Research Methods
and Technical
Writing
COMP 323/BICT 322 - January 2024
Module 1 - Introduction to Research Methods
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What is Research?
● Research is a systematic and organized process of inquiry that aims to
discover new knowledge, validate existing knowledge, or solve problems.
● It involves the systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and
presentation of data.
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Key Characteristics of Research:
● Systematic Approach: Research follows a structured and organized
approach, typically involving defined steps and methodologies.
● Objective Inquiry: The goal of research is to obtain objective and unbiased
information or insights.
● Critical Analysis: Researchers critically analyze data, theories, or existing
knowledge to draw meaningful conclusions.
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Key Characteristics of Research:
● Empirical Evidence: Research often relies on empirical evidence gathered
through observations, experiments, surveys, or other methods.
● Reproducibility: Good research should be replicable, allowing other
researchers to reproduce the study and validate its findings.
● Contribution to Knowledge: Research should contribute new information,
insights, or solutions to the existing body of knowledge.
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Research in Computing
● Research in computing is a dynamic and systematic process that extends
across a diverse spectrum of activities, ranging from theoretical explorations
to practical applications.
● At its core, research in computing is driven by the pursuit of new
knowledge, the establishment of facts, and the resolution of problems that
arise within the expansive realm of computing.
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Exploration of New Knowledge
● At the heart of computing research is the quest for understanding and
discovery.
● Researchers delve into uncharted territories, exploring novel concepts,
principles, and phenomena within the computing domain.
● This exploration often involves pushing the boundaries of existing
knowledge, seeking to uncover hidden patterns, relationships, and insights
that contribute to the intellectual growth of the field.
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Establishment of Facts
● Research in computing is committed to the rigorous establishment of facts.
● This involves a meticulous process of gathering, analyzing, and validating
information to ensure accuracy and reliability.
● Whether in theoretical or applied contexts, researchers aim to contribute
verifiable facts that strengthen the foundation of knowledge in computing.
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Solution of Problems
● A fundamental aspect of computing research is the identification and
resolution of problems.
● These problems can range from theoretical challenges to real-world issues
encountered in various applications.
● Researchers apply analytical, creative, and systematic approaches to
develop solutions, aiming to address current limitations, enhance existing
methodologies, or create entirely new paradigms.
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Solution of Problems - Examples
1. Algorithm Efficiency and Optimization:
● Problem: Inefficient algorithms.
● Research Solution: Development of efficient sorting algorithms and research
in algorithmic complexity.
2. Data Security and Privacy:
● Problem: Ensuring security and privacy of sensitive data.
● Research Solution: Advances in cryptographic techniques, like homomorphic
encryption and secure multi-party computation.
3. Machine Learning Bias and Fairness:
● Problem: Bias in machine learning models.
● Research Solution: Fairness-aware machine learning algorithms and
methodologies for bias assessment. 1-9
Solution of Problems - Examples
4. Natural Language Processing Challenges:
● Problem: Complex language understanding.
● Research Solution: Development of advanced NLP models (e.g., BERT,
GPT) for language translation and sentiment analysis.
5. Network Security and Cybersecurity:
● Problem: Cyber threats and security risks.
● Research Solution: Intrusion detection systems, threat intelligence
platforms, and machine learning-based security solutions.
6. Database Management and Scalability:
● Problem: Scalability issues in databases.
● Research Solution: Development of distributed databases, NoSQL
solutions, and cloud-based storage. 1-10
Solution of Problems - Examples
7. Human-Computer Interaction Challenges:
● Problem: Designing intuitive and accessible user interfaces.
● Research Solution: HCI principles, usability testing, and assistive
technologies.
8. Quantum Computing Error Correction:
● Problem: Quantum computing errors.
● Research Solution: Quantum error correction codes and fault-tolerant
quantum computing.
9. Health Informatics Challenges:
● Problem: Managing and analyzing healthcare data.
● Research Solution: Electronic health records, medical imaging algorithms,
and predictive analytics models. 1-11
Role in Technology Advancements
● The role of research in computing is pivotal to driving technological
advancements.
● It serves as the foundation for innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is
possible.
● Through research, we gain deeper insights into existing technologies,
discover new principles, and pave the way for groundbreaking
developments.
