified criticism

49. What is the statement of authors’ contribution?

Ans: The statement of authors’ contribution clearly depicts what and how each author has
contributed for the proposed research work and has not been given authorship under influence of
any kind.
50. Why is a statement of authors’ contribution at the end of your article important?
Ans: Authors’ contributions are important as it directly mentions their intellectual or experimental
contribution towards the research work.
B. Short Answer Type (each carrying 5 marks):
1. What are the characteristics of a good research?
• Ans: Purpose clearly defined and common concepts are used
• Research processes and procedures should be given in sufficient detail
to permit another researcher to repeat the research for further
advancement, keeping the continuity of what has already been
attained
• Research design should be thoroughly planned
• High ethical standards should be applied
• Limitations, flaws in procedural design, and estimation of their effects
on the findings should be clearly and frankly disclosed

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• Adequate analysis for decision making is needed- data analysis should

be highly significant and method of analysis should be appropriate
• Findings should be unambiguous- the validity and reliability of data is
of utmost importance
• Inference and conclusion should be justified
• Researchers’ experience should be reflected- Greater confidence in
research is warranted, if the researcher is experienced, has a good
reputation in research, and is a person of integrity.

2. What are considered as bad research practices?

Ans: a. copying
b. improper citation
c. falsification of data
d. not citing or acknowledging
e. using techniques developed by others
3. What are the different types of research?
Ans: a. Exploratory
b. descriptive
c. formulative
d. diagnostic
e. hypothesis testing
4. What should be followed to maintain good research ethics?
Ans: In order to maintain good research ethics the following are to be
considered:
● Respecting human dignity
• Respect for free and informed consent
• Respect for vulnerable people
• Respect for privacy and confidentiality
• Respect for justice and inclusiveness
• Balancing harmfulness and benefit
• Minimizing harm
• Maximizing benefit

5. Write down the differences between Plagiarism and

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paraphrasing?
Ans: Plagiarism is copying and using someone else’s words and
ideas as your own. Paraphrasing, however, is using someone else’s
ideas in your own words. Paraphrasing requires citation.
6. What are the differences between Plagiarism and copyright?
Ans: To plagiarize is to use words or ideas of other people (or
another person) as your own words or intellectual contribution.
OR
To steal or commit literary theft from an already existent database
and present it to others as a new and innovative idea of your own.
A copyright is an intellectual property and a legal right that is being
given to its owner exclusively to copy, distribute, adapt, display, and
perform creative work in a literary, artistic, educational, or musical
domain. Infringement of copyright is piracy and is a punishable
offence.
7. How do you identify a research problem?
Ans: Through thorough study of the subject of your research interest,
current status or ongoing research, somewhat intuition helps in
identifying a research problem. Formulating the research problem and
accordingly framing the hypothesis is vital.
8. What are the contents of a thesis?
Ans: The contents of a thesis are as follows:
1. A detailed background of work called the Review of Literature
2. The entire research work divided into different chapters; each
chapters are again divided into sub-parts like introduction, materials
(in case of wet lab) and methods, results, statistical analysis,
interpretation and conclusion
3. A final Conclusion
4. Bibliography/ References and Citations
5. Acknowledgement (especially to Funding agencies and facilities used
in carrying out research)
6. Publications (Lists and their reprints)
7. Table of Contents
8. Abbreviation list

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9. Units of Measurements (if used any)

10. Preface

9. How do you write a dissertation?

Ans: It is an in-depth study of a particular topic which contributes new
information and knowledge in the field. A formal, often lengthy
treatise (book or writing of some particular subject, one having a
methodical discussion or exposition of principles of subject). It is an
integral part of research and serves the same purpose as research
does.
10. Differentiate between Case study, correlational study and
dissertation.
Ans: Case study: It is an intensive investigation of a person, a family, a
group, a social institution or an entire community in a natural setting
Correlational study: It is a descriptive research technique utilized to
identify consistent relationship among variables.
Dissertation: It is an academic activity carried out by Universities for
the partial fulfillment of MDS or PG degree. The meaning of
dissertation is “to discuss”.

11. Set A = {13, 2, 1, 6, 13, 14, 19, 10, 1, 1, 3, 13,11, 2, 1}. Calculate the
Mean, Median and Mode of set A.
Ans: Mean= 7.33
Median= 6
Mode= 1
12. What are the different types of human research?
Ans: The different types of human research are as follows:
● Research conducted on human
• Research conducted with human
• Research dealing with their data and tissue

13. What actions of yours are considered as Plagiarism?

Ans:
● Copying literature from various sources and pasting them to form

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your own research article, review article, thesis, or report writing

• Not citing (referring) to the source from where you have collected the
information
• Citing improperly- there’s a given format for citation in your research
articles and one needs to follow them. (Authors name (in correct
order); title of the paper or book chapter; Journal name or Book
Name; Year of publication; Volume; Issue(if present); page number;
doi number; Editor’s name in case of books)
• Falsification of data- creating false data without actually generating
the data
• Using another person’s data as your own
• Using techniques developed by others and not citing them or using
their own names in developing an already existing technique.

