If a Scholar publish two papers, do we need two methodologies, or can we extend the first paper, or is there any other way?
Publishing Two or More Papers: Do We Need Separate Methodologies?
Many research scholars worry whether publishing two papers means they must develop two completely different methodologies. In reality, it is not mandatory to have entirely separate methodologies for each paper. What is important is that each paper must contain a distinct and meaningful contribution.
1. Do Two Papers Require Two Different Methodologies?
Not necessarily. Two papers do not always require two totally different methodologies. If the research problem is large, it may naturally produce more than one method. In such cases, each paper can present a different approach to solving the same problem. However, having two different methodologies is only one possible way, not a compulsory rule.
Example: One paper may use a machine learning model, while another uses a deep learning model for the same problem. These are two separate methodologies.
2. Can the Second Paper Be an Extension of the First Paper?
Yes, this is the most common and accepted approach. The second paper can be an extension or improvement of the first paper. This means the original methodology is enhanced by adding new features, optimization, hybrid techniques, or larger datasets.
Example:
- Paper 1: A basic classification model for disease prediction
- Paper 2: Optimized or hybrid model improving accuracy and robustness
In this case, Paper 2 must clearly show:
- What is new compared to Paper 1
- How the performance is improved
- Why the new method is better
3. Are There Other Ways to Publish Two Papers?
Yes, there are several other valid strategies to publish multiple papers from the same research theme:
- Different datasets: Apply the same method to a new dataset or new domain and publish comparative results.
- Different objectives: One paper focuses on accuracy, another on speed, energy efficiency, or scalability.
- Review + Method paper: One paper can be a survey or review, and the second can be a proposed model.
- Application-based paper: One paper presents the method, another shows real-world or industry application.
- Theoretical + experimental: One paper focuses on mathematical model, another on practical implementation.
Comparison of Approaches
| Approach | Description | Acceptable? |
|---|---|---|
| Two different methodologies | Different techniques for same problem | Yes |
| Extension of first paper | Improved or optimized version | Yes (most common) |
| Same method, same data, same results | Only rewritten | No (self-plagiarism) |
| Same method, new dataset | New analysis and results | Yes |
| Review + technical paper | Survey + new model | Yes |
Important Ethical Rule
Two papers must not contain identical content, identical results, or only reworded text. This is called self-plagiarism and is not acceptable. Each paper must contribute something new, whether in method, data, analysis, or application.
Conclusion
To publish two papers, it is not compulsory to develop two totally different methodologies. You can publish an extended version of the first paper or use different perspectives such as datasets, objectives, or applications. The key requirement is that each paper must have a clear, original, and measurable contribution. Quality and novelty are more important than quantity.