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Basic vs Applied Research
● Basic research in computing is focused on the fundamental exploration of
principles and theories.
● It aims to increase our understanding of the underlying concepts without an
immediate practical application.
● Examples include theoretical studies on algorithms or explorations of
fundamental computational models.
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Basic vs Applied Research
● Applied research, on the other hand, involves the practical application of
theories to solve specific problems.
● This type of research addresses immediate issues faced in the real world,
contributing directly to practical solutions.
● Examples include the development of algorithms for specific applications or
the creation of tools to address specific computing challenges.
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Identifying Research Problems and
Questions
● Understanding that the process of identifying research problems is iterative.
● It often begins with broad, overarching questions or issues,
● and through feedback, literature review, and ongoing exploration, these
problems are refined to become more specific and manageable.
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Characteristics of a Well-Defined Problem:
A well-defined research problem in computing exhibits several characteristics:
1. Clarity: The problem statement is clear and unambiguous.
2. Specificity: The problem is precisely defined, avoiding ambiguity or
vagueness.
3. Relevance: The problem is relevant to the field of computing.
4. Identifying Gaps in Existing Knowledge: A good research problem
addresses a gap or limitation in current knowledge.
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Examples - Xristics of a Well Defined Problem:
1. Clarity
- Characteristics: The problem statement is clear, concise, and easily
understandable.
Example in Computing:
- Unclear Problem: "Improve the system performance."
- Well-Defined Problem: "Optimize the runtime efficiency of a specific
sorting algorithm in a distributed computing environment."
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Examples - Xristics of a Well Defined Problem:
2. Specificity:
- Characteristics: The problem is well-defined and specific, leaving no room
for ambiguity.
Example in Computing:
Vague Problem: "Enhance user experience in a software application."
Well-Defined Problem: "Design an intuitive and user-friendly interface for a
mobile banking application, focusing on ease of navigation and accessibility for
visually impaired users."
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Examples - Xristics of a Well Defined Problem:
3. Relevance to the Field:
- Characteristics: The problem aligns with current trends, challenges, or gaps in
the field of computing.
Example in Computing:
- Irrelevant Problem: "Study the impact of ancient civilizations on modern
computing."
- Well-Defined Problem: "Investigate the security vulnerabilities in
blockchain-based smart contracts and propose mitigation strategies."
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Examples - Xristics of a Well Defined Problem:
4. Identifying Gaps in Existing Knowledge:
- Characteristics: The problem addresses a gap or limitation in the current
understanding or technology.
Example in Computing:
- Generic Problem: "Develop a new mobile app."
- Well-Defined Problem: "Identify and address security vulnerabilities
associated with the integration of third-party APIs in mobile app development."
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Example of a Well-Defined Research Problem
in Computing:
Research Problem:
"Explore the feasibility and performance implications of implementing a decentralized
consensus algorithm for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in smart home
environments."
1. Clarity:
- The problem statement is clear in specifying what the research aims to
investigate - the feasibility and performance implications of a decentralized
consensus algorithm.
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Example of a Well-Defined Research Problem
in Computing:
Research Problem:
"Explore the feasibility and performance implications of implementing a decentralized
consensus algorithm for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in smart home
environments."
2. Specificity:
- The problem is well-defined, focusing on a particular context (IoT devices),
issue (security), and solution approach (decentralized consensus algorithm).
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Example of a Well-Defined Research Problem
in Computing:
Research Problem:
"Explore the feasibility and performance implications of implementing a decentralized
consensus algorithm for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in smart home
environments."
3. Relevance to the Field:
- This problem aligns with current trends in computing, addressing the security
concerns associated with the increasing deployment of IoT devices in smart home
environments.
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Example of a Well-Defined Research Problem
in Computing:
Research Problem:
"Explore the feasibility and performance implications of implementing a decentralized
consensus algorithm for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in smart home
environments."
4. Identifying Gaps in Existing Knowledge:
- The problem identifies a gap in the existing knowledge regarding the
implementation of decentralized consensus algorithms for securing IoT devices,
emphasizing the need for exploration in this specific area.
