Research Methods for Part 2
Informatics
Full Study Notes and Exam Guide
Prepared for: Charmaine
1. Introduction to Research Methods
Research Methods is a core component of Informatics studies, equipping students with the
skills to plan, conduct, analyze, and report scientific investigations. In Informatics, research
often focuses on topics like data analysis, information systems, artificial intelligence,
software engineering, and human-computer interaction. This module helps students
develop a structured and ethical approach to solving real-world computing problems
through systematic inquiry.
2. Types of Research
There are several types of research relevant to Informatics. Understanding them helps you
choose the right design for your project:
• Quantitative Research – Focuses on numerical data, statistical analysis, and measurable
variables (e.g., system performance analysis).
• Qualitative Research – Explores experiences, opinions, or behaviors (e.g., usability studies,
interviews).
• Basic vs. Applied Research – Basic research seeks new knowledge, while applied research
solves practical problems.
• Descriptive, Analytical, Experimental – Used to describe, analyze, or test hypotheses in
various contexts.
3. Research Problem and Research Questions
A research problem is the foundation of any study. It defines what needs investigation and
why. A good problem should be clear, researchable, and significant. Research questions or
hypotheses are derived from the problem and guide the entire process.
SMART criteria for a good research question:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound
4. Research Process
The research process in Informatics follows a logical sequence of steps:
1. Identify the problem
2. Review related literature
3. Define objectives or hypotheses
4. Design the methodology
5. Collect data
6. Analyze data
7. Interpret results
8. Report and present findings.
5. Literature Review
A literature review summarizes previous research to provide context and identify
knowledge gaps. It should critically analyze studies related to your topic, showing how your
work fits into existing knowledge. Always use credible academic sources and cite properly
to avoid plagiarism.
6. Research Design and Methodology
Research design refers to the plan for collecting and analyzing data. Common designs in
Informatics include case studies, experiments, and surveys.
Data Collection Methods:
• Questionnaires
• Interviews
• Observations
• Document or system log analysis
Sampling Techniques:
• Probability sampling – random, stratified, systematic
• Non-probability sampling – convenience, purposive, snowball
7. Data Analysis
Data analysis transforms raw data into meaningful insights.
• Quantitative data – Analyzed using statistics (mean, correlation, regression).
• Qualitative data – Analyzed through thematic coding and content analysis.
In Informatics, tools like Excel, SPSS, R, Python, or NVivo are commonly used.
8. Ethical Considerations
Ethical research ensures that participants’ rights and data integrity are respected. Key
principles include informed consent, confidentiality, voluntary participation, and honesty in
data reporting. Ethics approval may be required for studies involving human participants.
9. Research Proposal Writing
A research proposal outlines your plan before conducting the study. It typically includes:
• Title
• Background/Introduction
• Problem Statement
• Research Objectives or Questions
• Literature Review
• Methodology
• Ethical Considerations
• References
10. Research Report Writing
A completed research report presents the entire research process and findings. Its structure
often includes:
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Methodology
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion
• References.
11. Informatics-Specific Focus
Informatics research applies methods to study computing-related problems. Examples
include:
• Evaluating AI algorithms for accuracy and fairness.
• Assessing usability of mobile applications.
• Investigating data privacy in healthcare information systems.
• Exploring machine learning models for predictive analytics.
12. Exam Focus and Practice Questions
Below are typical exam-style questions to help you prepare:
1. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research methods in Informatics.
2. Explain the stages of the research process with examples.
3. Discuss the importance of ethics in computing-related research.
4. Outline the components of a research proposal.
5. Describe two methods of data collection and their advantages.
6. Explain how a literature review helps in identifying research gaps.
7. Distinguish between probability and non-probability sampling techniques.
8. Explain how data analysis is performed in qualitative research.