KABALE UNIVERSITY

Course Name: Research Methods in Computing MCS7105 /MIT7102/MIS 7106

Programme: MCS/MIT/MIS
Year of Study: 1
Coursework 1
LECT: Dr. Ssemaluulu
REG NO: 2024/A/MCS/4121/W

Answer ALL Questions

Question 1

Research is said to be a systematic enquiry, which is reported in a form that allows the
research methods and outcomes to be accessible to others.

With this in mind, using a well labeled diagram, discuss differing approaches to research

[25 Marks]

Question 1: Using the illustration of an anion for Approaches to Research below

Research Philosophy

The term research philosophy refers to a system of beliefs and assumptions about the
Development of knowledge.
Considering three types of research assumptions to distinguish research philosophies: ontology,
epistemology and axiology.
Ontology refers to assumptions about the nature of reality OR study of being (what is)

Logic - the study of valid reasoning (how to reason)

Ethics – the study of right and wrong (how we should act)

Epistemology- study of knowledge (how we know) Or concerns assumptions about knowledge,

what constitutes acceptable, valid and legitimate knowledge, and how we can communicate
knowledge to others
Axiology refers to the role of values and ethics within the research process. This incorporates
questions about how we, as researchers, deal with both our own values and those of our research
participants.
Objectivism incorporates the assumptions of the natural sciences, arguing that the social reality
that we research is external to us and others
Subjectivism incorporates assumptions of the arts and humanities asserting that social reality is
made from the perceptions and consequent actions of social actors

Choosing a Research Approach

Interpretivism
Interpretivism, like critical realism, it is developed as a critique of positivism but from a
subjectivist perspective. Interpretivism emphasizes that humans are different from physical
phenomena because they create meanings. Interpretivists study these meanings.
A deductive approach?

You develop a theory and design a strategy to test hypotheses. Its close ally to the philosophy of
positivism. It’s a scientific approach.
It’s a top down approach

An inductive approach?

You collect data and develop a theory as a result of your data analysis .its close ally to the
philosophy of phenomenology. With induction – theory follows data.
 Combining Research Approaches

It may be advantageous to combine methods. If there is a wealth of material from which.it is

easy to define a hypothesis

the choice is the deductive approach. If the field is new and you need to generate data and
reflect on the themes, the choice is inductive.

Combining research approaches integrates both quantitative and qualitative research methods. It

is used when a research question cannot be answered by using only one type of data. You need to
plan a survey and learn software to analyse quantitative data. A high response rate to a q’aire is not
guaranteed. But the computer crunches in seconds or less! .Inductive work can be labour
intensive, too. It may take time for themes and theories to emerge. No guarantees that patterns
will emerge.

Research Strategy

A research strategy is a general plan of how you will go about answering your research
question(s).

a. Quantitative research focuses on numeri cal data and statistical analysis. It

aims to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data that
can be transformed into usable statistics.
b. Experiment is a method of gathering information and data on a subject through
observation in controlled settings.

c. Survey is a collection of information in standardised form from samples of

known populations to create quantifiable data with regard to a number of
variables from which correlations and possible causations can be established.
Allied to the deductive approach; Are economical but you need time to design
and pilot the questionnaire; Often involve q’aires but can also involve structured
observation.

d. Qualitative research focuses on exploring phenomena through non-numerical

data. It aims to provide insights and understanding of the underlying reasons,
opinions, and motivations.

e. Case study is a detailed study of a specific subject in its real-world context. It can focus on
a person, group, event or organization.

f. Grounded theory is an inductive approach in which a theory is developed based

on data. This is the opposite of the traditional hypothesis-deductive research
approaches where hypotheses are formulated and are then tried to be proved or
disproved.

g. Ethnography it is firmly rooted in the inductive approach. Developed out of

field work in anthropology. Purpose is to interpret the world the way the ‘locals’
interpret it’s time consuming. Linked to participant observation.

h. Action research is a research method that aims to simultaneously investigate and

solve an issue. In other words, as its name suggests, action research conducts research
and takes action at the same time.
 i. Exploratory, descriptive portray an accurate profile of persons, events, or
situations. It can be an extension of exploratory research. Can Have a clear
picture of the phenomenon prior to

j. Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of

interest, in an established systematic fashion that enables one to answer stated research
questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes.

k. Explanatory studies find out what is happening? Seek new insights; Ask
questions; Assess phenomena in a new light.

b) Time horizons

We consider Cross-sectional and longitudinal in the first case here We Collect data at only
one time point and in Longitudinal Studies we Collects data at a number of time points.

