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The research methodology of the academic research paper defines the process, approach to attain the objectives, how data is collected for the results & analysis. In my earlier article “Article Writing Format for Beginners to Moderate Learners,” I have discussed all components of the research articles. In a sequential way, the next article was focused on the “research problem at which the researcher stuck, that is writing an introduction of a research paper.

Research Methodology for Different Disciplines

A research methodology in all theoretical subjects; such as arts & humanities, Business & Management, Science and Technology there are some standard processes, procedures, and/or modellings. Many researchers can follow the standard research procedure for similar and different objectives with varying ranges of parameters. 

A standard survey methodology for a specific purpose for different objectives in the different areas of research is possible.  For various research areas studies, the bibliometric and scientometric approaches are in use by the researchers. The researchers are studying different objectives with similar approaches. Also, theoretical modelling in Science is also acceptable. There are some standard models, the researchers improve the model and study the objectives.

A standard model approved by the scientific community can be used globally by the researchers for their research objectives.  It can be used provided methodology components updated by the researcher cited properly to the original source.

Plagiarism in Research Methodology

If researchers are using a similar research methodology with due credits to the original source, and for their own original research objectives. If these are different from the earlier studies, then it will be not a part of plagiarism.     

In Physical and Mathematical Science research areas the researcher uses old and new equations in standard models, give credits to the source carefully. The equation should be cited If they are incorporated from any other theoretical model or observations.  Also, a question may come here especially for mathematics’s researchers when they use standard equations for any analysis or proof of any theorem. Where they put the reference of a particular equation? At the beginning of the equation or at the end. 

Here, this point depends on the author how they have used the equations. They can put it at the beginning of the equation in the text. 

Conclusion

1. The research methodology that is a standard model/approach/technique can be used by many researchers.
2. If one researcher publishing the same/similar problems in the different journals then it can be counted as self-plagiarism, but finally depends on the editor and publishers. How did their publication policy consider it? 
3. The researcher should avoid copy & paste practice if they are using the first time any standard methodology.

Disclaimer: 

This post is related to the plagiarism of the research methodology used in two different research papers. These points are shared for the awareness of research ethics. If at any point you have any doubt or question please feel free to discuss.