FIT5143 - IT research methods - 2019

The aim of this unit is to prepare Master of Philosophy students in the Faculty of IT to conduct research across the range of IT disciplines, including computer science, software engineering, information systems and information management.

It also provides PhD students with a foundation for their studies in FIT6021 Advanced IT research methods if they have not taken an equivalent unit in their previous studies.

It introduces students to major research philosophies and paradigms, the principles of research design, research ethics, research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to IT research and their disciplines, and IT research in research and industry settings.

Skills developed and knowledge acquired from this unit will prepare students to conduct and communicate their own research, as well as to be knowledgeable and critical interpreters of others' research.

At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. identify and explain major research philosophies and paradigms;
2. design rigorous and ethical Masters level research projects and develop project proposals;
3. evaluate and select research methods and techniques of data collection and analysis appropriate to particular research designs, projects and disciplines;
4. conduct ethical research;
5. communicate research findings in written and oral form in research and industry settings;
6. critically review research literature, research design and reported findings;
7. apply research skills to operate effectively as a member of a research project team.

In-semester assessment: 100%

Students will develop a portfolio of work linked to the workshops. It might include: critical reviews of research literature, design and findings; research proposals' workshop presentations; mini-research projects, practical exercises and quizzes relating to research design, methods and techniques; reflective blogs relating to the relevance of the workshops to their research thesis or project.

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Two 2-hour workshops
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

See also Unit timetable information