IT-403 Research Methods Course Outline PDF

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University of Gujrat Department of Information Technology Course Code: Course Title: Credit Hours: Lecture Duration: Text Books:

IT-403 Research Methodologies 3 1.5 hours 

Trochim, William M. The Research Methods Knowledge Base, Latest Edition. Online edition available at http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/

Reference Books:



Notes and Handouts Provided During Lectures

Instructor:

Dr. Fiaz Majeed [email protected]

Course Description: This course involves a series of modules aimed at introducing students to academic research, as well as various research methodologies. One of the main objectives is to develop students understanding of the research process so that they are able to apply this to the design of a research project of their own, and the writing of a research proposal setting out their project.

Course Objectives:

Providing basic research and working skills, facilitating a smoother transition to graduate studies and research. The course spans multiple elements including time management, writing and presentation skills, and general considerations for experiment design and planning.  Introduce basic concepts in research methodology  Study research methodology for computer science

Course Outcomes:

Upon completing this course, students should be able to:  Understand how to access books and journal articles using on-line electronic library catalogues and electronic journal article databases  Understand strengths and weaknesses of different research methods and when it is and is not appropriate to use specific methods  Be able to design a research project using appropriate multiple research methods  Be able to design and apply different methodologies to collect data and analyze results  Be able to write scientific papers  Be able to critically review scientific papers  Be able to present scientific papers

Class Policies:      

Attendance for lectures is compulsory. Attendance for less than 70% of the lectures will result in students being barred from taking the Final Exam. If you are absent from the lecture due to: Sickness – Medical Certificate is required, in case of emergency – letter of guardian is required. There will be no makeup quiz. There will be no makeup midterm now on. Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will be penalized accordingly. There will be 4-7 assignments besides on class exercises. Assignments need to be submitted before the deadline. If you have questions or doubts contact us in our offices during visiting hours or use our email address.

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Course Schedule: Week 01

Topics description Course Introduction:        

02

Class Activity: Read and summarize a document Quiz#1

Literature Search Searching Cycle Digital Library Information Sources Make bibliography cards Searching efficiently on WWW Record and refine

Class Activity: Explain summarized document

Scope of the Literature Review Sections of a Research Paper How to read a paper

Class Activity: Review a Research Paper Assignment 2: Search at least 2 Conference Papers and 3 Journal Papers

Writing-up       

07

Research idea to research question Research Problem and Designing Theory building Concept of Originality Peer Review Finding and choosing your supervisor

Reading and reviewing literature     

06

Class Activity: Plan a research thesis

Searching        

05

Project Work Structure Project Planning General Project Management Model Project Planning Techniques Activity Network Diagram Managing time

Basics of Doing Research        

04

Assignment 1: Decide on project domain

Manage the project       

03

Course Policies/Overview/Course Contents/Course Objectives Introduction Significance of research Motivations of studying Research Methodology Scientific Method of Problem Solving Research Model Student Project Work Structure

Writing a paper Writing thesis Grammar, punctuation and spelling Using tables, diagrams and other illustrations Whom am I writing for? How to argue and criticize

Class Activity: Write Introduction and Abstract

Referencing  

Different reference styles

Quiz 2

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Research Ethics      

Professional Ethics & Research Ethics Computer Ethics Computer Related Risks Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

Class Activity: Practice References Styles and Using in Text Assignment 3: Submit Review of the Literature

09

Mid Term Exam

10

Deciding on methods      

11

Case study Experiments Mathematical Methods Simulation Statistical Analysis

Class Activity: Practice of choosing an appropriate research method

Gathering and Analyzing data          

12

Surveys Interviews Focus Groups Observations Tests Working with Documents Content Analysis Quantitative Data Analysis

Class Activity: Exercise on Data Gathering Quiz 3

Proposal Writing  

13

How to write a research proposal Things to consider in a research proposal

Discussion on review paper   

14

Technical aspects Quality

Assignment 4: Submit review paper

Defense    

15

Purpose of Defense Role of Viva Standard practice Approaches to the Viva

Presentations 

16

Quiz 4

Presentations

Final Examination Grading Policy: 1

Assignments

10%

2

Quizzes

5%

3 3

Presentations Mid term

10% 25%

4

Final Exam

50%

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Important notes: 4-5 numbers of quizzes will take place in the class to measure the learning progress of the students. These quizzes will be announced or unannounced. Plagiarism Policy: During this course a strict no tolerance plagiarism policy will be adopted. While collaboration in this course is highly encouraged, you must ensure that you do claim other people’s work/idea as your own. Plagiarism occurs when the words, ideas, assertion, theories, figures, images, programming code of others is presented as your own work. Failing to comply with plagiarism policy will lead to strict penalties including zero marks in assignments. _______________________________________________________________________________________

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