Methods for Software Engineering Research
5
Software Systems
Advanced studies
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.
| Year | Semester | Date | Period | Language | In charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | autumn | 30.10-12.12. | 2-2 | English | Tomi Männistö |
Lectures
| Time | Room | Lecturer | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 10-12 | B222 | Tomi Männistö | 30.10.2014-30.10.2014 |
| Fri 10-12 | B222 | Tomi Männistö | 30.10.2014-12.12.2014 |
| Thu 10-12 | B119 | Tomi Männistö | 06.11.2014-12.12.2014 |
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 2014 is for 5 credits.
Classroom activities (B222, 10-12):
|
Week |
Day | Topic | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | Thu 30.10. | Introduction to the course | |
| Fri 31.10. | Design Science | ||
| 45 | Thu 6.11. |
Study Circle Session 1 (Design Science) |
|
| Fri 7.11. | Systematic Literature Review | ||
| 46 | Thu 13.11. | Case Study | |
| Fri 14.11. | Study Circle Session 2 (SLR) | ||
| 47 | Thu 20.11. | Study Circle Session 3 (Case Study) | |
| Fri 21.11. | Action Research | ||
| 48 | Thu 27.11. | Study Circle Session 4 (Validity, first part) | |
| Fri 28.11. | Research Question workshop | ||
| 49 | Thu 4.12. | Study Circle Session 5 (Action Research) | |
| Fri 5.12. | Study Circle Session 6 (Validity, second part) | ||
| 50 | Thu 11.12. | PROFES conference (morning session) | Optional |
| Fri 12.12. | PROFES conference (morning session) | Optional |
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. |
| 7.11.2014 10:00 | Submit the first version of your Research Questions. |
|
14.11.2014 10:00 |
Comment on others' research questions (each student from your group plus one additional). |
|
27.11.2014 10:00 |
Revise your Research Questions. |
| 5.12.2014 10:00 | Check others' Research Questions regarding how your earlier comments have been taken into account (recomment if necessary) and for possible ideas for you. |
|
6.1.2015 |
Final delivery of your Learning Portfolio. Finalise your Own Study Design (include the final version of your Research Questions). Clean everything up and fill in missing pieces. |
|
6.1.2015 |
Extra assignments compensating for absence. |
Contact hanna.maenpaa(ät)cs.helsinki.fi for extra assignments in case of lecture or study group absence. Extra assignment deadline is on 12th December at 13:00.