Methods for Software Engineering Research

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The goal is to introduce the participants to research methods, approaches and processes in software engineering (SE). In addition, the students practice formulating research questions and planning empirical studies. The course consists of two parts: sessions on which the selected methods for conducting SE research are introduced (systematic literature survey, design science, case study, action research) and study circle in which the concept of validity and SE research from methodological perspective are discussed in small groups based on the part of the course book and additional reading material. Course book: Shadish W. R., Cook T. D. and Campbell D.T.: Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Generalized Causal Inference. Wadsforth Cengage Learning, 2002. pp. 1­¿102. The learning on course is based on active participation to the course sessions and a Learning Portfolio into which the assigned tasks are completed. The learning portfolio will be evaluated. The course has no exam.
Vuosi Lukukausi Päivämäärä Periodi Kieli Vastuuhenkilö
2015 syksy 29.10-11.12. 2-2 Englanti Tomi Männistö

Luennot

Aika Huone Luennoija Päivämäärä
To 10-12 B222 Tomi Männistö 29.10.2015-11.12.2015
Pe 10-12 B222 Tomi Männistö 29.10.2015-11.12.2015

Information for international students

The goal is to introduce the participants to research methods, approaches and processes in software engineering. In addition, students practice formulating research questions and planning empirical studies. 

The course consists of lectures introducing methods for conducting SE research and study circle meetings in which the concept of validity and research methods in selected studies are discussed in small groups based on the part of the course book and scientific publications. Learning is based on active participation to the course sessions and thus, attending is obligatory. The course has no exam. The final delivery method is a personal Learning Portfolio into which the assigned tasks are completed.  The course in Fall 2015 is for 5 credits.

 

Classroom activities (B222, 10-12):

Week

Day Topic Comments
44 Thu 29.10. Introduction to the course Lecture 1
  Fri 30.10. Systematic Literature Review (SLR) Lecture 2
45 Thu 5.11. Study Circle Session 1: SLR Study circle 1
  Fri 6.11. Systematic Literature Review Workshop Workshop 1
46 Thu 12.11. Research Question (RQ), validity Lecture 3
  Fri 13.11. Design Science (DS) Lecture 4
47 Thu 19.11. RQ + Study Design Workshop Workshop 2
  Fri 20.11. Study Circle Session 2 (DS) Study circle 2
48 Thu 26.11. Study  Circle Session 3 (Validity) Study circle 3
  Fri 27.11. Case Study Lecture 5
49 Thu 3.12. Study  Circle Session 4 (Case Study) Study circle 4
  Fri 4.12. Dissertation of Fabian Fagerholm Dissertation 1 Main building Room 5 (new side)
50 Thu 10.12. Action research Lecture 6
  Fri 11.12. Presentations Presentations 1

 

Assignment deadlines (all times using 24-hour clock)

Every week, after each session  Reflect your learning. Write in your learning portfolio the  reflections on your learning from each session. Detailed instructions in the template.
Before the each strudy circle session Make reading notes. Read the material and make notes on the material, questions that came up and potential discussion points, etc. 

13.11.2015 10:00
(changed)

Submit the first version of your (imaginary) Thesis Title and Research Questions. (Write these in the Google doc as instructed)

19.11.2015 10:00

Comment on others' research questions (each student from your group plus one additional).

4.12.2015 10:00

Revise your Research Questions. (in Google doc)

6.1.2016

Final delivery of your Learning Portfolio. (As a separate Google doc shared with course staff; check the instructions)

Finalise your Own Study Design (include the final version of your Research Questions). Clean everything up and fill in missing pieces. 

6.1.2016

Extra assignments compensating for absence.

Contact hanna.maenpaa(ät)cs.helsinki.fi for extra assignments in case of lecture or study group absence.