BSc Computing – Group Project
BSc Computing Project
Research Methods and Project Management
Module Leader: Scott Turner
Acknowledgements
This is work is in part based on the earlier Research Methods material written by Brain Watts and Jonathan Adams for the Distance Learning MSc in Lift Engineering.
1 Learning Package LP 1: Planning your Research 8
1.1 General Introduction 8
1.2 Specific Introduction 8
1.3 Selecting an area of research 8
1.4 Focusing 9
1.5 Research Proposal 10
2 Learning Package LP 2: Approaches to research 12
2.1 Introduction 12
2.2 Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research 12
2.3 Methods and Methodology 13
2.3.1 Experimental 13
2.3.4 Case Studies 15
Summary 15
3 Learning Package LP 3: Keeping Records and Notes 17
3.1 Introduction 17
3.2 Previewing reading material 17
3.2.1 Where to start? 18
3.2.2 What is the source of information? 18
3.2.3 What approach to take? 19
3.2.4 What is the authors viewpoint? 19
3.3 Making notes 19
3.4 Keeping notes 19
3.5 Keeping records 20
3.5.1 Log book 20
3.5.2 Card indexes 20
3.5.3 Noting and using quotations 23
3.6 Summary of key points 23
3.6 Summary Points 25
4 Learning Package LP 4: Reviewing the Literature 26
4.1 Introduction 26
4.2 Reading to obtain a research methods framework 26
4.3 The literature review 27
4.4 Finding information 27
4.5 Planning a Literature Search 28
4.5.1 Select a topic 28
4.5.2 Define the terminology 28
4.5.3 Define parameters 28
4.5.4 List possibly related sources 28
4.5.5 Select sources 28
4.6 Sources of Information 29
4.6.1 Books 29
4.6.2 Journals and Articles 29
4.6.3 Abstracts 29
4.6.4 Theses 29
4.7 Use of Libraries 30
4.8 Use of the Internet 31
4.9 Electronic sources 31
4.9.1 Electronic journals 31
4.9.2 CD-ROMS 32
4.10 Summary of key points 32
5 Learning Package LP 5: Ethics of Research in Engineering 34
5.1 Introduction 34
5.2 Confidentiality 35
5.3 Anonymity 35
5.4 Legality 35
5.5 Informed Consent 35
5.6 Professionalism 36
5.7 Ethics Committees 37
5.8 Summary and further reading 38
6 Learning Package LP 6: Collecting Data 40
6.1 Introduction 40
6.2 A brief recap on choosing methods 40
6.2.1 Descriptive or Theory Testing 40
6.2.2 Pure and Applied Research 41
6.2.3 Testing a Hypothesis 41
6.3 Methods of collecting data 41
6.3.1 Documentary evidence 41
6.3.2 Experimental data 43
6.3.3 Questionnaires 43
6.3.4 Interviews 44
6.3.5 Observation 45
6.4 Summary of key points 45
7 Learning Package LP 7: Interpreting and Presenting Data and Information 47
7.1 Introduction 47
7.2 Interpreting and Presenting 47
7.2.1 Lists 48
7.2.2 Categorisation 48
7.2.3 Grids/Tables 48
7.2.4 Scales 48
7.2.5 Graphs 49
7.2.6 Correlation 49
7.2.7 Inference 49
7.3 Use of Software Packages 49
7.4 Summary of key points 50
8 LP 8: Structure and writing of the dissertation 51
8.1 Introduction 51
8.2 Structure of the dissertation 51
8.3 Format 52
8.3.1 Title page 53
8.3.2 Abstract 53
8.4 Drafting and writing 54
8.4.1 Style and voice 54
8.4.2 Non-discriminatory language 54
8.4.3 Heading and sub-headings 55
8.5 Referencing and quoting 55
8.6 Appendices 55
9 Team Dynamics 57
9.1 Plan it, not just schedule it! 57
9.2 Who is good at what? 57
9.3 Meetings 58
9.3.1 Document all meetings: 58
9.3.2 Brainstorming: 58
9.3.3 Playing roles: 58
9.3.4 Saying No: 58
9.4 You’re in it together. 59
9.5 Clients 59
10. Interviews 60
10.1 Style of interviews 60
10.2 When is it appropriate? 60
10.3 Types of Questions 60
10.3.1 Closed 60
10.3.2 Open 61
10.3.3 Scale 61
10.4 Structured Interviews 61
10.5 Semi-structured Interviews 61
10.6 Unstructured Interviews 61
10.7 Focus Groups 62
Sources of Further Reading 63
11. References 64
1 Learning Package LP 1: Planning your Research
The purpose of this learning package is to:
- provide guidance on the selection of a research question and a working title
- provide guidance on the initial planning of your research project
1.1 General Introduction
This module takes the form of a series of eight learning packages. The aim of the module is provide you with the basic research skills that you require in order to successfully complete your research. You are also encouraged to read more extensively on research methods, and the books given in the reading list provide a more detail on research methods. Some of these books are available from the UCN libraries or purchased via the Internet, e.g. from Amazon.co.uk.
