Introduction to research methodology and research methods in Computer Science: experimental, quantitative, qualitative and development research. The course will cover topics such as development of relevant research questions, exploration to scientific inquiry in Computer Science, and the challenges and opportunities of multidisciplinary research. Introduction to research ethics and writing scientific reports. The course includes modules for different areas of Computer Science.
After the course, the students
- are familiar with a scientific research process in Computer Science
- are aware and appreciate different research methods in Computer Science
- are capable of identifying assumptions, limitations and premises of different research approaches and methods
- are aware of the ethical aspects of research designs and dissemination mechanism in Computer Science.
The course is an advanced level (e.g. master level) Computer Science course. The course is specifically aimed to following student groups:
- IMPIT and CIMET students
- students studying in the IT teacher/Technologies for Development and Education master degree studies
- Computer Science master students who wish to include the course as a part of the selective advanced studies in Computer Science
- doctoral students at the School of Computing
The course consits of five study modules
- Module 1: Introduction to Scientific Research in Computer Science
- Module 2: Quantitative Research Methods in Computer Science
- surveys
- controlled experiments
- statistical methods
- Module 3: Research Methods in Algotithmic Computer Science
- analytic-deductive methods: role of abstraction and deduction, focal algorithmic issues: correctness and compextity, classical examples of deductive tools
- experimental methods: principles of good experimental research, guidelines for experimental algorithmics, examples of algorithm experimentation
- Module 4: Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research in Computer Science
- case studies
- ethnography
- phenomenography
- grouded theory
- narrative research
- Module 5: Family of Design and Development Research Methods
- action research
- design research
- constructive (formative) research
The Moodle platform, http://moodle.uef.fi/uef/login/index.php of UEF will be used during the course. The exact address of the course is http://moodle.uef.fi/course/view.php?id=973. The Moodle will include course exercises, learning materials and tools for communication. The course exercises will also be submitted and graded via the Moodle.
Teachers: Markku Tukainen, Pekka Kilpeläinen and Jarkko Suhonen. Course assistants: Minnamari Naumanen and Amit Roy
Lectures: 24 h, starting from Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 10-12 (week 36)
- Lecture days: Wednesdays, 10-12 and Thursdays, 10-12
- Place: Room TB106 in Joensuu and MT3 in Kuopio. The lecturers are broadcased between the two campus.
Exercise sessions: 8 h of exercises, starting from week 37
- Exercise days: Fridays, 12-14
- Place: Room TB180 in Joensuu and MT3 in Kuopio. The exercises are hosted in Joensuu and it will be possible to participate online from Kuopio.
The course consists of a set of exercises that are distributed to the Study Modules 1-2 and 4.5. The exercises will be submitted via the Moodle environment. Details about the exercise sessions will be given in the beginning of the course.
Topic Schedule Teacher Module 1: Introduction to Scientific Research in Computer Science week 36, 2*2h of lectures Markku Tukiainen Module 2: Quantitative Research Methods in Computer Science week 37 and week 38, 4*2h of lectures Markku Tukiainen Module 3: Research Methods in Algotithmic Computer Science week 39, 2*2h of lectures Pekka Kilpeläinen Module 4: Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research in Computer Science week 40, 2*2h of lectures Jarkko Suhonen Module 5: Family of Design and Development Research Methods week 41, 2*2h of lectures Jarkko Suhonen
Topic Schedule Teacher Module 1: Introduction to Scientific Research in Computer Science week 37, September 17, 12-14. Minnamari Naumanen, Amit Roy Module 2: Quantitative Research Methods in Computer Science week 39, October 1, 12-14. Minnamari Naumanen, Amit Roy Module 4: Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research in Computer Science week 41, October 15, 12-14. Minnamari Naumanen, Amit Roy Module 5: Family of Design and Development Research Methods week 42, October 22, 12-14. Minnamari Naumanen, Amit Roy
More information about the evaluation will be given in the beginning of the course.
Sign up for the course via the Weboodi system (Code: 3621513, Name of the course in weboodi: (JOENSUU): Tietojenkäsittelytieteen tutkimusmenetelmät.). The deadline for registaration is Tuesday, September 7 at 16:00.
Online learning materials, lecture notes. Literature: Fincher & Petre (2004) Computer Science Education Research; Olivier (2009) Information Technology Research; Creswell (2003) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2nd. Ed.); Yin (1994) Case Study Research; Design and Methods (2nd Ed.).
Jarkko Suhonen firstname.lastname@uef.fi
Last updated: September 3, 2010