Research Methods in Computing

and Technology
CT098-3.5-2

Formulating Research Questions

Topic and structure of the lesson

Introduction
What are research questions

Importance of research questions

What is good research question?
Examples

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Slide 2 (of 20)

Introduction
Research Questions
A research question is a formal statement of
the goal of a study.
The research question states clearly what the
study will investigate or attempt to prove.
The research question is a logical statement
that progresses from what is known or
believed to be true (as determined by the
literature review) to that is unknown and
requires validation.
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Importance of Research Question

Defines the
Investigation

What
How

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

Set Boundaries

Provides Direction

TO DO OR NOT TO
DO
TO ASK OR NOT TO
ASK
NOW OR LATER

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Goal
Objectives

What is a good research

question?
Relevant
Manageable in terms of research and your
own academic abilities
Substantial and with original dimensions
Consistent with requirements of the
assessment
Clear and simple
Interesting
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Example
Title : NMS in UCTI
Research Questions:
Domain
Assess the size and growth rate of the network in UCTI
Compare various network monitoring systems which have
been successfully implemented to determine the
components that proved to be essential

Technical
Determine the most effective method of testing a network
monitoring system
Identify the various criterion for selecting a suitable
development tool in developing a network monitoring system
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Example
Title : RFID Staff Attendance System
Research Questions:
Domain
Determine the process involved in attendance taking of the
staff within the organisation
Identify the reports required by the various stakeholders of
the system e.g. departments

Technical
Identify the hardware - tags and readers - that will be
required for RFID Staff Attendance System
Discuss the benefits of implementing RFID Staff Attendance
System
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Example
Title : File Analysis and Event Logging System
Research Questions:
Domain
Determine the information necessary in conducting a file
analysis
Describe the reports that will be generated for the file
analysis in terms of content, structure, readership and its us
in the decision making process
Determine the approaches used in log file analysis

Technical
Determine a couple of data structures and algorithms for the
implementation of file analysis
Identify the methods used in testing the log file analysis
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Review Questions
What is the main goal of ethics in
Research?
What are the rights of subjects /
participants involved in research?
Identify some actions which constitute
academic fraud.

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Question and Answer Session

Q&A
CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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Quick Review Question

Write the aim and objectives of your
research

CT098-3.5-2 Research Methods in Computing & Technology

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