14. Write down the differences between Plagiarism and acceptable

plagiarism?
Ans: There is a lack of consensus or clear-cut-rules on what percentage
of plagiarism is acceptable in a manuscript. Going by the convention,
usually a text similarity below 15% is acceptable by the journals and a
similarity of >25% is considered as high percentage of plagiarism. But
even in case of 15% similarity, if the matching text is one continuous
block of borrowed material, it will be considered as plagiarized text of
significant concern. On the other hand, text similarity due to the usage
of common terminologies and method related details in
‘Methodology’ part of a manuscript should not raise a serious ethical
concern.
15. Differentiate between Qualitative and Quantitative approaches in
research.
Ans: Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is used to gain an
understanding of human behaviour, intentions, attitudes,
experience, etc., based on the observation and interpretation of
people. It is an unstructured and exploratory technique that deals
with highly complex phenomena. This kind of research is usually
done to understand the topic in-depth. It is carried out by taking

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interviews with open-ended questions, observations that are

described in words, and so on.

Quantitative Research: Quantitative research method relies on

the methods of natural sciences, which develops hard facts and
numerical data. It establishes the cause-and-effect relationship
between two variables using different statistical, computational,
and statistical methods. As the results are accurately and precisely
measured, this research method is also termed as “Empirical
Research”. This type of research is generally used to establish
generalised facts about a particular topic. This type of research is
usually done using surveys, experiments, and so on.
16. Why citation or referencing is of utmost important?
Ans: Citation or giving reference to someone’s work is acknowledging
their effort and work through which you are gaining enough
information about the subject of your choice. If proper citation is not
given, it is likely to be considered as your own work, which is not true
and therefore an unethical research practice. Not giving citation or
giving improper citation is considered an act of plagiarism.
17. Give examples of at least 5 different citation styles/formats.
Ans: Five different styles/formats of citation are as follows:
a. American Psychological Association (APA 7th edition)
b. Vancouver
c. Harvard
d. Modern Language Association (MLA)
e. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
18. Write down the differences between in-text citation and at-works
citation.
Ans: In-text citation is citing within the text or body of the article, for
example:
(Arnold et al. 2019) or (…15).
At-works citation is a list of references or citations are prepared at the
end of the research article, for example:
Mittler R. 2002. Oxidative stress, antioxidants and stress tolerance.

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Trends in Plant Science 7, 405–410. In both the cases the same style or
format need to be followed for a particular research write-up. And
most importantly, both are crucial parts of a research paper/journal,
thesis, dissertation, etc.
19. What are the scopes of patent rights?
Ans: As one may know, a patent is a right to exclude others from
making, using, selling, offering to sell one’s invention in any
jurisdiction or importing one’s patented invention into the specific
jurisdiction for a limited period of time (it is 20 years right now from
the day you file your patent).
20. What are the criteria for an idea to be patentable?
Ans: In order for an idea to be patentable it has to fulfill the following
criteria:
a. Novelty: Your idea or invention is novel and has not been made
public before, not even by you.
b. Inventive step: It must be a product or process of inventive
solution. It cannot be a solution that is obvious to a manufacturer.
c. Industrial applicability: the criterion implies that it must be
possible to actually manufacture the new invention.
These rules are laid down in the
Patents Act 1995.
C. Long Answer Type (each carrying 15 marks):
1. Compare between Basic, Descriptive and Applied research. Give
suitable examples of each type. (9+6=15)
Ans: Basic research involves the search for knowledge without a
defined purpose. The set of data is obviously providing with
knowledge but it may or may not be helpful in solving practical issues
Example: A microbiologist conducting research on bacterial growth,
reproduction, toxin production but not directly inventing a drug which
will bind with the toxin and evade pathogenicity.
Descriptive research involves the details of distribution of data across
the population of diverse places or the world.
Example: Distribution of a particular disease or health related
characteristics across the entire human population. Time, place and

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personal details are of utmost importance.