Data collection
2) To give the guidelines of a winning literature review we need first understand what a
literature review is. Therefore,

A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources that provides an overview of a particular

topic. Literature reviews are a collection of the most relevant and significant publications
regarding that topic in order to provide a comprehensive look at what has been said on the topic
and by whom.

The purpose of a literature review is to provide a review of writings on the given topic in order to
establish the reviewer’s own position in the existing field of scholarship on that topic. And here
are the guidelines for writing a winning literature review: [1]

1. Define the Scope of Your Review

a) Determine the Topic: Clearly define the topic or research question you will be reviewing.
This will guide the selection of relevant literature.
b) Set Boundaries: Decide on the time frame, geographical area, and specific themes or
concepts that are relevant to your research.
2. Search for Relevant Literature

a) Identify Sources: Use academic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, IEEE Xplore,
and others to find relevant articles, books, and conference papers.
b) Use Keywords: Develop a list of keywords related to your topic and use them
systematically in your search.
3. Organize the Literature

a) Categorize Sources: Group the literature into themes, methodologies, or chronological

order. This helps in organizing your review coherently.
b) Create a Matrix: Use a literature matrix or table to summarize key points, methodologies,
findings, and gaps identified in each source.[2]
4. Critically Analyse the Literature

a) Evaluate Sources: Assess the quality, reliability, and relevance of each source. Identify
any biases, strengths, and weaknesses.
b) Identify Gaps: Highlight areas where the literature is lacking, inconsistent, or where
further research is needed.
5. Structure Your Review

a) Introduction: Begin with an introduction that outlines the purpose of the literature review,
its scope, and its relevance to your research.
b) Body: Present the literature thematically, methodologically, or chronologically,
depending on the organization that best suits your topic.
Conclusion: Summarize the main findings, discuss the gaps identified, and explain how your
research will address these gaps.

6. Synthesize Information

a) Link Studies: Connect different studies and show how they relate to one another. Discuss
trends, patterns, and the evolution of ideas in the literature.
b) Develop a Narrative: Create a coherent narrative that leads logically from one source to
the next, demonstrating the development of the research field.
7. Cite Sources Appropriately

a) Follow Citation Style: Use the required citation style (e.g., APA, IEEE) consistently
throughout your literature review.
b) Use In-text Citations: Properly cite all sources of information, theories, and ideas within
the text to avoid plagiarism.
8. Revise and Edit
 a) Proofread: Carefully proofread your review for grammatical errors, typos, and clarity.
b) Seek Feedback: Get feedback from peers, mentors, or advisors and make necessary
revisions to improve the quality of your review.
9. Integrate Your Research

a) Relate to Your Study: Clearly show how the literature review supports and justifies your
research question and methodology.
b) Identify Contributions: Highlight how your research will contribute to the existing body
of knowledge.
10. Maintain Objectivity

a) Be Neutral: Present an unbiased analysis of the literature. Avoid letting your personal
opinions twist the interpretation of the studies.

Instructions:
1. Hand in this coursework 3 Weeks from the time you get this coursework to your
Coordinator
2. It should be clearly labeled: Research Methods in Computing Coursework-For the
attention of Dr. Ssemaluulu
3. The file should bear your name and Registration Number.

References
[1] “GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A LITERATURE REVIEW What is a literature
review?,” Learn. Serv., vol. 1, no. 18, pp. 55–59, 2016, [Online]. Available:
www.aana.com.
[2] F. S. Downs, “Handbook of Research Methodology,” Dimens. Crit. Care Nurs., vol. 9, no.
1, p. 60, 1990, doi: 10.1097/00003465-199001000-00018.