Hilcoe School of Computer Science and Technology

HILCoE School of Computer Science and Technology

Course Code: CS601 Term: Course Title: Research Methods for Computer Science Instructor (s): Temtim Asefa

I. Course Description

This course introduces students with the basic concept and principles of research methods. It discusses the different research approaches that are used in computer and software engineering research. The course is intended to develop the knowledge and skills of students to undertake independent research work to solve societal problems and contribute new knowledge to their discipline. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussion, class presentation and project work to develop practical and communication skills in research methods.

II. Course objectives

At the end of the course, students will acquire knowledge and skills in

 What research is  Characteristics of quality research  Types of research  Formulating researchable research problems  Basic stages and components of the research process  Different research approaches  Data collection and analysis techniques  Review of scientific research articles  Research proposal development  Research ethics

 Research communication through class discussion and presentation

1 III. Contents

1. Overview of research:

 key concepts (theory, constructs, variables/indicators, knowledge, hypothesis, etc), purposes of research, types of research and approaches in research; research topics in computer science, research and projects (Week 1 -3)

2. Research Process

 research problems, review of related literature, research questions, hypothesis, research objectives, research gap (Weeks 4 & 5)

3. Research proposal:

 purpose and contents (Week 6)

4. Research design:

 Concept, purposes, and types

5. Article Review and Presentation

 Students select, review and present a published journal article

6. Qualitative Research Approach

 Purpose, main features, types of qualitative research methods, data sources, data collection methods, data analysis techniques

7. Design Science Research Approach

8. Quantitative Research Approach

9. Validity and reliability in Research

 Purpose, concept of validity, validity testing techniques, concept of reliability, reliability testing techniques

2 10. Research Ethics and Communication

 Purpose, DOs and Do not DOs in Research

 Research reporting format (guidelines, reference style, etc)

 Publication outlets

11. Students’ project presentation

 Students write a proposal and present in the class

IV. Instructional Strategy

The course will be delivered through lectures, demonstration, student presentations, group discussions, and group project works.

V. Assessment:

Students will be evaluated through Article Review (10%), Assignment in Statistics (20%), Research Proposal (20%), Presentation and Final Exam (50%)

Scale of grades: A 85 and above B+ >=80 and <85

B >=70 and <80

C+ >=65 and <70

C >=60 and <65

VI. References

1. Gray, David E. 2004. Doing Research in the Real World. London: Sage

2. Kothari, C.R. 2004. Research Methodology: Methods & Techniques. Second edition. New Delhi: New Age International

3. Leedy, Paul D. and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod. 2007. Practical Research: Planning and Design, Seventh Edition. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall

3 4. Saunders, Mark, Philip Lewis, & Adrian Thornhill.2009. Research methods for business students. Fifth edition. Harlow: Prentice-Hall

Additional reading list (students have to acquire the books themselves)

5. Neuman, Laurence W. Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Sixth ed. New York: Pearson Education

6. Oates, Briony J.2005.Researching Information Systems and Computing. London: SAGE