Research Methods and Professional Practice
A comprehensive learning journey into scientific inquiry and ethical professional development
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Unit 1: Introduction to Research Methods – The Scientific Investigation and Ethics in Computing
This unit introduces the foundational concepts of research methods. It explores the scientific method, including inductive and deductive reasoning, and emphasizes the significance of ethics and professionalism in computing and research practice. Students also learn about the core purposes of research: to explore, describe, and explain phenomena.
e-Portfolio Activity: Collaborative Learning Discussion 1
Discussion Topic: Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct
e-Portfolio Activity: Reflective Activity 1 – Ethics in Computing in the Age of Generative AI
View Reflective Activity (PDF)
Unit 1 Seminar: Approved Literature Review Topics
Key Learning
- Differentiated between inductive and deductive reasoning in scientific inquiry.
- Explored the ethical dimensions and moral challenges of research in the age of AI.
- Understood the role of professional conduct in computing fields, referencing the BCS Code of Conduct.
- Identified the core purposes of research and the importance of asking “why?”
- Recognized the value of data protection, intellectual property, and accountability in research.
Unit 2: Research Questions, the Literature Review and the Research Proposal
This unit focuses on defining a clear research question, selecting a topic, and developing a strong research proposal. It also introduces the structure and purpose of a literature review as a foundation for contextualizing academic work. Learners examine rational and creative strategies for refining their research focus and building an informed and structured proposal.
e-Portfolio Activity: Literature Review and Research Proposal Outlines
Key Learning
- Examined how to choose and refine a research topic.
- Learned techniques to generate, critique, and reshape research questions.
- Understood the components of a complete and well-structured research proposal.
- Explored the role of literature reviews in highlighting theoretical and methodological gaps.
- Practiced literature searching, critical review, and clear academic presentation.
Unit 3: Methodology and Research Methods
This unit introduces the concept of research methodology, research design, and different types of research methods. It highlights underlying philosophical assumptions such as ontology, epistemology, and axiology that shape research choices. Students explore qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches and their associated tools for data collection.
Unit 3 Seminar: Peer Review Activity
This seminar focuses on LO3: "evaluate critically existing literature, research design and methodology for the chosen topic." Students are expected to source two research papers from a Computing topic of their choice (e.g., AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science) that use different research methods. The session involves discussing the alignment between each paper’s purpose, methodology, and data analysis strategy. Participants will reflect on the strengths, weaknesses, and possible improvements of the studies and present their findings in class.
Download My Seminar Response (PDF)
e-Portfolio Activity: Research Proposal Review
e-Portfolio Activity: Collaborative Learning Discussion 1
View Instructor Feedback (PDF)
Key Learning
- Distinguished between exploratory and conclusive (descriptive) research designs.
- Understood the philosophical assumptions behind methodology choices (ontology, epistemology, axiology).
- Explored the features and uses of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
- Identified appropriate data collection tools for each method, including surveys, interviews, and observations.
- Recognized the role of primary and secondary research in academic investigation.
Unit 4: Case Studies, Focus Groups and Observations
This unit presents qualitative data collection methods including case studies, focus groups, and both qualitative and quantitative observations. Students explore how to select participants, structure data collection, and ensure the validity of findings when using these tools. The strengths and limitations of each method are also discussed, along with considerations of when they can be used in quantitative research contexts.
Formative Activity: Literature Review Outline
This task supported reflection and planning for the development of your full literature review.
View Instructor Feedback (PDF)
Unit 4 Seminar: Case Study on Privacy
Key Learning
- Defined the structure and purpose of case studies in qualitative research.
- Explored how to conduct and moderate focus groups for rich, exploratory data.
- Distinguished between qualitative and quantitative observation methods.
- Assessed when and how to combine multiple data collection approaches.
- Recognized the challenges of generalizability and bias in qualitative designs.