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Understanding the Role of Objectives
Research objectives describe what the research project aims to accomplish
1. Guiding Principles for Research:
Objectives act as guiding principles that set the course for the entire research
endeavor. They articulate the specific aims and goals that the researcher intends
to accomplish during the study.
2. Providing Direction:
- Objectives provide a clear direction for the research. They outline the path the
researcher will take to address the identified problem and achieve the desired
outcomes. Without clear objectives, the research may lack focus and coherence.
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Understanding the Role of Objectives
3. Outlining Goals:
- Objectives specify the goals that the researcher aims to attain. These goals are
often framed in a way that aligns with the overall purpose of the study. For
instance, objectives could involve testing hypotheses, developing models, or
evaluating the effectiveness of a solution.
4. Enhancing Focus:
- By defining specific objectives, the researcher narrows down the scope of the
study. This enhances focus and helps in avoiding unnecessary diversions or
tangential explorations. Researchers can allocate resources and efforts more
efficiently when objectives are well-defined. 1-29
Understanding the Role of Objectives
5. Evaluating Success:
- Objectives play a crucial role in evaluating the success of the research. They
serve as benchmarks against which the researcher can measure the progress
made and determine whether the study has met its intended goals. Achieving
well-defined objectives indicates successful research.
6. Structuring Research Design:
- Objectives influence the design of the research study. They help determine the
type of data to be collected, the methods of analysis to be employed, and the
overall structure of the research process. A well-designed study aligns with its
objectives. 1-30
Understanding the Role of Objectives
7. Aiding Communication:
- Clearly stated objectives facilitate effective communication among
researchers, stakeholders, and other interested parties. They provide a common
understanding of what the research aims to accomplish and how it plans to
achieve those aims.
8. Adapting to Changes:
- Objectives are not rigid; they can be adapted or refined based on insights
gained during the research process. As the study unfolds, researchers may find it
necessary to adjust objectives to better align with emerging findings or
unexpected challenges. 1-31
Objectives Example
Research Problem:
*"Explore the feasibility and performance implications of implementing a decentralized
consensus algorithm for securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices in smart home
environments."*
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Objectives Example
Research Objectives:
1. Evaluate Existing Decentralized Consensus Algorithms:
- Objective: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing decentralized
consensus algorithms to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for
securing IoT devices in smart home environments.
2. Assess Feasibility in IoT Environments:
- Objective: Investigate the technical feasibility of implementing decentralized
consensus algorithms within the constraints of IoT devices, considering factors
such as computational resources, energy efficiency, and communication
overhead. 1-33
Objectives Example
3. Analyze Performance Implications:
- Objective: Evaluate the performance implications of implementing
decentralized consensus algorithms, focusing on factors like latency, throughput,
and scalability, in the context of diverse IoT devices and communication
protocols.
4. Address Security Considerations:
- Objective: Identify and analyze potential security risks associated with
implementing decentralized consensus in IoT environments. Propose strategies
and mechanisms to mitigate security threats and ensure the robustness of the
proposed solution. 1-34
Objectives Example
5. Explore Practical Implementation Challenges:
- Objective: Investigate practical challenges in implementing decentralized
consensus algorithms in real-world smart home environments, considering
factors such as network topology, device heterogeneity, and dynamic changes in
the IoT ecosystem.
6. Develop a Prototype System:
- Objective: Design and implement a prototype system that integrates a
selected decentralized consensus algorithm into a simulated smart home IoT
environment. The prototype should address identified challenges and provide a
platform for performance evaluation. 1-35
Objectives Example
7. Evaluate User Experience:
- Objective: Assess the impact of the decentralized consensus solution on the
user experience within a smart home setting. Consider user interactions,
responsiveness, and the overall usability of IoT devices integrated with the
proposed algorithm.
8. Provide Guidelines for Implementation:
- Objective: Formulate practical guidelines and recommendations for
implementing decentralized consensus algorithms in IoT environments. These
guidelines should assist developers, researchers, and industry practitioners in
adopting and adapting the proposed solution. 1-36
Objectives Example
These research objectives provide a clear roadmap for the study, outlining
specific tasks and goals that contribute to addressing the identified problem of
securing IoT devices in smart home environments through the implementation of
a decentralized consensus algorithm.
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