CSC 310: Research Methodology and Report Writing

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. distinguish qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and their
applications
2. identify and define a research problem in a given area
3. identify different methods of data collection and select the methods
appropriate to a given situation
4. design and conduct simple research including analysis and interpretation
of research results
5. document research problem, methodology all the way to research report
writing
6. defend the written research report
7. familiarize themselves with ethical issues in the conduct of research

Course Contents
Foundations of Research. Types of Research. Research Approaches.
Significance of Research. Research Methods versus Methodology. Research
Process. Criteria and Strategy for Good Research. Problems Encountered by
Researchers in Nigeria. Principles of Scientific Research. Scientific
investigation. Problem formulation. Definition and Technique of the
Research Problem. Selection of Appropriate Method for Data Collection-
Primary Data and Secondary Data. Guidelines for Constructing
Questionnaire/Schedule. Guidelines for Successful Interviewing. Difference
between Survey and Experiment. Developing Research Proposal and
Research Plan. Formulation of working hypothesis and Testing. Literature
review. Procedure for reviewing related relevant studies and referencing
cited works.

Types of Reports. Technical Report Writing. Layout and mechanics of

writing a Research Report. Standard Techniques for Research
Documentation. Sampling Design. Different Types of Sample Designs. Steps
in Sampling Design. Criteria of Selecting a Sampling Procedure. Methods of
analysis. Processing and Analysis of Data Elements/Types of Analysis.
Interpretation and Presentation of results. How to prepare References and
Bibliography.

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Course Notes on Research Methodology
1. Foundations of Research
Definition: Research is a systematic and organized effort to investigate a
specific question or problem. It seeks to generate new knowledge or validate
existing theories.
Example: Investigating the causes of low internet penetration in rural
Nigeria.
Key aspects of foundational research:
 Systematic: Planned and follows specific steps.
 Objective: Free from bias and based on facts.
 Reproducible: Results can be verified by others.

2. Definition of Research in Computer Science:

Research in computer science involves the systematic investigation, exploration, and analysis of
problems and questions within the field. It aims to advance knowledge, develop innovative
solutions, and contribute to the understanding of various aspects of Computer Science, including
algorithms, software development, hardware design, artificial intelligence, and more. Research in
computer science can be theoretical, experimental, or applied in nature.
3. Importance of Research in Computer Science:
Innovation and Advancement: Research drives innovation by fostering the development of new
technologies, algorithms, and methodologies, pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible
in Computer Science.
i. Problem Solving: It addresses real-world problems and challenges, providing solutions and
improvements that can be applied in various industries and sectors.
ii. Knowledge Expansion: Research expands the existing body of knowledge in Computer
Science, contributing to a deeper understanding of fundamental principles and opening new
avenues for exploration.
iii. Quality Improvement: Through rigorous analysis and evaluation, research helps improve
the quality and efficiency of computer systems, software, and processes.
iv. Technology Evolution: It plays a crucial role in shaping the evolution of technology, ensuring
that computer science remains dynamic and adaptive to changing needs and demands.
v. Academic Progress: Research is fundamental to academic progress in Computer Science. It
enriches educational programs, curriculum, and fosters a culture of continuous learning.
vi. Economic Impact: Many breakthroughs in computer science research lead to the
development of products and services, contributing to economic growth and the creation of
job opportunities.
vii. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Computer science research often involves collaboration
with other disciplines, fostering cross-disciplinary innovations and solutions.
viii. Scientific Rigor: Research in computer science adheres to rigorous scientific methods,
promoting accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility in findings.

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 ix. Addressing Ethical and Social Implications: As technology becomes more pervasive,
research in Computer Science plays a vital role in identifying and addressing ethical and
societal implications, ensuring responsible development and deployment of technology.
x. In summary, research in Computer Science is essential for the continuous advancement of
the field, addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and contributing to the betterment of
society as a whole.

