Research Methods and Professional Practice

Module Overview

This module provides a practical foundation in research methods for conducting research in computing and information systems. The coursework covers essential tools and techniques for academic investigation, offering continuous feedback through case studies, collaborative discussions, and project tasks. Key focus areas include legal, social, ethical, and professional issues applicable to computing projects, alongside relevant codes of practice.

The module emphasizes the scientific method and research practicalities across various organizational contexts. Through critical analysis of research methodology principles, students synthesize knowledge gained throughout their programme while developing competencies in data collection, analysis, and research design. Assessment includes case studies, milestone evaluations, and maintenance of a comprehensive e-Portfolio demonstrating abilities and reflections.

Module Aims

Study and reflect on key principles and methods in research based on the scientific method relevant to various disciplines
Examine various research strategies and designs applicable to computing projects
Develop research competencies relating to collection and analysis of data types for critical design and evaluation of independent research
Foster a reflective and independent approach to the learning process

Learning Outcomes

Appraise the professional, legal, social, cultural and ethical issues that affect computing professionals
Appraise the principles of academic investigation, applying them to research topics in the computing field
Evaluate critically existing literature, research design and methodology, including data analysis processes
Produce and evaluate critically a research proposal for the chosen topic

Projects

Literature Review Cloud Security Risk Literature Review Unit 7

Systematic literature review examining cloud security risks, threat landscapes, and mitigation strategies in modern cloud computing environments.

Research Proposal Cloud Security Research Proposal Presentation Unit 10

Comprehensive research proposal presentation on cloud security risks, including methodology, literature review, and proposed research approach with presentation transcript.

Collaborative Discussions

Collaborative Discussion 1 Ethics in Computing: Malware Disruption Case Units 1-3

Critical analysis of ethical dilemmas through the ACM Malware Disruption case study, examining conflicts between professional codes of conduct and immediate action to protect the public.

Collaborative Discussion 2 Data Ethics and Research Integrity Units 7-9

Case study analysis examining ethical challenges in data analysis, data dredging, p-hacking, and the tension between commercial interests and research integrity.

e-Portfolio Activities

Reflective Activity Ethics in Computing Unit 1

Reflective analysis of ethical considerations in computing research and professional practice.

e-Portfolio Activity Research Proposal Review Unit 3

Critical review and refinement of research proposal with peer feedback integration.

Reflective Activity Inappropriate Use of Surveys Unit 5

Critical analysis of ethical violations in survey research through case studies including Cambridge Analytica and other data misuse incidents.

Wiki Activity Questionnaire Design Critique Unit 6

Critical analysis of the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire, examining design strengths and limitations with evidence based recommendations.

Seminar Workshop Inferential Statistics Workshop Unit 7

Hypothesis testing and summary measures analysis including diet effectiveness, brand preferences, filtration agents, and bank cardholder income studies.

e-Portfolio Activity Charts Example Worksheet Unit 8

Data visualization techniques using bar charts and histograms for brand preferences, ecological data, and weight loss distribution analysis.

Final Evaluation & Reflective Analysis

e-Portfolio Evaluation Unit by Unit Analysis, Evaluation & Skill Development Units 1-12

Comprehensive unit by unit learning journey, literature review and research proposal evaluation with tutor feedback, professional skills matrix, SWOT analysis, and action plan.

Final Reflection Research Methods Module Reflection Unit 12

Comprehensive reflection using Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, analyzing key learnings, challenges, and professional development with ASTAM framework implementation.