Methodologies for Computer Science Research

Ian Sanders (sandeid@unisa.ac.za)

May 15, 2019

Overview

I Background
I What is research?
I What is research in Computer Science?
I What are research methodologies?
I What methodologies are appropriate for Computer Science?
I Examples
Background

I IS and CS are “different” (although there can be overlap)

I IS students are expected to produce a thesis (or dissertation)
with a “research methodology” chapter
I Very few CS theses/dissertations contain such a chapter
I Sometimes the methodology is implict
I Sometimes it is just missing
I CS students and supervisors often do not know how to deal
this even if they want to
I Examiners and reviewers seem to be requiring explicit research
methodologies more often
I Ethical clearance is becoming increasingly important and a
description of the methodology to be used is required
What is research?

I Answering of what, why and how questions

I Research is a careful and detailed study into a specific
problem, concern, or issue using the scientific method
I Research is the systematic investigation into and study of
materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach
new conclusions
I Generally, research is the organised and systematic method of
finding answers to questions
I systematic because it is a process broken up into clear steps
that lead to conclusions
I organised because there is a planned structure or method used
to reach the conclusion
I it is only successful if we find answers
What is research in Computer Science?

I Answering of what, why and how questions in the field of

computer science
I Research in Computer Science is a careful and detailed study
into a specific problem, concern, or issue using the scientific
method.
Research Methodology

I Philosophical worldview
I Research Design
I Research Method
Research Methodologies for Computer Science

I Philosophical worldview
I Post Postitivist – believe that a reality exists, like positivists
do, though they hold that it can be known only imperfectly
I Pragamatist – instead of focusing on methods, the emphasis is
on the research problem and all approaches available to
understand the problem can be used.
I Research Design
I Empirical (experimental, statistical modelling, design science
research)
I Non Empirical (algorithms, model building, theory building,
mathematical proof)
I Research Method
I Qualitative
I Quantitative
I Theoretical (argumentation, prototype, simulation)
Examples

I What is the computational complexity of the Axial Line

Placement problem?
I What is the methodology?
Examples

I How can algorithm X be made more efficient?

I What is the methodology?
Examples

I How can networks in small enterprises be made more secure?

I What is the methodology?
Examples

I Why is X better than Y?

I What is the methodology?
Finally

Discussion
Questions