Fluctuations observed: seasonal (respiratory diseases in winter; GI
infection in summer), Cyclic trends, changes occur over a long period
of time, age, gender.
Applied research is problem oriented and directed towards a defined
and specific purpose
Example: An oral health researcher investigating the relationship
between periodontal disease and myocardial infarction. He is
probably using the data already published by the microbiologist as a
background study to test the relationship between periodontal
disease, toxin and myocardial infarction in animal and human cell
culture.
2. What do you understand by the following research types, explain
with examples? (5x3=15)
(a) Exploratory research
(b) Formulative research
(c) Descriptive research
(d) Diagostic research
(e) Hypothesis testing research
Ans: a. Exploratory Research- to obtain familiarity or similarity with a
phenomenon
b. Formulative Research- to find out new insights into it
c. Descriptive Research- to portray the characteristics of an
individual, a situation, or a group accurately
d. Diagnostic Research- to determine the frequency of occurrence
of a phenomenon (association) with a given situation
e. Hypothesis- Testing Research- to test a hypothesis of a causal
relationship between variables (Null/Alternative hypothesis)

3. What are the steps to be conducted in carrying out a research?

(15)
Ans: The steps in carrying out research are as follows:
a. Selection and Identification of the research problem: The
selection of topic for research is a difficult job. The research

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topic or problem should be practical, relatively important,

feasible, ethically and politically acceptable.
b. Extensive literature survey: After the selection of research
problem, the second step is that of literature survey mostly
connected with the topics. The availability of the literature
may bring ease in the research. For this purpose academic
journals, conference and government reports and library must
be studied.
c. Making Hypothesis: The development of hypothesis is a
technical work depends on the researcher’s experience. The
hypothesis is to draw the positive & negative cause and effect
aspects of a problem. Hypothesis narrows down the area of a
research and keep a researcher on the right path.
d. Preparing the research design: After the formulation of the
problem and creating hypothesis for it, research design is to
be prepared by the researcher. It may draw the conceptual
structure of the problem. Any type of research design may be
made, depending on the nature and purpose of the study.
Designing also includes how much time will be required, what
are the expenses, what skills are important apart from the
experimental design.
e. Sampling: The researcher must design a sample. It is a plan for taking its
respondents from a specific areas or universe. The sample may be of two types:
Probability sampling and Non-probability sampling.
f. Data collection: Data collection is the most important work,
of a researcher. The collection of information must be of the
following two types:
Primary Data Collection: Primary data may be collected from:
● Experiment
● Questionnaire
● Observation
● Interview
Secondary data collection: it may be collected from:
● Review of literature

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● Official and non-official reports

● Library
g. Data analysis: After data is collected, the next step is analysis
which is the most vital step. Data analysis may be divided into
two main categories.
Data Processing: it is sub-divided into the following.
Data editing, Data coding, Data classification, Data tabulation,
Data presentation, Data measurement
Data Exposition: Date Exposition has the following sub-
categories.
Description, Explanation, Narration, Conclusion/Findings,
Recommendations/Suggestions
h. Hypothesis testing: The next step is testing of the hypothesis
which lets the researcher know whether the data retrieved,
collected and analyzed are acceptable or not.
i. Generalization and Interpretation: Depending on whether
the data are acceptable or not (statistical significance), a
generalization and interpretation should be made.
j. Preparation and report: A report is finally prepared,
proofread and proper citations are given. Then it can be
proceeded for publication.
4. Why is research ethics crucial? What are the ethical principles for
guiding research? (7+8=15)
Ans: Research ethics are crucial because of the following reasons:
• It is about showing respect and gratitude to those taking part in the
research program
• It ensures that no unreasonable or unsafe or thoughtless demands are
made to the researchers
• It imposes a standard protocol for all
• It has become an important norm in research
• A professional requirement for practitioners in certain domains, like
Psychology
• A requirement for access to participants in others, like health
• A requirement to access funding

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The Ethical principles for guiding research are as follows:

• Respecting human dignity
• Respect for free and informed consent
• Respect for vulnerable people
• Respect for privacy and confidentiality
• Respect for justice and inclusiveness
• Balancing harmfulness and benefit
• Minimising harm
• Maximising benefit

5. Write about research ethical values like: (3x5=15)

(a) Human dignity
(b) Consent
(c) Vulnerability of people
Ans: a. Human Dignity: Two essential components of human
dignity are:
i. Selection and achievement of morally acceptable ends
ii. Morally acceptable means to those ends
Protect the multiple and interdependent interests of the person.
b. Consent: i. Presuming that the individuals are having the capacity
and competence to make free and informed decisions
ii. Your research cannot proceed without consent
iii. Consent must be maintained throughout.
c.Vulnerability of people: i. Ethical obligations towards vulnerable
people
ii. Diminished competence
iii. Diminished decision-making capacity
iv. Entitled to protection against abuse, exploitation, discrimination.
6. Write notes on the following with respect to research ethics:
(3x5=15)
(a) Benefits and Harmfulness
(b) Justice and Inclusiveness
(c) Conflict of Interest
Ans: a. Benefits and Harmfulness: i. Foreseeable harms should be

