Research Methods in Computer Science

Dear students,

welcome to the course “Research Methods for Computer Science”. The course is primarily for PhD students, but also open for master thesis students who are doing the master thesis.

Best regards,
Knut Hinkelmann

Teacher:

• Knut Hinkelmann

Schedule:

• Friday, 4th of March, 14:30 - 18:00
• Friday, 18th of March, 14:00 - 18:00
• Friday, 1st of April, 14:00 - 18:00
• Friday, 8th of April, 14:00 - 18:00
• Friday, 22nd of April, 14:00 - 18:00
• Friday, 6th of May, 14:00 - 18:00
• Friday, 20th of May, 14:00 - 18:00
• Friday, 27th of May, 14:00 - 18:00

WebEx:

• WebEx room for the lecture: https://unicam.webex.com/join/knut.hinkelmann

This course prepares students to undertake research projects with a focus on Computer Science and Information Systems research. Emphasis is placed on applying skills that lead to a successful closure of a research journey on maser level or PhD. Skills such as the ability to frame a research problem, evaluate relevant literature, generate research objective and research questions, the ability to understand a conceptual framework, the ability to select and justify a particular research design and methodology and the ability to frame their contribution to knowledge. Students will understand and apply the important methods and techniques and will learn how to report critically on research outcomes.

• Overview of the research process
  • What is Research?
  • Research Process
• Research Problem
• Making a Literature Review
  • Purpose of the literature review
  • Finding literature
  • Tools for managing literature (Mendeley, Paperpile)
  • Processing the literature
  • Writing the literature review
• Research Problem, Research Contribution and Thesis Statement
  • Problem Statement
  • Identify the research contribution
  • Phrasing a Thesis Statement/Research Question
• Research Methodology
  • Research strategies:
    • Systematic Literature Review
    • Case Study
    • Design Science Research
  • Research approaches: qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods
  • Identifying research objectives and formulating research questions
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Project Management
• Writing a Paper
  • Structure of a paper
  • Referencing
  • Writing strategy
  • Writing tips

Course Material

1. Introduction - What is Research?
   • Slides: Introduction - What is Research?
     • Video: What is Research
     • Notes: What is Research
     • Notes: Basic vs. Applied Research
2. Research Problem
   • Slides: Research Problem
     • Literature: Ellis, T. J., & Levy, Y. (2008). Framework of Problem-Based Research : A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem.
     • Video: How to define and narrow down your research topic
     • Video: Gradcoach - How To Choose A Research Topic For A Dissertation Or Thesis (7 Step Method + Examples)
3. Literature Review
   • Slides: Making a Literature Review
     • Video: Gradcoach - How to write a Literature Review in 3 Steps
     • Literature: Levy and Ellis (2006). A Systems Approach to Conduct an Effective Literature Review in Support of Information Systems Research.
     • Guide: How to Structure your Literature Review
     • Guide: How to read journal articles quickly
     • Video: Academic Research and Literature Review
     • Video: Gradcoach - What Is A Literature Review In A Dissertation Or Thesis? SIMPLE Explainer With Examples
     • Guide and Video: Gradcoach - 7 Common Literature Review Mistakes To Avoid
   • Slides: Managing Literature
     • Video: Overview of the Mendeley Reference Manager (duration: 2:24)
     • Video: Tutorial The Mendeley Reference Manager (duration: 24:26)
   • Slides: Referencing Literature
     • Video: Mike Webb on Harvard Referencing - Part 1: Principles
     • Video: Mike Webb on Harvard Referencing - Part 2: Details about the Reference List
     • Slides: Some avoidable mistakes
4. Research Contribution and Thesis Statement
   • Slides: Problem Statement, Research Contribution and Thesis Statement
     • Literature: Presthus and Munkvold (2016). How to frame your contribution to knowledge
     • Homework: Thesis Statement
5. Research Strategies
   • Slides: Systematic Literature Review
     • Video: Conducting a Systematic Literature Review
   • Slides: Design Science Research
     • Hevner, A. R., March, S. T., Park, J., & Ram, S. (2004). Design Science in Information Systems Research. MIS Quarterly, 28(1), 75–105.
     • Hevner, A. R., & Chatterjee, S. (2010). Design Research in Information Systems. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5653-8
   • Slides: Action Research
     • Video: Action research in development, an action research example
   • Slides: Case Study
     • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications - Design and Methods, 6th Edition. SAGE Publications.
   • Homework: Your Thesis Statement and Research Questions
6. Research Onion
   • Slides: Research Onion
7. Data Collection and Analysis
   • Slides: Evidence: Data Collection and Analysis
   • Slides: Example of Peformance Evaluation
8. Writing the Thesis
   • Slides: Writing the Thesis

Literature

• Hofstee, E. (2006). Constructing a Good Dissertation. EPE. http://www.exactica.co.za/
• Ellis, T. J., & Levy, Y. (2008). Framework of Problem-Based Research : A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem.
• Levy and Ellis (2006). A Systems Approach to Conduct an Effective Literature Review in Support of Information Systems Research.
• Levy and Ellis (2006). Towards a Framework of Literature Review Process in Support of Information Systems Research
• Presthus and Munkvold (2016). How to frame your contribution to knowledge
• Hevner, A. R., March, S. T., Park, J., & Ram, S. (2004). Design Science in Information Systems Research. MIS Quarterly, 28(1), 75–105.
• Hevner, A. R., & Chatterjee, S. (2010). Design Research in Information Systems. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5653-8
• Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications - Design and Methods, 6th Edition. SAGE Publications.
• Harvard Referencing from Anglia Ruskin University: Quick Guide and Detailed Description
• Citation Guides from Mendeley

Exam Dates A.Y. 2021/22

• 27th of May, 14:00 -18:00 - Oral interviews