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

2. - Olivier, M.S 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

3. 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
Models, Prototypes, Algorithms,Mathematical proofs – Leave out
11. Experiments - TB
12. Surveys - TB
13. Statistics - PB
Case studies & Arguments – Leave out
16. Qualitative research - PB
Reporting, submitting and presenting - PB

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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?