Research Methods and Professional Practice
🎯 Module Overview
This module enabled me to:
- Acquire the ability to study and reflect on key principles and methods in research based on the scientific method, applicable across multiple disciplines.
- Examine various research strategies and designs suitable for different project contexts.
- Develop research competencies, particularly in collecting and analysing diverse data types to design, conduct, and evaluate independent research critically.
- Take a reflective and independent approach to the learning process, enhancing professional and academic growth.
📚 Table of Contents
- Unit 1: Introduction to Research Methods — The Scientific Investigation and Ethics in Computing
- Unit 2: Research Questions, the Literature Review and the Research Proposal
- Unit 3: Methodology and Research Methods
- Unit 4: Case Studies, Focus Groups and Observations
- Unit 5: Interviews, Survey Methods, and Questionnaire Design
- Unit 6: Quantitative Methods — Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- Unit 7: Inferential Statistics and Hypothesis Testing
- Unit 8: Data Analysis and Visualisation
- Unit 9: Validity and Generalisability in Research
- Unit 10: Research Writing
- Unit 11: Going Forward — Professional Development and Your e-Portfolio
- Unit 12: Project Management and Managing Risk
Unit 1: Introduction to Research Methods. The Scientific Investigation and Ethics in Computing
Key Concepts:
- The purpose and objectives of research (exploration, description, explanation)
- The scientific method: observation, hypothesis, reasoning, testing
- Deductive and inductive reasoning
- Ethics and professionalism in research
- The Menlo Report principles and BCS Code of Conduct
Reflections:
This unit introduced the foundations of research methods and their importance in computing. I learned that research serves three main purposes, to explore, to describe, and to explain (QuestionPro, 2021). The scientific method, which involves observation, hypothesis, reasoning, and testing, remains the cornerstone of credible investigation (Anderson and Hepburn, 2020).
Through practical examples, I developed a clearer understanding of deductive and inductive reasoning. Deduction moves from theory to observation, whereas induction starts from observation and builds toward theory. Recognising when to apply each approach enhances both logical problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Ethics emerged as a vital theme in this unit. The Menlo Report outlines four principles — Respect, Beneficence, Justice, and Respect for Law and Public Interest — that guide ethical research (Finn and Shilton, 2023). These principles are directly relevant to computing, especially in the age of artificial intelligence and data-driven systems, where privacy, consent, and accountability are key (Deckard, 2023). Understanding and applying ethical frameworks, including the BCS Code of Conduct, ensures professionalism and integrity in research practice.
This unit laid the groundwork for ethical and methodical research design. It has reinforced my appreciation of the balance between innovation, responsibility, and professional accountability in the computing field.
Related Work:
- 📄 Unit 1 Forum Post - Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct
- 📄 Reflective Activity 1 – Ethics in Computing in the age of Generative AI
Unit 2: Research Questions, the Literature Review and the Research Proposal
Key Concepts:
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Reflections:
Related Work: 📄
Unit 3: Methodology and Research Methods
Key Concepts:
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Unit 4: Case Studies, Focus Groups and Observations
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Unit 5: Interviews, Survey Methods, and Questionnaire Design
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Unit 6: Quantitative Methods - Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
Key Concepts:
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Unit 7: Inferential Statistics and Hypothesis Testing
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Unit 8: Data Analysis and Visualisation
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Unit 9: Validity and Generalisability in Research
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Unit 10: Research Writing
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Unit 11: Going Forward: Professional Development and Your e-Portfolio
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Unit 12: Project Management and Managing Risk
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🏁 Summary of Achievements
✅ Completed module units demonstrating an understanding of cloud principles
💬 Contributed actively to student forums
🧠 Gained practical and theoretical understanding of cloud architecture, security, and emerging technologies
🗂 Built and maintained a structured ePortfolio with critical reflections and artefacts
📚 References
Anderson, H. and Hepburn, B. (2020) ‘Scientific Method’, in Zalta, E. (ed.) The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2020 edition). Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University.
Deckard, R. (2023) What Are Ethics in AI. Available at: https://www.bcs.org/articles-opinion-and-research/what-are-ethics-in-ai/ (Accessed: 27 October 2025)
Finn, M. and Shilton, K. (2023) ‘Ethics governance development: The case of the Menlo Report’, Social Studies of Science, 53(3), pp. 315–340. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/03063127231151708
QuestionPro (2021) What is research? Available at: https://www.questionpro.com/ (Accessed: 27 October 2025).