1. Research Methods for Computer Science

2. One of the primary goals of academic training is to learn how to learn, i.e., to learn how to continuously absorb new knowledge.

3. The process of exploring the unknown, studying and learning new things, building new knowledge about things that no one has understood before – that is what we think of as performing research.

4. The activity of a diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation in an area, with the objective of discovering or revising facts, theories, applications etc. The goal is to discover and disseminate new knowledge

5. Research Process Realize there is a problem
Look to see if anyone has solved it
Develop a plan to solve it
Solve it
Evaluate your solution
Disseminate your solution

6. CS Research Inherently multidisciplinary (except for CS Ed)
Other fields are not multidisciplinary
Planned
Specific Purpose
Clear start and finish dates
Finite resources (time, people, and money)

7. Continuing Educational Goals
Refine your critical thinking skills
Refine your ability to work independently or on a team
Increase your understanding of how to use research tools
Refine your oral and written presentation skills

8. Continuing Research Goals
Deepen understanding of a topic
Contribute to the community’s understanding of a topic

9. Key Players
The researcher
The supervisor
The evaluator

10. Assessment Relevance Originality Significance Not plagiarized
Clearly presented
Consistent presentation
Apparent understanding of topic
Ability to handle references and citations
Ability to meet deadlines
Ability to adhere to formal requirements

11. Research Methods Procedures for collecting data
Formulating a hypothesis
Testing a hypothesis
Interpreting results
Drawing conclusions

12. Quantitative Research
Develop models, theories, and hypotheses describing a phenomenon
Quantitative methods involve measuring something that will help develop the model/theory/hypothesis
Large samples needed
Experiments are repeatable

13. Qualitative Research
Discover underlying meanings and patterns of relationships without using or developing mathematical models.
Qualitative methods involve fieldwork which could include interviews or personal observations
Usually small sample sizes
Experiments not necessarily repeatable

14. Qualitative research is frequently a precursor to quantitative research.

15. The Research Team
Researcher
Supervisor(s)
Evaluator(s)

16. The Researcher
Discuss with your supervisor what supervision and work schedule is good for you and them.
Discuss the topic and timetable with the supervisor
Stick with the schedule and don’t disappear from the supervisor’s radar
Keep systematic records of work
Submit written material with enough time for the supervisor to read it.

17. The Researcher
Discuss the final submission details with the supervisor
Don’t ignore criticisms or guidance from the supervisor
Make sure you don’t do anything illegal
Remember you are the driver
Let the supervisor know of any problems
Do your best.

18. The Supervisor
Know the rules and standards of the organization regarding research
Make sure the supervisees know the rules and standards
Discuss dates and work schedules
Give needed guidance
Continuously update skill set
Schedule regular meetings

19. Typical Evaluation Criteria
Does the title correspond well to the contents?
Does the abstract give a complete and correct picture of the contents?
Can the abstract be understood without reading the paper?
Does the introduction explain clearly what the investigated problem is?
Does the introduction give a complete and brief overview of the whole project?

20. Evaluation Criteria Continued
Are the conclusions reasonable?
Are the arguments scientifically valid or are the too hypothetical?
Is the summary well written?

21. Evaluation Criteria Continued
Are there sources cited which are not referenced?
Are there sources referenced but not cited?
Are citations placed in the text in a reasonable way?
Has the relevant literature been covered?