3. Research Approaches
 Deductive Approach: Starts with a theory or hypothesis and tests it.
Example: Hypothesis: Faster internet speeds increase customer satisfaction.
 Inductive Approach: Observes patterns to form a theory.
Example: Analyzing customer feedback to identify emerging telecom trends.
 Pragmatic Approach: Combines methods to best address the research
problem.
Example: Using surveys (quantitative) and interviews (qualitative) to study
user experience.
4. Significance of Research
Research drives progress by addressing critical societal, technological, or scientific
issues.
Example: Research on renewable energy solutions to address Nigeria’s
power challenges.
Significance includes:
 Informed decision-making for policy or business.
 Improved innovation and efficiency.
 Contributions to scientific knowledge.
5. Research Methods vs. Methodology
Research Methods: Techniques used to collect and analyze data (e.g.,
surveys, experiments).
Example: Using interviews to collect feedback on telecom services.
Methodology: The philosophy behind the methods chosen.
Example: Choosing surveys because they best represent a large population's
opinions.
6. Research Process
Steps to conduct research systematically:
1. Define the problem: What is the research question?
Example: Why is mobile network coverage poor in rural areas?

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 2. Literature review: What is already known? What is existing, works others
have done concerning your chosen topic if available?
3. Formulate a hypothesis: A testable prediction.
Example: Increasing the number of telecom towers will improve network
coverage.
4. Choose methods: How to collect data.
5. Collect data: Surveys, observations, or experiments.
6. Analyze and interpret: Use statistical tools to derive insights.
7. Report findings: Share results with stakeholders.
7. Criteria and Strategy for Good Research
Good research is:
 Relevant: Addresses important issues.
 Reliable: Produces consistent results.
 Valid: Measures what it intends to.
 Ethical: Respects participants’ rights.
Example: Ensuring confidentiality when collecting customer feedback.

8. Problems Encountered by Researchers in Nigeria

1. Limited Funding: Research is often underfunded.
2. Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of reliable internet or power supply.
3. Data Collection Issues: Difficulty reaching rural populations.
4. Bureaucratic Hurdles: Delays in obtaining permissions.
5. Literature Access: Limited access to up-to-date journals or books.
Example: A researcher in Nigeria may struggle to collect data due to poor road
networks.
9. Principles of Scientific Research
 Empiricism: Based on observable evidence.
Example: Using surveys to study customer satisfaction.
 Replicability: Others can repeat the study.
Example: Sharing methodologies so other researchers can validate findings.
 Falsifiability: Hypotheses can be proven wrong.
Example: Testing whether increased data plans reduce customer complaints.

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10. Scientific Investigation
 Problem Formulation: Clearly define what you want to study.
Example: Investigating why broadband adoption is slow.
11. Research Problem Definition and Techniques
 Techniques include:
o Reviewing literature to identify gaps.

o Consulting experts for insights.

Example: Identifying that affordability is a barrier to broadband
access.

12. Data Collection Methods

 Primary Data: Collected directly.
Example: Conducting interviews with telecom customers.
 Secondary Data: Existing data.
Example: Analyzing reports from telecom companies.
13. Guidelines for Constructing Questionnaires/Schedules
 Use simple, clear language.
 Avoid leading or ambiguous questions.
 Pilot-test the questionnaire for reliability.
Example: Asking, "How satisfied are you with your telecom service?" on a 5-point
scale.
14. Guidelines for Successful Interviewing
 Build rapport and set a comfortable tone.
 Use open-ended questions.
 Avoid leading or judgmental comments.
Example: Asking, "What challenges do you face with your telecom service?"

15. Difference Between Surveys and Experiments

 Surveys: Collect data across a population.
Example: Surveying 1,000 customers about service satisfaction.
 Experiments: Test hypotheses under controlled conditions.
Example: Testing whether adding more bandwidth reduces customer
complaints.

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16. Developing Research Proposal and Plan
 Proposal Components: Objectives, methods, timeline, and budget.
Example: Proposing a study on the impact of 5G adoption on internet speed.
 Research Plan: A detailed roadmap.
17. Formulation and Testing of Hypotheses
 Hypothesis: A statement to test.
Example: Customers using higher data plans are more satisfied.
 Testing involves data collection and statistical analysis.
18. Literature Review
 Purpose: To identify gaps and provide context for the study.
Example: Reviewing studies on mobile data usage in Nigeria.
19. Referencing Cited Works
 Use consistent formats like APA or MLA.
Example: (Smith, 2023).
 Ensure accuracy to credit original authors.