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!!!