NDAA09017U Research Methods in Human-Centered Computing
The purpose of this course is to give participants knowledge
about core notions and methods in empirical research in
Human-Centered Computing. Participants will acquire an
understanding of how research is planned, conducted and analyzed.
In addition, participants will learn to critically assess results
and sources of bias/error in the research of others. After the
course, participants will be prepared for selecting and using
research methods in their own projects (for instance, in master
theses and written projects) and for reading and taking up results
from research papers.
Methods for empirically investigating human use and understanding
of information technology play at least two important roles in
computer science. First, empirical research methods have lead to
much of what we understand about use of information technology.
This includes insights from the fields of Human-Centered Computing,
Human-Computer Interaction, Software Engineering, and
Computer-Supported Cooperative Work. Second, many text books on
software engineering and information systems argue that empirical
research is a crucial component in developing useful and usable
information technology.
The aim of the course is to give participants practical and theoretical insight in research methods. The practical insight is obtained through compulsory assignments on planning or analysis of empirical research. The theoretical insight is obtained through studying a book and selected papers on research methods. The main focus of the course is on experiments with a research aim.
After the course participants will have knowledge about:
- Key notions in empirical research methods such as reliability, validity, hypotheses, statistical test, experiment, randomization, bias.
- Questions of particular relevance to Human-Centered Computing, including how usability is measured, typical validity concerns, interpretation of results, choice of research question
The participants will obtain skills in:
- Using and analyzing specific research methods such as observation, field studies, questionnaires, interviews, and experiments.
- Analyze empirical research, for instance, using descriptive and inferential statistics, qualitative data analysis.
The participants will have competence in:
- Discuss and analyze the tradeoffs in doing empirical research in human-centered computing.
- Select and justify the use of a particular research method for a particular research question.
Scientific papers and book chapters; the course material will be available on Absalon or handed out at lectures.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 27
- Practical exercises
- 116
- Preparation
- 63
- Total
- 206
As
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Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Continuous assessmentSeven compulsory assignments. Submission in Absalon.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- External censorship
- Re-exam
- Seven compulsory assignments with external grading on 7-point scale. The assignments will be comparable to those made during the course, but all will include new questions and discussion points.
Criteria for exam assesment
See learning outcome.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NDAA09017U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- C (Mon 13-17 + Wednes 8-17)
- Course capacity
- No limit
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Mathematics and Computer Science
Contracting department
- Department of Computer Science
Course responsibles
- Kasper Hornbæk (4-72687a6f476b7035727c356b72)
Lecturers
Andrea Corradini, external lecturer