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avoided, it should not overweigh anticipated benefits

ii. A proper balance should be struck between harms and
benefits
b. Justice and Inclusiveness: i. Fairness and Equity
ii. Procedural justice- Application process
iii. Distributive justice- harms and benefits
iv. Minimize harm by considering smallest number of human
subjects who ensure valid data
v. Maximize benefit- producing benefits for individual subjects
and society for the advancement of knowledge
c.Conflict of Interest: In research work mentioning the statement
of whether there is any conflict of interest among the authors
are very crucial. It is important because it is an evidence whether
or not all the concerned entities agree with the result or findings
of the research work. And also whether or not any entities’
personal interests being served or harmed.

7. Write short notes on the following: (3x5=15)

(a) Data collection
(b) Data analysis
(c) Design of research
Ans: a. Data collection: Data collection is the most important
work, of a researcher. The collection of information must be of the
following two types:
Primary Data Collection: Primary data may be collected from:
● Experiment
● Questionnaire
● Observation
● Interview
Secondary data collection: it may be collected from:
● Review of literature
● Official and non-official reports
Library
b. Data analysis: After data is collected, the next step is analysis which is the
most vital step. Data analysis may be divided into two main categories.

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Data Processing: it is sub-divided into the following.

Data editing, Data coding, Data classification, Data tabulation,
Data presentation, Data measurement
Data Exposition: Date Exposition has the following sub-
categories.
Description, Explanation, Narration, Conclusion/Findings,
Recommendations/Suggestions
c.Design of research: After the formulation of the problem and
creating hypothesis for it, research design is to be prepared by the
researcher. It may draw the conceptual structure of the problem.
Any type of research design may be made, depending on the
nature and purpose of the study. Designing also includes how
much time will be required, what are the expenses, what skills are
important apart from the experimental design.

8. What is self-plagiarism? How is one punished or penalized if found

to plagiarize? Why should plagiarism be avoided in any case?
(3+6+6=15)
Ans: A person has some publications previously and he’s compiling
and combining his previous publications into one larger research
article or a book without acknowledging or citing his previous work.
Creating salami publications that is publishing different aspects of the
same study which can be published as one large paper with
substantiate data.
• If your article is not published (indexed journal publishing houses do
check your article thoroughly), they will tell you that you have
plagiarized as a result your article cannot be accepted for publication
• If (by any means) your article gets published (because you send it to a
non-indexed, low or with no impact factor journal), there’s a chance
of your article getting retracted in near future
• You will earn a very bad reputation because research world is a small
world
• It’s very easy to understand if you have plagiarized because nowadays
softwares are available in the market like Grammarly.

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Plagiarism should be avoided in all cases for the following reasons:

Summarize- By being an avid reader, read journal papers of your
subject matter thoroughly,
• understand them,
• summarize what are the key points and
• write them down in your own words
• Cite the source properly (in the prescribed format)
• Limit your use of quotations
Your summary should be shorter than the source of literature
2. Paraphrase- In case of a paraphrase the length of your text can be
shorter or longer than the source but
• write them down in your own words
• Cite the source properly (in the prescribed format)
3. Quotation- the text should be of exact length with the source
• The original author’s exact words to be used
• Quotation marks should be put
• Page number be mentioned from where text has been quoted
• Phrases like ‘According to … et al.’ or … et al. reported or stated.
9. What according to you are good and bad sources of citation? (15)
Ans: Good sources:
1. Reputated High impact factor and h-index journal
2. University presses
3. Major publishing houses
4. Renowned organizations
5. Eminent newspapers
6. Media sources
7. Magazines
Bad sources:
1. Wikipedia
2. Personal blogs
3. Non- credible newspapers, magazines and editorials.
10. Write short notes on: (3x5=15)
(a) Patents
(b) Copyright

