advances research methods and proposal writing ronan fitzpatrick school of computing, dublin...
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Advances research methods and proposal writing
Ronan FitzpatrickSchool of Computing, Dublin Institute of Technology.
September 2008
Overview
Introduction to the research module Aim Philosophy Learning outcomes Learning and teaching methods
Research Methodology
MSc (Information Technology) Philosophy Focus is organisational Information
Technology initiatives Trained to undertake research and
develop research proposals Trained to critically analyse and
synthesise appropriate research literature Trained to identify and utilize correct
analysis techniques for a range of IT-Based scenarios.
Describe and apply a range of commonly appropriate methods and tools for creative thinking and problem solving
Differentiate between a variety of sources in the Information Technology field, and their particular strengths/weaknesses
Apply referencing and citations Explain the importance of academic and
industry experts in an area of Information Technology
MSc (Information Technology) Learning outcomes
Explain the ethical issues associated with collecting and publishing research information
Explain the use and techniques associated with quantitative and qualitative research methods for conducting primary and secondary research in the area of Information Technology
Select appropriate research methods for specific research questions
Employ appropriate data analysis techniques for specific sets of data
MSc (Information Technology) Learning outcomes
Employ specific data gathering techniques for specific problem areas
Formulate a research programme for a given research topic
Select a topic from the course and/or their own experience which will provide suitable scope for research in an MSc dissertation project
Demonstrate good technical writing skills Prepare and present a detailed realistic research
proposal supported by a review of the relevant literature.
MSc (Information Technology) Learning outcomes
Lectures, seminars and discussions Use library and Internet-based research
tools Emphasis is placed on independent
research and study, problem-solving skills, effective communications and the ability to work in teams.
Emphasis is placed on a pro-active approach by students to problem identification, discuss and solutions
Student responsibility for own learning.
Learning and teaching methods
Research and Methodology
Ronan FitzpatrickSchool of Computing, Dublin Institute of Technology.
September 2007
Methodology According to Avison and Fitzgerald
(1988) Philosophy Model Techniques Scope Outputs Practice Product
Research methodology
The body of rules and methods that support a process of enquiry Qualitative research Quantitative research
Qualitative research Developed in the social sciences to enable
researchers to study social and cultural phenomena.
Method Examples are Action research, Case study research and Ethnography.
Data sources include Observation and Participant observation (fieldwork), Interviews and Questionnaires, Documents and texts, and the Researcher’s impressions and reactions.
Quantitative research Developed in the natural sciences
to study natural phenomena Method examples include
Survey methods Laboratory experiments Formal methods (e.g. econometrics) Numerical methods such as
mathematical modeling.
Phases of Research (Fenton & Pfleeger, 1996;125)
Conception Hypothesis & design Preparation Execution and data gathering Analysis and conclusions Documentation
Literature review
Definition A comprehensive study, critical
analysis and authoritative presentation of the published research and practice in a domain of investigation.
Comprehensive study
Focus The focus is Information Technology.
Width Seminal sources. Information Technology topics (PESTLE).
Depth Detail to suit target audience.
(will the audience understand).
Critical Analysis
Critique Comment on what is good as well as
what might be inappropriate. Argument
Substantiate any alternative perspective or interpretation of the research material.
Synthesis Propose an enhanced alternative.
Authoritative presentation
Written presentation Highest standard (academic and professional)
Structure and content Format - Language, vocabulary and style Illustration and appearance Citation and Bibliography.
Repeatable Must be possible for researchers to revisit your sources Explain and clarify how your synthesis is an enhanced
alternative.
Overall impression
Scholarly and Authoritative Based on seminal sources Dated/modern sources Depth & breadth Completeness of research Content balance Argument & critique - The ‘so what?’
factor Vocabulary – Evidence of having researched
and understood the domain.
Tips of the masters Read – appropriate publications
Listen – to seminar presenters
Ask – questions of everybody
Observe – in places that you can access
Think – and form opinion Write – based on what you read, hear and observe
Read what you write, enhance it, read it again and enhance it again – at least twice.
Other sources
MSc programme at School of Computing since 1995 Many dissertations Research papers
Build on what you already know.