Research Methods

Recommended Prerequisites

English (B1 level).

Teaching Methods

Module I covers aspects of philosophy of science of, research methods and ethics, and it is presented

The contents are taught mainly as lectures, including the discussion of relevant case-studies, production, communication and critical . The assessment consists of an examination (30%) and two projects (about module II and III) with a deliverable and discussion (35% each).

Learning Outcomes

The curricular unit aims to develop competencies for the critical appraisal and production of scientific research based on quantitative and qualitative methods in the context of computer science.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I) Introduction
1. Science, technology and research
2. Research methods in computer science
3. Integrity and conduct
II) Quntitative research methods
1. Modelling
2. Formal methods
3. Experimental methods
4. Computer simulation
III) Qualitative methods
1. Design of a qualitative study
2. Qualitative approaches
3. Collection, analysis, validation and assessment in qualitative research
4. Topics of Design Research and Action Research
5. Mixed models.

Head Lecturer(s)

Luís Filipe dos Santos Coelho Paquete

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 30.0%
Project: 70.0%

Bibliography

1)ESF and ALLEA,The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity,Strasbourg:Ireg, 2011

2)A.V.Aho and J. D.Ullman, Foundations of Computer Science,W.H.Freeman,1992

3)M.Kirby and G.Dangelmayr, Mathematical Modeling:A Comprehensive Introduction, in preparation(draft)

4)R.Sheldon,Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists,Academic Press,2009

5)P.Cohen, Empirical Methods for Artificial Intelligence,MIT Press,1995

6)T.Bartz-Beielstein,M. Chiarandini,L.Paquete, and M.Preuss,Experimental Methods for the Analysis of Opt2imization Algorithms, Springer,2010

7)K. Dooley(2002),Simulation research methods,in Companion to Organizations, Joel Baum(ed.),London:Blackwell,p. 829-848,2002

8)John W.Crewell(2012)Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design:Choosing Among Five Approaches,SAGE Publications,Mar 14, 2012

9)John W.Crewell(2014).A Concise Introduction to Mixed Methods Research,SAGE Publications,Apr 22, 2014

10) Selected papers exemplifying quantitative and qualitative research studies