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(c) Trademark
Ans: a. Patent: Patent is a legal document which gives one the
exclusive and official right to make, use, sell a product or an
invention.
There are four different types of patents:
a. Utility patent: It is a long, technical document that teaches the
public how to use a new machine, process, or system. The kinds
of inventions protected by utility patents are defined by Congress.
New technologies like genetic engineering and internet-delivered
software are challenging the boundaries of what kinds can receive
utility patent protection.
b. Provisional patent: United States law allows inventors to file a less
formal document that proves the inventor was in possession of
the invention and had adequately figured out how to make the
invention work. Once that is on file, the invention is patent
pending. If, however the inventor fails to file a formal utility patent
within a year from filing the provisional patent, he or she will lose
this filing date. Any public disclosures made relying on that
provisional patent application will now count as public disclosures
to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
c. Design patent: This patent offer protection for an ornamental
design n a useful item. The shape of a bottle or the design of a
shoe, for example can be protected by a design patent. The
document itself is almost entirely made of pictures or drawings of
the design on the useful item. Design patents are notoriously
difficult to search simply because there are very few words used
in a design patent. In recent years, software companies have used
design patents to protect elements of user interface and even the
shape of touchscreen devices.
Plant patent: A plant patent protects new kinds of plants produced
by cuttings or other non-sexual means. Plant patents generally do
not cover genetically modified organisms and focus more on
conventional horticulture.
b. Copyright: A copyright is an intellectual property and a legal

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right that is being given to its owner exclusively to copy, distribute,

adapt, display, and perform creative work in a literary, artistic,
educational, or musical domain.
There are different types of copyright:
i. Public performing right: Granted by the US Copyright Law,
the public performing right is the exclusive right of the
copyright owner to authorize the performance or
transmission of a copyrighted work in public.
ii. Public performance license: BMI issues licenses on behalf
of the copyright owner or the copyright owner’s agent
granting the right to perform the work in or transmit the
work to the public.
iii. Reproduction right: Granted by the US Copyright Law, the
reproduction right is the exclusive right to the copyright
owner to authorize the reproduction of a copyrighted
musical work, as in CDs, records, tapes, ringtones,
permanent digital downloads and interactive streams.
iv. Mechanical licenses: The Mechanical Licensing Collective
administers blanket licenses on behalf of copyright
owners to eligible streaming and download services
(digital service providers) in the US.
v. Synchronization license: Copyright owners usually a music
publisher, issues a synchronization license usually to a
producer or other visual media creator, granting the right
to synchronize a musical composition to visual images on
film or video.
c. Trademark: A trademark is a symbol, logo, design or name that
a company puts on its products and cannot be used by any other
company.

11. How to file a patent? Write all the steps in the correct order. (15)
Ans: There are seven steps to filing a patent:
a. Conceiving an idea: This is the first step for an inventor who wants
to go ahead with his or her invention. It is important to collect as

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much information as possible. Some of the pertinent questions

that the inventor must think through are: what is the field of the
invention, what are the advantages, how will it help in improving
already existing solutions?
b. Patent search and drafting: After getting clarity over the
invention, the inventor must do a patentability search. This is
important since it will help in understanding whether the
invention is novel or not. All inventions must meet the novelty
criteria under the Patents Act. The patentability opinion can be
examined upon conducting an extensive search and forming a
patentability report. The patentability search identifies the closest
possible prior arts (known to the public) relating to the invention
and based on the result obtained, an opinion about the
patentability of that invention may be provided which can be
either positive, negative or neutral. Nevertheless one can directly
file for a patent, however, search is highly recommended. The
next step which follows is effective drafting of the patent
application. The application consists of various parts such as
Claims, Background, Description, Drawing (if any), Abstract, and
Summary. All such parts must be carefully drafted to provide
effective disclosure of the invention. It is advised that utmost care
and precision must be taken while drafting the application.
c. Filing the patent application: This is where the actual process
starts. After drafting the patent application, this can be filed in the
government patent office as per the application form in Form 1. A
receipt would be generated with the patent application number.
One can also file a provisional patent application, in case; the
invention is at an early stage under Form 2. The benefit of filing a
provisional application is that one can secure a prior date of filing
which is crucial in the patent world. Also, one gets 12 months to
file the complete the specification. In case of start ups and smalll
entities the application form in form 28 must be used to file for
patents.
d. Publication of the application: After filing the complete

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specification, the application is published after 18 months from

the date of filing. There is no need for any special requirement
from the applicant for publication. In case, the applicant does not
want to wait till the expiry of 18 months, an early publication
request can be made along with prescribed fees by filing Form 9.
Generally, the patent application is published within one month
from the request of early publication.
e. Request for examination: Unlike the publication, the examination
is not an automatic process and the applicant is required to
request the patent office to examine the patent application. The
normal request must be filed within 48 months from the date of
filing of an application, under Form 18. Upon such request, the
controller gives the application to a patent examiner who
examines it with different patentability criteria, which are novelty,
non-obviousness or inventive step, and capable of industrial
applicability thereby, providing the applicant with the First
Examination Report (FER).
f. Respond to objections: The applicant needs to respond to the
objection received from the patent office by way of the First
Examination Report. The applicant is expected to file a written
response to the objection raised in the examination report. The
applicant can prove the patentability of the invention and try
negating the entire objection being raised. Physical hearing or
video conferencing can also be requested, as the case may be.
g. Granting of patent: After addressing all objections, the
application would be placed for a grant once it is found to be
meeting all patentability requirements, and finally, the patent will
be granted to the applicant. The grant of a patent is notified in the
patent journal which is published from time to time.
12. How the new developments in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
differ in biological system? (15)
Ans: The Biological Diversity Act of 2002 (BDA) is part of an Indian
law that emerged in response to compliance with the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD), of which India is a ratified member. In fact,