Unit 5: Interviews, Survey Methods, and Questionnaire Design
This unit explores how to design and apply interview techniques, surveys, and questionnaires for research purposes. It emphasizes the distinction between questionnaires and surveys, outlines methods for gathering accurate responses, and introduces the use of pre- and post-testing to evaluate change.
e-Portfolio Activity: Reflective Activity 2
Case Study: Inappropriate Use of Surveys
View Reflective Case Study (PDF)
Wiki Activity: Designing Questionnaires
Key Learning
- Understood the difference between interviews, surveys, and questionnaires.
- Learned how question design impacts the type and quality of data collected.
- Explored techniques to improve survey logic, distribution, and analysis.
- Recognized when to use pre- and post-testing in research design.
- Developed ability to match data collection tools with research questions and goals.
Unit 6: Quantitative Methods - Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
This unit introduces the foundations of quantitative methods, focusing on how numerical data is collected, organized, and interpreted to examine relationships between variables. Emphasis is placed on understanding descriptive statistics, including graphical summaries and summary measures like location and spread.
Key Learning
- Understood the basic principles and purpose of quantitative research.
- Identified levels of measurement and the importance of selecting valid methods based on variable type.
- Explored descriptive statistical tools such as graphical representations and summary measures.
- Learned how to calculate and interpret measures of location (mean, median) and spread (range, standard deviation).
- Prepared for later application of inferential statistics and data visualization techniques.
Unit 7: Inferential Statistics and Hypothesis Testing
This unit builds on the foundations of quantitative research by introducing inferential statistics and hypothesis testing. It focuses on how researchers draw conclusions about a population based on data from a sample, and how probability is used to quantify uncertainty in these conclusions. The unit explores when to use estimation vs. hypothesis testing to make informed decisions.
Assessment: Hypothesis Testing Using Excel
Collaborative Learning Discussion 2
Discussion Topic: Case Study: Accuracy of Information – Initial Post
e-Portfolio Activity: Summary Measures Worksheet
Unit 7 Seminar: Inferential Statistics Workshop
Assessment: Literature Review and Instructor Feedback
Key Learning
- Defined the purpose of inferential statistics in research and decision-making.
- Applied basic probability principles to quantify uncertainty in data interpretation.
- Distinguished between population estimates and hypothesis testing methods.
- Identified appropriate hypothesis tests based on research design and variable types.
- Practiced using tools like Excel for hypothesis testing and reporting.
Unit 8: Data Analysis and Visualisation
This unit transitions from methodology to the data itself. Students will explore how to analyze and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data, and how to present those results effectively using visual tools and dashboards. Emphasis is placed on coding qualitative data, understanding the role of interpretation, and building dashboards to transform data into business intelligence.
e-Portfolio Assessment: Inference Worksheet
Assessment: Research Proposal Outline and Feedback
Unit 8 Seminar: Workshop on Presenting Results
Key Learning
- Understood distinctions between quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques.
- Explored methods for coding qualitative responses and managing interpretation bias.
- Recognized how data dashboards and visual tools enhance business intelligence.
- Examined how to select appropriate charts and graphs for different data types.
- Learned to align visualization techniques with audience and communication goals.
Unit 9: Validity and Generalisability in Research
This unit explores three essential dimensions of research quality: validity, generalisability, and reliability. These concepts guide research design, influence how data is interpreted, and impact the credibility of conclusions. Students also consider the differences between qualitative and quantitative data, data cleansing, and preparation for statistical analysis.
Formative Activities: Charts Worksheet and Analysis
e-Portfolio Activity: Collaborative Learning Discussion 2
Key Learning
- Defined the concepts of validity, reliability, and generalisability and their importance in research design.
- Distinguished between qualitative and quantitative data requirements for validity.
- Recognized the role of data validation and cleansing in statistical analysis.
- Explored strategies to present results clearly and appropriately to support research conclusions.
- Understood how poor reliability or lack of generalisability affects research credibility.
Unit 10: Research Writing
This unit introduces the importance and structure of research writing. It emphasizes the value of being able to communicate technical and research knowledge clearly and effectively—whether in dissertations, research proposals, or academic publications. Students will explore how to approach different sections of a dissertation and prepare for presenting their research in writing.