"Research is defined as seeking through methodical processes to add to one's own body of knowledge and, hopefully, to that of others, by the discovery of nontrivial facts and insights" [Sharp and Howard, 1996, p7].
1.2 Specific Introduction
This package is concerned with initial planning of a research project. The aim to provide the skills that let you and your supervisor be reasonable confidence that the area of research is viable in the time available and is appropriate to the level of study (MSc, MPhil or PhD).
1.3 Selecting an area of research
This can usually split into two, the allocated idea and your own idea. You may not a choice in the particular area to research, the money for your research is for a particular area. Within this there is often a flexibility on how and what you actually look at within the area of research (see section 1.6)
The other form is your own idea. This is often a difficult part of your research and has to begin with a carefully considered initial idea.
For either route, you should choose to do something your actually interested in, this work is going to take up a lot of your time. There are common factors. The idea then needs to be turned into your research question, i.e. what is it you want to find the answer to? Further questions then follow naturally from this such as:
· Can the question be answered in the period of time available?
· How and where can I obtain the information I need?
· What method should I use to gather the data?
The topic you select to research should have some originality. This does not mean it needs to be entirely original, for example, an empirical study that hasn’t been done before. Originality can result from using already known material but with a new interpretation, or from taking a topic from the course and carrying out an extended study. The level of originality though depends on the level of the study, a PhD has to have originality than an MSc.
If you are still unsure of the research topic, follow the steps given below:
· Initially consider a number of topics.
· Decide on the topic you wish to research. This should ideally be an area that interests you, sponsored students may have a topic imposed on them by their employer.
· Do some initial reading sufficient to give an indication that there is enough available information to allow you to continue.
· Decide on the initial research question or hypothesis *. See also LP6.
· Think about your question and then give it precise focus. Carry out further reading if required.
· Arrive at a working title.
1.4 Focusing
Let us assume you are interested in finding out if using the internet leads to more efficient industries. The initial research question may then be:
Does using the internet lead to more efficient industries?
From which a working title can be formed, such as:
“Improvements in industry by the use of the internet”
At first sight this appears to be an interesting area of study, but now consider the title against the following questions:
1. What industry are to be considered? Does this apply to all industries?
2. How is the data on efficency to be obtained? From published data? By surveying companies?
3. How long will it take to gather the data and complete the research?
Other questions can also be posed, but consideration of those above is adequate to show that the selected topic is a very broad area of research that will require a considerable amount time and effort to complete. We can conclude therefore that it its present form it is not a suitable MSc research topic.
Some focus could be given by considering only one industry and the effects on using the internet. Even then, it may be difficult to determine any conclusive link between the introduction of the internet and efficencies that have occurred.
Further focusing may be required in order to be reasonably sure that the dissertation can be successfully completed to the required standard and in the time available.
It is apparent that focusing makes you consider not only the research question, but also the method(s) you will use to gather data and the time required for completing the dissertation. (Methodology is covered in LP2 and LP6)
1.5 Research Proposal
The next logical step is to draw up your initial plan for the research. It should include:
· A working title based on the research question.
· A brief discussion of the main problem you wish to solve. This will include the aim and objectives of the study and address the secondary questions that follow from the selected research question.
· A brief description of the method, or methods, you intend using to gather the data you require to answer the research question.