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India has taken the lead among developing and developed nations
both in introducing a substantive legislation in conformance with the
objectives of the CBD. It governs the conservation of biological
diversity, and sustainable utilization and equitable sharing of benefits
from the use of biological resources and knowledge. In terms of
Section 6(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 a person is
prohibited from applying for any intellectual property in or outside
India for any invention based on any research or information on a
biological resource obtained from India, without first obtaining prior
consent from the (National Biodiversity Authority) NBA. The BD Act
makes admittance to TK and filling of applications for IPRs for
products or invention that utilize Traditional Knowledge (TK),
subjected to the approval of competent authorities.
13. What do you understand by geographical indications? What is
Biopiracy? What are the types? (5+10=15)
Ans: A geographical indication is a sign that appears on commodities that have a
specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that place
of origin. This “geographical indication” is more than just a description of the
product’s origin. GI indicates the connection between quality, reputation or characteristic
of that good and its territory of origin. The primary role of a GI is to identify
a link between a good’s quality, reputation, or characteristic and its origin territory.

Well-known examples embrace “Champagne”, “Scotch Whiskey”, “Tequila”, and

“Roquefort” cheese.

‘Biopiracy’ is an emergent term used to name illegal or improper appropriation of traditional

knowledge and biological materials the fight against biopiracy, the preservation of biodiversity and
the need for sustainable practices hence constitute one of the major challenges for the twenty-first
century. “Natural” space of India is described through its biodiversity; a biodiversity which can be
appreciated but also exploited. Bioprospecting turns into biopiracy. Vandana Shiva interpreted that,
biopiracy is a phenomenon of claiming property rights to biodiversity and its products through
intellectual property rights regimes and patents based on indigenous and traditional knowledge.
The different types are:
1. Patent-based biopiracy
2. Non-patent-based biopiracy

14. Why do you need to learn “how to write a research paper”? How
to write a research paper? (5+10=15)
Ans: In College/Universities you will be asked by your

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teachers/professors to write research articles/review articles/ thesis

as part of your curriculum. If you are pursuing research you will be
requiring to publish the data generated by you in
national/international journals or books. Publishing data in a reputed
journal with high impact factor or high h-index requires good
experimental design, good interpretation of your results, quality
research and also writing down your paper meaningfully and
successfully.
The following structure needs to be followed along with the specific
journal’s “instruction to authors”:
● Abstract- a concise writing on your work which is self-explanatory
about the content of your research paper (very important to attract
reviewers’/readers’ attention)
● Keywords- this enables easy search of the paper for a certain
topic/thrust area
● Introduction/Background- it mostly contains details of the
background study that you have made while pursuing your research
work. It contains the review of literature to a greater extent.
● Methodology- What specific methods and techniques you have used
in conducting the research work need to be mentioned in this
section, in great details, so that your work becomes reproducible.
That is, if anyone wants to repeat your methods and techniques they
can do it successfully. (However, that may require some trouble-
shooting and standardizing as not all research are exactly the same).
• Results- Your findings are to be written and plotted in this section.
This portion is the most important and requires proof and evidences
in the form of graphical representation and photographs. This
portion contains all the research data. (Remember to give the final
data only and not the raw data).
• Discussion- It is very vital as this portion contains how you are
interpreting your result in support of your null hypothesis or whether
the alternate hypothesis is getting selected.
• Conclusion- it contains the concluding remarks of your entire
research work.

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• Acknowledgement- acknowledging all those who helped you in

conducting the work successfully and most importantly your funding
agency(ies).
• Statement of conflict of interest- if any
• Authors’ contribution- certain books and journal ask for it
• Reference/citation/bibliography- specific formats need to be
maintained, may (Harvard) or may not (Vancouver) be alphabetically
arranged

