A MINI-PROJECT with items weighted as follow:
REPORT of 4000 words (90%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
PRESENTATION of 15 minutes (10%) (Learning Outcomes 3, 5)
The presentation will be to lecturing staff and a group of peers. All students will be expected to give critical feedback and this will form part of their assessment criteria.
The Mini-project Report will define the aim, objectives and deliverables of a small research project and describe critically the methodological and ethical issues involved). The report will include an appropriate research programme, outline literature survey and project plan and will provide a narrative of the conduct of the research, critically evaluating its findings and analysing the experience gained from it. (Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5);
The Mini-project Presentation will deliver a critical verbal narrative of the small research project using appropriate audio-visual aids and technology and questions and answers will follow to assess the project as a learning experience. (Learning Outcomes 3 and 5).

These learning strategies will occupy your time:
- There will be a heavy emphasis on independent learning as a facilitator of research, using appropriate technologies. The module may be delivered virtually individually or in classes;
- The learning materials on the VLE will include indicative subject 'keynotes' (including live and recorded lectures), guided reading and examples of research resources;
- The role of the tutor will be as a facilitator and advisor. The student is expected to manage his or her own research;
- The VLE will provide interaction between the tutor and student(s) and between students within a group through interactive forums.
Students will be encouraged to use this media where appropriate to develop discursive skills;
- The Report and Presentation may be submitted and delivered remotely using appropriate technology

Recommended texts:
Studying at a Distance: A Guide for Students (2nd Edition). Talbot, C.J. (2007) Open University Press. ISBN: 978-0335223695.

Developing Effective Research Proposals (2nd Ed.), Punch, K.F. (2006) Sage Publications, London. ISBN: 1412921260.

Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods. Brett Davies, M. (2007) Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN: 1403993793.

You will need access to these resources:
- Blackboard virtual learning environment;
- Access to Library Information Services e-Resources via Athens;
- Access to external library catalogues and websites;
- Academic search engine (e.g. Google Scholar);
- Skype or teleconferencing and video or podcast technology.

Satisfactory progress on a Postgraduate Award in Computing or Technology. For students on the Masters by Research (MRes) in Computing Science this is the first module in the programme of study. It may also be taken as an optional module by students on other research awards (e.g. PgCRM) by negotiation).

The module contains a critical introduction to postgraduate research skills such as literature research and analysis and reporting research findings. There is also a practical introduction to the nature of research and the reasons for undertaking research investigations, identifying and defining research questions and hypotheses. An examination of research methods is provided and quantitative and qualitative research methods are explored, including data collection techniques, sampling theory and survey methods. Data analysis techniques are examined, including types of data, the use of survey and experimental data and statistical analysis. Issues regarding the presentation and dissemination of research are explored critically. The specification and definition of research proposals are examined, as are techniques of research report writing, research management, compliance with research regulations and the supervisor's role. Ethical issues relating to the investigation, experimentation, industrial collaboration and publication of research findings are addressed.

1. Demonstrate a critical and practical understanding of the methods employed in research and understand the use of qualitative and quantitative analysis of material (e.g. through the use of statistical packages)
(ENQUIRY; KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING; LEARNING; PROBLEM SOLVING)

2. Select and apply appropriate research methods and techniques and formulate a research programme for a small research project.
(ANALYSIS; ENQUIRY; PROBLEM SOLVING; REFLECTION)

3. Critically evaluate and communicate the findings of a small research project using appropriate written and verbal communications skills.
(COMMUNICATION; ENQUIRY; REFLECTION)

4. Compare and critically evaluate research material from the literature for inclusion in a small research project.
(APPLICATION; ENQUIRY; REFLECTION)

5. Show an awareness of the ethical issues in research both in terms of data collection and the utilisation of such data.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING; LEARNING)

The Research Methods Module by Distance Learning provides you with basic research training and a good grounding in research methods and techniques. It will allow you to begin research and carry out basic research projects which can be developed in the future. In the module you will learn about the different approaches to research that are suitable for different topic areas and you will gain practice in selecting a suitable research approach on which to base a research design. You will learn the importance of ethics in research and how to design a research proposal that has a sound ethical basis. You will also carry out a critical analysis of a research problem or hypothesis and communicate the results in verbal and written form and carry out a critical literature review and design surveys and experiments in the form of a basic research proposal.