MScSED Thesis Workshop: Introduction June 12 th, 2015

What is a Thesis? The word “thesis” is used in a variety of ways. It is an investigation supported by research. Investigation? You need a research question (to investigate) Research? You need to gather results in an organised way to: answer that question reach conclusions showing how something can be applied or used again

1. Idea paper 2. Thesis Statement 3. Secondary research 4. Research Methodology 5. Thesis proposal How do I write a thesis?

What is it? A short (approx. 1 page) description of the area you would like to research & A thesis advisor from the list of available thesis advisors 1. Idea paper: Note: Sample idea papers on Student Launchpad

Thesis Idea Paper? (1/2) Think about: your general areas of interest your job a community or non-profit organisation Are you interested in any of those areas? If so, is it possible to gather information and conduct research in that area?

Thesis Idea Paper? (2/2) Think about: the areas that thesis advisors are interested in assignments that captured your interest on modules to-date university websites, conference proceedings (e.g. IEEE, ACM) read papers – use search facilities in online Library databases e.g. Google Scholar

Any ideas for your thesis?

Role of Thesis Advisor Consult that person throughout thesis Essential to get in contact and stay in contact

Date for Thesis Idea Paper Submit to Majella: September 18 th, 2015 Before that: Contact chosen advisor Work on thesis idea with advisor (applying their feedback) Other checks e.g. if work-related, has your employer agreed that you can research this topic?

2. Thesis Statement What is it? Every thesis begins with a thesis statement e.g. a research question. It is a succinct statement or question describing the area that your thesis will investigate. It makes an assertion about an IT topic. In your thesis, you will prove/disprove your thesis statement.

A Good Thesis Statement … …makes an argumentative assertion about an (IT-related) topic. It: identifies the purpose and scope of your thesis is clear, succinct and unambiguous is focused and specific enough to prove/disprove is defensible Work on this in MCT624

Secondary Research The summary, collation and/or synthesis of existing research. What does that mean? Read widely on your area of interest: What information already exists in the area? What research has already been done? What types of questions are being asked/answered about the topic? Focus your idea

Why Secondary Research? These sources are the body of literature you will use to support, reinforce and defend your thesis.  Literature Review or Annotated Bibliography Is this research necessary? Yes Literature Review (or Annotated Bibliography) must be approved before Thesis Module 2 (MCT626)

Read Actively When reading papers or evaluating software, ask yourself: if it relates to other work in the field what the author accomplished in his/her work how the author gathered conclusions what would build on this work can you cross-reference this to other readings can you learn/use this work as a basis for your work? Learn from the writing style!

The Value of References … When you find a paper that’s very relevant to your research  read references carefully Finished secondary research? Full circle? Same references over and over? Preserved Octopus in JarPreserved Octopus in Jar by Curious Expeditions is licensed under CC BY 2.0Curious ExpeditionsCC BY 2.0

4. Research Methodology These are the various methods, approaches and data collection techniques used to prove/disprove your thesis statement.  Quantitative: collect facts & study relationships  Qualitative: seek insight rather than statistics  Design Science or Constructive: build something and test it

The Research Method for you? Must be relevant to your thesis statement  what form will your investigation take?  what form will the proof take? a.k.a. Primary Research

Research Method Approaches  Case study: study a problem over a limited time-scale or limited scope  Survey: study of patterns and comparisons in collected data  Experiment: study of measurable phenomena Data collection techniques:  Participant observation (e.g. Interviews)  Documentary evidence (e.g. system logging)  Surveys

Important: Research Methods If your research involves interviews, surveys, or questionnaires … Only use people over 18 Come to us for more advice on ethics e.g. disclaimers stating purpose of interview If you need to gather information on younger people, consider alternatives e.g. can you ask their teachers for feedback?

Research Stages Secondary Review broad area of interest Propose solution(s) to problem(s) Specific (Primary research) Test your proposed solutions using case study/survey/ experiments General (Contextualise your work) Extrapolate your findings out to the general case. Essential.

MCT624: Thesis Proposal Towards the end of the first Thesis module, you will write a thesis proposal. It contains: i.Thesis statement ii.Scope of the thesis iii.Significance of Study (i.e. the need for it) iv.Research Methodologies (you plan to use) v.Completion or success criteria vi.Project plan Get sign-off from advisor

Contact your Advisor Regularly This is absolutely essential! Build a relationship. Don’t wait to last minute. They are there to help. They are happy to help … but you need to ask for help. Know that you are adding to their research!

In Summary You must demonstrate topical knowledge, critical thinking, and great communication skills Qualities of an excellent thesis: Relevant and focused Thorough, critical use of a range of literature Structured argument Well-written thesis, clearly presentation Show your own work, in context, with relevant, current developments in IT

Some Important Dates Sept. 18 th 2015 Thesis Idea Paper F8W1 or F8W2, 2015 Thesis Fundamentals module (MCT 624) F8W2 - Sp8W1, 2016 Literature Review Sp8W Thesis module (MCT 626) Su8W Thesis Write-Up August TBC, 2015 Submit!

Notes Is your research manageable? It’s okay to draw positive and/or negative lessons from research Your question must be clear … if you don’t know what you’re asking, you won’t get the right answer! Your research-aim must have value