· An action plan in the form of a bar chart.
· Your thoughts on the main problems that you anticipate encountering during your research and how these might be overcome.
· Initial references.
Producing a research proposal is your first assignment in the Research Methods module and should be attempted after you have completed the first four LPs. This assignment will be marked by the Course Team/Supervisors who will provide feedback highlighting difficulties and providing suggestions for improvement.
Using the procedures in this package select an initial research question and then give it focus to arrive at the final question and hence a working title.
If you have already decided on a research question then check it for focus and decide on a working title.
Having decided on a research question and working tile do you think that you could complete the dissertation in the period December to September?
2 Learning Package LP 2: Approaches to research
The purpose of this learning package is to:
- outline the various research methods
- assist you in selecting an appropriate research method.
2.1 Introduction
This learning package aims to make you aware of the various research methods available to researchers and hence to enable you to select a method or methods suitable for your area of research.
Finding any textbooks that deal specifically with research methods in technology based subjects is difficult. However, this is of no great concern since the methodology of research is well established and documented in other disciplines such as the social sciences and education. Although a great deal of philosophical debate takes place regarding the exact meanings to be attached the various research methods, all is intended in this learning package is to create an awareness of the general methods that are appropriate to the discipline of technology-based subjects and present them in a straightforward manner.
2.2 Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research
These are the two broad research categories with which you should become familiar. As indicated above, there is much philosophical debate regarding the exact nature of qualitative and quantitative research. Whilst beyond the scope of this LP, it is a debate which you should explore out of personal interest.
Quantitative research is objective and concerned with gathering factual data, usually in numeric form, and its analysis.
Qualitative research, on the other hand, is subjective in nature and concerned with gathering data in the form of opinions, perceptions and experiences. The data is generally non-numeric.
The distinctions can be illustrated by considering the performance of the lifts in a shopping precinct.
If the lifts are fitted with data loggers, data could be collected over a period of time and analysed in terms of lift performance. As long as the performance is determined in a factual manner the research is clearly quantitative. Aims and objectives should be clearly stated at the outset. Note, however, if you form opinions on the lift performance based on the data then this is subjective analysis, which is associated with qualitative research.
An alternative method would be to survey the passengers over the same period of time seeking their opinions on the performance of the lifts. The data and its analysis are subjective, even if you attach numbers to the data for the purpose of grouping and categorising passenger responses. This is clearly qualitative research.
2.3 Methods and Methodology
The examples above indicate some methods that can be used to gather data in technology-based areas.
To solve the problem a method or methods of gathering data is required. For the purpose of this course the term methodology may be taken to mean the system of methods used. You should however be aware that methodology does have a broader philosophical meaning.
The research methods appropriate to engineering and their main characteristics are outlined below. The actual techniques of gathering and recording the data are covered in LP6.
2.3.1 Experimental
Experiments are tests or investigations designed to provide evidence for or against a hypothesis. They may be carried out in a laboratory or as fieldwork. With laboratory experiments the hypothesis is often expressed as an objective and the report includes method, results, analysis and conclusion. The experiment may be concerned with establishing how one physical quantity (y) varies as another physical quantity (x) is independently varied. Hence, y is referred to a dependent variable and y as an independent variable. The basic experiment to determine how current changes with changes in resistance illustrates these points. If the voltage applied to a variable resistor is maintained constant then current (I) can only change if the value of resistance (R) is changed and so I is a dependent variable and R an independent variable. This basic example also reveals something further regarding the experimental conditions, because resistance is also dependent on temperature and so the temperature must be accounted for during the experiment. It follows that for experimental design great care is needed in identifying all the conditions imposed on the system and controlling/measuring them so as to eliminate erroneous or misleading results.
In the social sciences experiments are usually concerned with a comparison between two groups of people where independent variables are manipulated. Again, care is required in establishing and controlling the experimental conditions particularly with regard to the selection of sample groups.
2.3.2 Surveys: Surveys are concerned with the collection of information. The information may be obtained in a number of ways:
· From a group of people.
· Observation of events, e.g. from observing the number of persons using a website in a given period of time, what features the use and don’t use.
· From literature or documents.