15. What is the structure of a research paper? Write at least a line in

support of the different component structures of a research
paper? (15)
Ans: The structure of a research article should be as follows:
● Abstract- a concise writing on your work which is self-explanatory
about the content of your research paper (very important to attract
reviewers’/readers’ attention)
• Keywords- this enables easy search of the paper for a certain
topic/thrust area
• Introduction/Background- it mostly contains details of the
background study that you have made while pursuing your research
work. It contains the review of literature to a greater extent.
• Methodology- What specific methods and techniques you have used
in conducting the research work need to be mentioned in this section,
in great details, so that your work becomes reproducible. That is, if
anyone wants to repeat your methods and techniques they can do it
successfully. (However, that may require some trouble-shooting and
standardizing as not all research are exactly the same).
• Results- Your findings are to be written and plotted in this section. This
portion is the most important and requires proof and evidences in the
form of graphical representation and photographs. This portion
contains all the research data. (remember to give the final data only
and not the raw data).
• Discussion- It is very vital as this portion contains how you are

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interpreting your result in support of your null hypothesis or whether

the alternate hypothesis is getting selected.
• Conclusion- it contains the concluding remarks of your entire research
work.
• Acknowledgement- acknowledging all those who helped you in
conducting the work successfully and most importantly your funding
agency(ies).
• Statement of conflict of interest- if any
• Authors’ contribution- certain books and journal ask for it
• Reference/citation/bibliography- specific formats need to be
maintained, may (Harvard) or may not (Vancouver) be alphabetically
arranged
16. Write short notes on the following with respect to writing a
research article: (5x3=15)
(a) Literature Survey
(b) Abstract
(c) Bibliography
(d) Research Methodology
(e) Discussion
Ans: a. Literature survey: it mostly contains details of the
background study that you have made while pursuing your
research work. It contains the review of literature to a greater
extent.
b. Abstract: a concise writing on your work which is self-
explanatory about the content of your research paper (very
important to attract reviewers’/readers’ attention).
c. Bibliography: specific formats need to be maintained, may
(Harvard) or may not (Vancouver) be alphabetically arranged.
d. Research methodology: What specific methods and techniques
you have used in conducting the research work need to be
mentioned in this section, in great details, so that your work
becomes reproducible. That is, if anyone wants to repeat your
methods and techniques they can do it successfully. (However,
that may require some trouble-shooting and standardizing as not

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all research are exactly the same).

e. Discussion: It is very vital as this portion contains how you are
interpreting your result in support of your null hypothesis or
whether the alternate hypothesis is getting selected. It also
evidences whether your findings are on par with that in the
literature. The findings may or may not match with that of the
literature but rational interpretation and justification is important.

17. Write short notes on: (5x3=15)

(a) Data collection
(b) Analysis
(c) Interpretation
Ans: a. Data collection is the most important work, of a researcher. The collection of information
must be of the following two types:
Primary Data Collection: Primary data may be collected from:
• Experiment
• Questionnaire
• Observation
• Interview
Secondary data collection: it may be collected from:
• Review of literature
• Official and non-official reports
• Library

b. Data analysis: After data is collected, the next step is analysis which is the most vital step.
Data analysis may be divided into two main categories.

Data Processing: it is sub-divided into the following.

Data editing, Data coding, Data classification, Data tabulation, Data presentation, Data measurement

Data Exposition: Date Exposition has the following sub-categories.

Description, Explanation, Narration, Conclusion/Findings, Recommendations/Suggestions

c. Generalization and Interpretation: Depending on whether the data are acceptable or not
(statistical significance), a generalization and interpretation should be made.

18. What are the steps to file a patent under the Patent Cooperation
Treaty (PCT)? (15)
Ans: PCT being an international regime to protect inventions by granting patents, it has some rules
and procedure of its own for doing so. Among them some are mandatory (such as filing of the
application, international search, international publication and national phase) and some are
optional (such as supplementary international search and international preliminary examination).
When the applicant files the PCT application at the regional patent office or directly at international

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authority, the application is examined by the ISA (International Search Authority) whether its
patentable or not and published in international journals so that whole world will know about the
invention and oppositions can be filed from all over world.

Though the examination and publication all are done by international authority but the granting of
patents remains under the control of the national or regional patent Offices in what is called the
"national phase". So, the filing procedure is,

Filing: An international application is filed with a national or regional patent Office or WIPO,
complying with the PCT formality requirements, in one language, and a set of fees. This has to be
done with in 12 months of filing the local application.

International Search: An "International Searching Authority" (ISA) (one of the world's major patent
Offices) identifies the published patent documents and technical literature ("prior art") which may
have an influence on whether your invention is patentable, and establishes a written opinion on
your invention's potential patentability. This has to be published with in 16 months from the filing
the application at home country.

International Publication: As soon as possible after the expiration of 18 months from the earliest
filing date, the international application comes into public domain. This has to be published within
18 months from the filing the application at home country.

Supplementary International Search (optional): A second ISA identifies, at your request, published
documents which may not have been found by the first ISA which carried out the main search
because of the diversity of prior art in different languages and different technical fields. This has to
be published within 22 months from the filing the application at home country.

