Research Methods

Code:

PDMD017

Acronym:

MI

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Communication Sciences

Instance: 2013/2014 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle.fe.up.pt/1213/course/view.php?id=97
Responsible unit:	Department of Informatics Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Doctoral Program in Digital Media

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
PDMD	11	Syllabus since 2009/2010	1	-	7,5	42	202,5

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

 This course has two main goals:

 

1. Use research methodologies in order to solve scientific problems:

• Become aware of the several composing parts of a research academic assignment.
• Characterize research according to method and purpose.
• Know techniques and tools of data collection.
• Know techniques of data analysis.
• Know strategies for an accurate selection of bibliography sources.
• Get in contact with good-practice research and critically analyse research projects.

2. Prepare a dissertation proposal:

• Know research related to the several specialized areas of the Doctoral Program in Digital Media
• Develop a bibliographical revision about a specific scientific theme.
• Plan a research project.
• Boost the ability of oral presentation of ideas, with clarity and accuracy.

 

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of this course the students should be able to do:

• The methodological design and elaboration of research projects.
• Elaborate scientific papers, dissertations and theses.

One expects, in particular, that the students are able to elaborate their thesis proposal with particular focus on structuring the methodological component of it.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1-      Introduction to research

2-      Ethics in research

3-      Basic structure of a research project

4-      Research characterization concerning the method: qualitative and quantitative

5-      Research classification concerning the purpose: basic research, apllied research, evaluation research, research and development and research-action

6-      Method combination: exploratory studies and methodological triangulation

7-      Research related to the several specialized areas of the Doctoral Program in Digital Media.

8-      Strategies for an accurate selection of bibliography sources

9-      Techniques and tools of data collection

10-   Techniques of data analysis

11-   Basic mechanisms of academic writing

Mandatory literature

Gay; L. R., Mills, G & Airasian, P.; Educacional Research: competencies for analysis and applications, 2011

Comments from the literature

The recommended bibliography description may be found at the subject's Moodle page.

Teaching methods and learning activities

• Classes with theoretical component and problem based learning component (PBL) and group dynamics.


• Guest talks in thematic accordance with the curricular unit's programme.


• Assignment presentation by the students.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	5,00
Teste	15,00
Trabalho escrito	80,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

2/3 attendance rate. Some absences may be compensated with virtual participations.

Calculation formula of final grade

Evaluation will comprehend formative and continuous components, mixing flexible parameters with more “conventional” ones, such as a test. There will be self-evaluation and hetero-evaluation moments at the developed assignment presentations. The subject teachers will arbitrate, moderate and guarantee good judgement and transparency. In every case, the students activities are typically marked by four criteria:

a) Scientific accuracy.
b) Creativity/originality.
c) Clarity.
d) Commitment/presentation.

In addition to the tasks, a relatively short theoretical test will take place with a group of open questions (the student chooses two in three). On a 0 to 20 scale, the final grade will be as according:

A-    Formative, continuous evaluation
B-    Evaluation of the completed tasks: I) – bibliographic revision assignment; II)  - methodological exploration, III) - thesis proposal (with particular focus on methodological component).
C-    Final written test.

Distribution:
A-    5%
B-    80% (I- 20% + II - 30% + III - 30%)
C-    15%

Each students' final grade will be: 0,05 X A + 0,8 X B + 0,15 x C

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

As per the ones described in FEUP. Exceptions may be considered in each case.

Classification improvement

No final exam. The final grade improvement will have to be a submitted research proposal presentation, with theme and structure to be discussed with the course teachers.