BTEC Level 5 Unit 16: Computing Research Project Assignment Part 1 Brief

Unit 16 Learning Outcomes:

LO1 Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research process
LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant for a computing research project
LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders

Assignment Brief and Guidance:

Introduction to theme

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is at the forefront of innovation within Computer Science that uses a combination of logic, algorithms and large data sets to produce an AI model. The AI model is created to perform specific tasks or make predictions on supplied sets of input data, for example identifying patterns in weather data, internet search data or analysis of medical data. Artificial intelligence is predicted to generate a potential impact to the global economy of $13-$15 Trillion by 2030, with sales of AI relatedhardware, software.

and services predicted to see a global revenue of $900 billion. It is predicted that AI will boost the GDP of China by a little over 26% by 2039, and of North America by 14.5%. AI requires the input of structured and labelled data, where the outputs are already known. The input data sets to the AI model are intrinsically linked to study field to which the AI engine is to be applied. The AI model can then be used to identify and recognise patterns and relationships within the input data. This identification step is referred to as 'training' the AI model. Once this training is completed, the model can then be used to make predictions and identify patterns within brand new data sets. This new data set can then be added to the existing data set, so that the AI model keeps 'growing'. As the model data set keeps expanding, and the AI algorithms are modified and refined, this gives the impression that the AI is 'learning' and demonstrating 'intelligence'. AI has been used extensively to analyse and process large and complex datasets produced by big data systems, often in real time and using Computer Vision to extract data from image sources. Developing Artificial Intelligence required a range of knowledge and skills across a broad range of computer science disciplines. Al developers need to be familiar with the algorithms and techniques in fields such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and data science. Knowing the required computing skills will help organisations recruit the correct resources to help develop and extend AI systems.

Choosing a research objective/question

Students are to choose their own research topic for this unit. Strong research projects are those with clear, well focused and defined objectives. A central skill in selecting a research objective is the ability to select a suitable and focused research objective. One of the best ways to do this is to put it in the form of a question. Students should be encouraged by tutors to discuss a variety of topics related to the theme to generate ideas for a good research objective.

The range of topics discussed, could cover the following areas:

1. Ethical implications in AI development
2. Transparency in AI models
3. Al applications
4. AI perspectives on governance and regulations
5. Bias and fairness in AI algorithms
6. AI in cybersecurity; threats and countermeasures

Guidance for Students

You should read this information before starting to define and work through your research brief. You should refer to these instructions as you complete work for this unit.

• Consider the development of a methodical and valid research proposal as the foundation for the project.
• Choose a topic of personal interest in a specialism. The topic chosen should allow a sufficient and suitable degree of research through the existence of adequate background materials.
• A good project proposal title should meet the following criteria:
  The proposal is one that has an existing body of literature or source material that can be reviewed.
• The proposal extends a current line of learning that will lend itself to further rigorous
• Decide on appropriate research methods and select an appropriate sample.
• Ensure that your proposal is ethical, reliable and valid. An ethics form must be submitted prior
  to completion of research as part of the research proposal.
• Agree your research proposal with your tutor before beginning your research.
• Conduct your research as outlined in the proposal agreed with your tutor.
• Carry out your research, analyse your research findings and draw conclusions. Apply both qualitative
  and quantitative research methods to evaluate data collected from primary research.
• Communicate your research outcomes in a manner appropriate to your audience.
• You will be asked to reflect on the success of your research project and evaluate the problems/issues encountered.
• On the following pages, there is an example of a research project brief.
• You must complete the research project in order to complete your work for this unit.
  Computing Research Project Brief
• Define your research problem or question. This can be stated as a research question objectives or hypothesis.
• Provide a literature review giving the background and conceptualisation of your proposed area of study. This would provide existing knowledge and benchmarks by which your data can be judged.
• Consider and define your research methodology and research process. Demonstrate understanding of the
  pitfalls and limitations of the methods chosen and ethical issues that might arise.
• Draw points (1-3, above) together into a research proposal for agreement with your tutor.
• Conduct your research as outlined in your proposal. Keep track of your findings as you work
• Carry out your research and analyse your findings in relation to your original research question. Draw conclusions.
• Communicate the outcomes of your research project to the identified audience.
• Reflect on the success of your research project and your performance at the end of the project with the inclusion of a project evaluation and recommendations.

Unit 16: Report structure

The recommended outputs of the research are two reports. The first report should cover at least the following sections:

1. Produce a research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis supported by a literature review
Introduce the research' purpose, main aims and objectives of the project. What the research will do and don't
2. Literature review

• Examine appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research: primary research, secondary research, qualitative, quantitative, scientific method, research processes, population in research...
• Analyse different research approaches and methodology and make justifications for the 
  choice of methods selected based on philosophical/theoretical frameworks
• Critically evaluate research methodologies and processes in application to a computing research project to justify chosen research methods and analysis
• Conduct secondary research using appropriate methods for a computing research project that consider costs, access and ethical issues

The Artificial intelligent in general

The impact of Artificial intelligent in your selected topic (for example: AI and chatbot)

• Conclusion, propose initial hypothesis after the literature review and need to confirm in your primary research

3. Conduct primary research using appropriate methods for a computing research project that consider costs, access and ethical issues

• Design of primary research: which techniques will be used to collect data such as interview, questionnaire, experiment, the population of the research. All the data collected in this stage must be supplied in the appendix.

4. Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research findings and data
5. Discuss merits, limitations and pitfalls of approaches to data collection and analysis
6. It should confirm or reject the hypothesis in the literature part.
7. Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience.(Provide outcomes for each audience)
8. Analyse the extent to which outcomes meet set research objectives and communicate judgements effectively for the intended audience
9. Evaluate outcomes and make valid, justified recommendations.(Explain why you have such
recommendations in section 7)
10. Approved project proposal-appendix
11. Approved project plan-appendix
12. Ethical form
13. Other materials which collected while conducting primary research: interview scripts, audio, experiment notes-appendix

Unit 16: Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: