ResearchMethodology

For Information Technology Students[cf. Martin Olivier 1997] Created by Piet Boonzaier

Chapter 2

Designing your project

Research Methodology

Designing your ProjectDifferent approaches:

Literature surveys Models Languages Prototypes Mathematical proofs Experiments Case studies Arguments

Research Methodology

2.1 Methods

Literature surveys•    be thorough

•    place your own research project into a scientific perspective

• determine how your project will contribute to the existing knowledge base

•    enable others to discover the worth of your research as an addition to the body of knowledge

•    avoid duplication of effort (replication without improvement)

•    avoid or solve problems others have encountered

Research Methodology

Deciding which information is relevant to your project

       information concerning theory        information concerning methods        information concerning data analysis

Research Methodology

Models easier to comprehend or manipulate

than the real thing mathematical models are popular examples: ISO OSI and ANSI/SPARC architecture of a system is often

proposed by using a model

Research Methodology

Languages    type of language depends on your goal

    not presented primarily to propose a new language, but rather to clarify some aspect of your research

    often introduced with the same intentions as models (eg. new type of database)

    syntax is usually described formally

    semantics described informally

Research Methodology

Arguments any research includes some reasoning may range from stating obvious facts to

detailed reasoning

Research Methodology

Mathematical proof is the ultimate argument if the proof is correct it cannot be disputed mathematical proofs are, however, based on

asumptions sometimes assumptions are expressed as

axioms sometimes assumptions are tacit

Research Methodology

Prototypes can demonstrate that a new model can indeed

be implemented can serve as a vehicle for experimentation construction can provide new insights into the

model implementation of a complex system can

serve as the basis of a case study

Research Methodology

Algorithms (a series of step-by-step instructions that produces a solution to a problem)

purpose might be to find a new algorithm for some problem

useful to express some ideas as program fragments

algorithms have to be good - better than any previously proposed algorithm

parts have to be short

Research Methodology

Surveys conducted using questionnaires not only applicable to humans test theories put forward about the

surveyed population

Research Methodology

Case Studies similar goals than surveys studies one or more cases that presently

occur in detail are often qualitative than quantitative

Research Methodology

Experiments try something and note the effects can be conducted under controlled

conditions, or in the field controlled conditions (laboratory) -

attempt to measure the effects precisely field experiments - studies are often

qualitative

Research Methodology

Project Design primary goals and secondary goals different methods may be used to help reach

each goal consider the role of every method used in the

design explicitly design the project to ensure that

secondary methods will provide the results that will support the primary method

plan accurately

Research Methodology

(cont.) explain why the particular design was

used - include this argument in your final report

categorise research goals as technical, social or philosophical

methods are either empirical, creative or tautological

Next Steps

Next we shall explore:

The formalities of research The psychological factors behind

research Some philosophical factors involved

with research

Assignment

In not more than 400 words, describe how you would go about writing a research article that would meet with the minimum requirements and characteristics of a good research report. Use the following criteria as a guideline:

 * Review of previous research on the topic* The problem and the purpose* The possible solutions (hypotheses)* The method used* The sample (if appliccable to the method)* Results and discussions* References* General overview

Assignment (cont.)The following books will help you, and are on reserve at the library: 1. Research Methods; Francis C. Dane (p 61 - 72) 2. Methods of Social Research; Kenneth D. Bailey (p 32 - 33) -

only background 3. Exploring Research; Neil J. Salkind (p 57 - 92) Do not

concentrate on the examples, but rather look at the methodology.

  This assignment has to be handed in on or before the due date!?(if you were in class you would know!) Good Luck, and enjoy!!!