International Preliminary Examination (optional): One of the ISAs at your request, carries out an
additional patentability analysis, usually on an amended version of your application. This has to be
published within 28 months from the filing the application at home country.

National Phase: After the end of the PCT procedure, usually at 30 months from the earliest filing
date of your initial application, from which you claim priority, you to pursue the grant of your
patents directly before the national (or regional) patent Offices of the countries in which you want to
obtain them.

19. What are the different types of patents? Explain each type. (15)
Ans: There are four different types of patents:
i. Utility patent: It is a long, technical document that teaches
the public how to use a new machine, process, or system.
The kinds of inventions protected by utility patents are
defined by Congress. New technologies like genetic
engineering and internet-delivered software are
challenging the boundaries of what kinds can receive
utility patent protection.

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ii. Provisional patent: United States law allows inventors to

file a less formal document that proves the inventor was
in possession of the invention and had adequately figured
out how to make the invention work. Once that is on file,
the invention is patent pending. If, however the inventor
fails to file a formal utility patent within a year from filing
the provisional patent, he or she will lose this filing date.
Any public disclosures made relying on that provisional
patent application will now count as public disclosures to
the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
iii. Design patent: This patent offer protection for an
ornamental design n a useful item. The shape of a bottle
or the design of a shoe, for example can be protected by
a design patent. The document itself is almost entirely
made of pictures or drawings of the design on the useful
item. Design patents are notoriously difficult to search
simply because there are very few words used in a design
patent. In recent years, software companies have used
design patents to protect elements of user interface and
even the shape of touchscreen devices.
iv. Plant patent: A plant patent protects new kinds of plants
produced by cuttings or other non-sexual means. Plant
patents generally do not cover genetically modified
organisms and focus more on conventional horticulture.
20. What is a Convention application? Compare between PCT and
Convention application.
Ans: The Paris Convention is an international treaty that allows
applicants to file a first application in their home country. That
application is referred to as a priority document or filing, and the
date it is filed is called the priority date.
The priority filing starts a 12-month period within which a further
application called a Paris Convention application (or a direct
application claiming priority) can be filed elsewhere, claiming Paris
Convention priority back to the priority date. To the extent that

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the content of the Paris Convention application is disclosed in the

earlier priority document, it will be backdated to the priority date.
The 12-month convention period lets the applicant seek funding,
perform market research and turn an idea into a commercial
product. All of these can be done following a single filing without
risking a loss of rights in other countries.

a. If the Paris Convention didn't exist, applicants would need to

coordinate simultaneous filing in all countries that are of potential
interest at the very start of the process. This would be complicated
and costly, bearing in mind the need for translations in many
countries.
b. For entering in National Phase Filing, a Convention Application allows
only 12 months from the priority date while a PCT Application provides
around 30/31 months. This additional helps in determining the
desirability of seeking protection in foreign countries, to appoint local
patent agents in each foreign country, to prepare the necessary
translations and to pay the national fees;
c. If an international application is in the form prescribed by the PCT, it
cannot be rejected on formal grounds by any PCT Contracting State
patent Office during the national phase of the processing of the
application;
d. The international search report and written opinion contain important
information about the potential patentability of your invention,
providing a strong basis for you to make business decisions about how
to proceed;
e. An applicant has the possibility during the optional international
preliminary examination to amend the international application, enter
into dialogue with the examiner to fully argue your case and put the
application in order before processing by the various national patent
Offices;
f. The search and examination work of patent Offices in the national
phase can be considerably reduced thanks to the international search
report, the written opinion and, where applicable, the international

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preliminary report on patentability that accompany the international

application;
g. An applicant may be able to fast-track examination procedures in the
national phase in Contracting States that have PCT-Patent Prosecution
Highway (PCT-PPH) agreements or similar arrangements;
h. Since each international application is published together with an
international search report, third parties are in a better position to
evaluate the potential patentability of the claimed invention;
i. For you as an applicant, international publication online puts the
world on notice of your invention. You may also highlight your interest
in concluding licensing agreements on PATENTSCOPE, which can be an
effective means of advertising and looking for potential licensees;
j. An applicant also achieves other savings in document preparation,
communication and translations because the work done during the
international processing is generally not repeated before each Office
(for example, you submit only one copy of the priority document
instead of having to submit several copies); and
If an invention appears to be not patentable at the end of the
international phase, applicant may abandon the PCT application
and you will have saved the costs you would otherwise have
incurred by directly seeking protection in foreign countries,
appointing local patent agents in each foreign country, preparing
the necessary translations and paying the national fees.

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