CS 322: Methods of Research - Course Overview

• CS 322 is a learning module in Methods of Research
• Credit Units: 3
• Semester: 2nd Semester A.Y. 2022-2023
• Prerequisite: Third Year Standing
• Number of Hours: 3 lecture hours per week (3 contact hours/week)
• Instructor: Alma Mae B. Auxtero, at Bohol Island State University – Candijay Campus

Course Overview

• CS 322 Methods of Research is a professional course in the BS in Computer Science program at BISU.
• It involves applying knowledge in different computer science areas.
• Students will engage in readings and paper writing before choosing a research problem.
• Prior knowledge of algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and database design is beneficial.
• The course requires proposing a computer science-related research problem in presentation and paper form by semester's end.

Unit 1: Research and Design

Unit Overview

• The unit defines research, its purpose, characteristics, types, and methods.
• It distinguishes research from design.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Define research concerning its goals and purpose.
• Classify and differentiate types of research.
• Demonstrate the characteristics of a good research problem and design.
• Differentiate research from design.

The Meaning of Research

• Research is a systematic technique employing specialized tools to solve problems effectively.
• Research involves systematic investigation to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
• The word "research" means to search again to find new solutions to problems.

Purpose of Research (Good & Scates)

• To serve man
• To provide good life
• To improve man's judgments
• To add man's power
• To reduce the burden of work/relieve suffering

Characteristics of Research

• Empirical: Based on direct experience or observation.
• Logical: Based on valid procedures and principles for reliable conclusions.
• Cyclical: Starts with a problem, leads to findings/conclusions, and identifies new study subjects which repeats the process.
• Analytical: Uses proven analytical procedures for data gathering (historical, descriptive, experimental, or case study).
• Replicability: Designs and procedures are replicated to enable valid conclusions.
• Critical: Exhibits careful and precise judgments with a high confidence level.

Types of Research

• Pure Research: Discovers basic truths/principles, expands knowledge without practical application in mind.
• Applied Research: Seeks new scientific knowledge applications to solve a problem.
• Action Research: Decision-oriented, focusing on immediate application to improve existing practices.

Examples of Research Types

• Applied Research Example: Visual Room Scheduler using Artificial Intelligence.
• Action Research Example: Effects of educational technology on pupils.
• Pure Research Example: Newton's Law.

Research Methods

• Research methodology defines research activity, how to measure progress, and what constitutes success
• Four research methods include:
• Descriptive Research: describes, records, analyzes and interprets phenomena
• Historical Research: collects data about past events, and makes critical inquiry into the truth of events
• Experimental Research: Uses a problem-solving approach by controlling or manipulating certain variables
• Ex Post Facto Research: investigates a problem in retrospect, and seeks to know the antecedents that gave rise to consequences
• Case Study Research: is a systematic inquiry into an event or a set of related events which aims to describe and explain the phenomenon of interest

Research vs. Design

• Research is investigating systematically to make new conclusions and establish facts meant to understand the world.
• Design is creating the form and function of something, meant to improve our experience on earth (or in space) and to change the world.
• Research explains why things happen; design makes things happen.

Elements of a Good Research Problem

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Time-bound

Research vs. Design Characteristics

• Research: It must be new; it does not have to be good
• Design: It does NOT need to be new; it has to be good
• Research does not have to be good, but it must be new
• Design does not have to be new, but it must be good
• Research is done to understand the world; design is done to change the world.