RESEARCH WORKSHOP Department of Computer Science and Informatics University of the Free State (Qwa-Qwa Campus)

- Olivier, M.S. 2004. Information Technology Research. Third edition. Van Schaik, Pretoria. - Beelders, T.R. An introductory guide to Human-Computer Interaction Research. University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

Contents (Olivier) 1. Solving a problem - PB 2. Designing your project - PB 3. Formalities, psychology, ethics, philosophy - PB 4. The research process - PB 5. Project Management - PB 6. Getting information - PB 7 - 10. Models, Prototypes, Algorithms,Mathematical proofs – Leave out 11. Experiments - TB 12. Surveys - TB 13. Statistics - PB 14 - 15. Case studies & Arguments – Leave out 16. Qualitative research - PB 17 - 19. Reporting, submitting and presenting - PB

Chapter 1: Solving the problem 1.1 Research defined 1.2 Rational problem solving 1.3 Doing it well 1.4 How difficult can it be? 1.5 What is not research? 1.6 Conclusion

1.1 Research defined An investigation to discover facts It is not essential that it must be “new” knowledge, but it makes no sense to “discover” facts that is easily accessible Three strategies Compile information on a topic and arrange into coherent body of knowledge Solve a problem for which no known solution exists Look with new eyes at existing knowledge. (Find a better solution than an existing one)

1.2 Rational problem solving Fig 1.1 in Olivier Identify a research area that interests you Collect as much as possible information Describe a problem in this area that needs research Consider solutions and evaluate them Select the better solutions and report findings NB: Problem solving is iterative

1.3 Doing it well For strategy 1: Comprehensive coverage and coherent integration For strategies 2 & 3: Quality of research depends on difficulty of problem and beauty of solution (simplicity, originality & generality) NB: Program as a solution is seldomly accepted as research.

1.4 How difficult can it be? Finding a solution to a problem that has never before been solved sounds intimidating. Not so: New developments may open the doors to solve problems in a not-so-difficult way. In fact, you only have to be the first to see the opportunity and go for it. Carpe Diem! Get to know the field that you are interested in In applied research the problem may be so specific that no one else has considered it before.

1.5 What is not research? Software development is an engineering process. Reports on observations without answering questions in so doing. Mere presenting of an answer. Presentation should be clear, simple to understand, arguing that it is indeed better than previous solutions and presenting all the relevant evidence, e.g. experiments, surveys, mathematical proofs, scientific material previously published, etc.

1.6 Conclusion Research is about discovering knowledge that can be relied on and convinces others that it can be relied on. Research findings must be communicated to some audience

Workshop Distinguish between Discuss: Beelders, p5, no 3. Research area Research problem Research question Hypothesis Refer to Beelders Chapters 2 & 3 Discuss: Beelders, p5, no 3. Choose a research area/problem/question for yourself. Where will you go to find background information in this area and the specific problem?