Chapter 2: Designing your project Introduction 2.1 Overview of the tools 2.2 Project design 2.3 A few examples 2.4 Conclusion

Introduction Variety of approaches that can be mixed and matched: Literature surveys Models Languages Prototypes Mathematical proofs Experiments Surveys Case studies Arguments Etc., etc.

2.1 Overview of the tools Literature surveys Models “If you decide on a topic it is imperative that you read all articles that have ever been published on that topic” – B.S. Models It is easier to manipulate or comprehend a model than the real thing. Model includes all aspects of the real thing that is relevant to your problem and excludes other aspects. Models can be described formally (mathematically) or informally (diagrams). Models are often used to propose a new as well as existing ideas. Example Architecture of a system Ecyclopedia paper PGDT

2.1 Overview of the tools (cont.) Languages Automation of processes expressed in terms of a language Example: SQL If you propose new language, it should be formally described Arguments Reasoning is necessary to convince the research community why one proposed solution to a specific problem is better than another.

2.1 Overview of the tools (cont.) Mathematical proofs The ultimate argument: If the proof is correct, it cannot be disputed Prototypes Programming per se is not research Prototypes may demonstrate that a proposed model can be implemented successfully Prototypes may serve as vehicle for experimentation

2.1 Overview of the tools (cont.) Algorithms Purpose of study may be to find a new algorithm for a problem. Algorithm must be good, better than any previously proposed for the problem May also be useful to express some of your ideas as program fragments on paper Surveys Questionnaires that are distributed to be completed by a sample or completed by a surveyor during an interview. Stock counting, counting the number of occurrences of certain phenomena on the internet, etc.

2.1 Overview of the tools (cont.) Case studies Learn form the current situation in real life Measures (observes) a large number of aspects of few cases (whereas surveys measure few aspects of large number of cases). Case studies can also be qualitative, i.e. using descriptive statements. Experiments Try something and note the effects Can be done under controlled circumstances or in the field Simulations Active model that is executed and results measured

2.2 Project design Completing a building Ultimately you want a roof over your head, but You have to lay the foundations and erect the walls. Primary goals and secondary goals E.g. literature survey may be secondary goal Table 2.1, p 12

2.2 Project design (cont.) Empirical methods Creative methods depend on observation Include surveys, case studies and experiments Creative methods Devise new abstractions or mechanisms Models, Prototypes, Algorithms, Languages Tautological (manipulation) methods Inputs transformed into something that was not obvious previously Mathematical proofs, arguments

2.2 Project design (cont.) Exploratory research Extension of theory Observe in order to formulate a theory Plays a role as secondary method in many research projects Inability of exploratory research to add new theories to the body of accepted knowledge may be too limiting to be acceptable as major thrust of research Extension of theory Use research to confirm a theory

Workshop Distinguish between research design and research methodology (refer to Beelders Chapter 4) Consider the research problem of the previous workshop and provide an outline of a possible research design and research methodolgy.