Assessment: Research Proposal Presentation and Feedback
Key Learning
- Recognized the role of research writing in technical and academic environments.
- Understood the structure and components of a full research dissertation.
- Learned how to prepare and organize content for academic writing.
- Connected research design, literature review, and methods to coherent reporting.
- Practiced presenting proposals in written form with constructive feedback.
Unit 11: Going Forward: Professional Development and Your e-Portfolio
This unit emphasizes the importance of professional development through reflective practice and the use of an e-Portfolio. Students are encouraged to consolidate their work into a showcase e-Portfolio that highlights skills gained throughout the program. Reflection on learning, completion of the professional skills matrix, and an action plan for continued growth are the focus areas. This unit also explores the relevance of CPD and industry certifications to long-term career goals.
Unit 11 Seminar: e-Portfolio Preparation
Key Learning
- Reflected on learning experiences across the program using the Learning Loop model.
- Completed a professional skills matrix to evaluate competencies and gaps.
- Developed a personalized action plan aligned with CPD (Continuous Professional Development) goals.
- Understood how to design and publish a professional e-Portfolio for showcasing development.
- Identified relevant industry certifications to support ongoing skill enhancement.
Unit 12: Project Management and Managing Risk
This unit introduces the principles of project management and risk control, especially as they apply to computing-related projects. It covers project life cycles, methodologies, and the challenges of maintaining control over evolving project scopes. Emphasis is placed on how to evaluate risks, apply change management processes, and maintain quality and performance throughout the project timeline.
Formative Assessment: Self-Test Quiz
Key Learning
- Defined core principles of project management within computing and IT environments.
- Recognized the variability of project environments and the need for adaptive methodologies.
- Learned how to assess and manage risk through planning, metrics, and change control processes.
- Explored how to monitor project performance using relevant tools and techniques.
- Understood the relationship between risk, constraints, and opportunity in real-world project scenarios.
Reflection and Professional Skills Matrix (PDP)
This section contains the final reflective piece summarizing the learning journey throughout the module using Rolfe et al.'s model (What? So What? Now What?).
Final Reflection
Professional Skills Matrix (PDP)
| Skill | Evidence from Module | Planned Development |
|---|---|---|
| Time Management | Weekly submissions, structured seminar responses, meeting proposal deadlines | Continue using weekly planners for research and future coursework |
| Critical Thinking | Collaborative Discussions 1 & 2; Case study analyses; Literature critique | Engage with complex AI ethical debates and refine analysis skills |
| Quantitative Analysis | Units 6–9: Excel worksheets, Hypothesis Testing, Inference activities | Gain Power BI certification and explore SPSS or Jamovi |
| Communication | Unit 10 Presentation, Reflective writing, Proposal submission | Improve presentation design and clarity in academic writing |
| Digital Literacy | GitHub Pages e-portfolio, Excel, online research databases | Learn advanced data visualization techniques |
| Ethical Awareness | Unit 1 & Reflective Activity on AI Ethics; BCS Code of Conduct | Mentor peers in responsible research practices |
| Research Design | Literature Review Outline, Proposal Development, Peer Review Task | Submit research proposal to conference or journal |
Reading list
Unit 1
Ethics Governance Development: The Case of the Menlo Report
What are Ethics in AI?
Unit 2
How to Write a Literature Review: Six Steps to Get You from Start to Finish
Methods for Literature Reviews - Chapter 9
Unit 3
Introduction to Research Methods and Methodologies
Research Methods for Business Students – Chapter 5
Unit 4
Case Study Research in Software Engineering
Unit 5
Analyzing Qualitative Data
Unit 6
Basic Business Statistics: Concepts and Applications – Chapter 2
Unit 7
Basic Business Statistics: Concepts and Applications – Chapter 10
Unit 8
What Is a Data Dashboard | Microsoft Power BI
Unit 10
Using Digital Media in the Classroom as Writing Platforms for Multimodal Authoring, Publishing, and Reflecting
Unit 11
Personal SWOT Analysis - Making the Most of Your Talents and Opportunities
Unit 12
All About Project Management