MCS 22703 Introduction to Research Level 7 Project Brief Term 1 May 2025 | RUL

MCS 22703 Submission Method

You are required to prepare a 5,000-word Research Report providing a rationale, reflections and learning around applied research processes and methods. This should identify a research question in response to a problem which you will identify and formulate.

Your Reflective Research Report needs to:

• Demonstrate how to gather insights and discover contexts and research around specific research problems.
• Develop a research strategy and create a portfolio that showcases the application of scientific knowledge for professional opportunities.
• Exploring and testing design-led propositions and interventions involves using a human- centred research approach to develop, prototype, and evaluate solutions to address complex problems.

The form and format are open; however, you will need to demonstrate that your decision-making process informing the recommended output is underpinned by a robust research process and methodology covering a range of disciplines, issues and topics that occupy a significant space in our current technological, social, political, cultural, environmental and economic landscape.

This needs to be submitted onto Canvas no later than 5pm on Friday 15th August 2025.

MCS 22703 Project Brief: Introduction to Research

Introduction

The module "Introduction to Research " serves as a pivotal gateway, harnessing your existing expertise within the expansive realm of computer science to embark on a journey of innovation and scholarly contribution. It is meticulously crafted to empower students to traverse the intricate landscape of academic research, with dual aims: to cultivate the emergence of pioneering insights and to disseminate these breakthroughs through esteemed channels such as journals and conferences, thereby enriching the collective knowledge reservoir of the scientific community.

At its core, this module functions as a crucible for the refinement of scholarly acumen, nurturing the development of not only sophisticated writing styles but also the adept application of rigorous methodologies requisite for rigorous academic inquiry. By immersing students in the nuances of research protocol, it cultivates an environment conducive to the cultivation of erudition and the cultivation of new frontiers of knowledge within computer science.

Furthermore, the module adopts a holistic approach by embracing cutting-edge online tools and platforms, empowering students to seamlessly navigate the collaborative landscape of contemporary research endeavours. Through the adept utilization of these digital resources, students are equipped not only to craft scholarly prose of the highest calibre but also to seamlessly collaborate with fellow researchers, thereby fostering a dynamic synergy that catalyses the emergence of transformative insights.

In essence, "Introduction to Research" transcends the conventional confines of academic discourse, serving as a beacon of enlightenment that illuminates the path toward scholarly excellence within the domain of computer science. It is an indispensable cornerstone upon
 
which embark on their odyssey of discovery, armed with the requisite skills and knowledge to leave an indelible mark on the ever- evolving tapestry of scientific inquiry.

Researcher Mindset

A research mindset helps you to succeed in discovering new knowledge, solving problems, and pushing the boundaries of understanding complexity in your field. This is all about being curious, critical, open-minded, and diligent. We will critically discuss the researcher mindset and how to apply this in your research process. Whether you’re conducting a formal academic research project or tackling day-to-day problems, adopting this mindset can help you approach challenges more effectively and creatively.

Exploring Participatory Research Approaches

This module focuses on understanding the real-life experiences, needs, and motivations of a target audience, emphasising the human aspect rather than technology or user behaviours. Through generative research, it uncovers the "why" behind actions, providing a holistic view of people's lives. Appreciative Inquiry highlights strengths and positive experiences, fostering innovation, while ethnographic research offers deep insights through immersive observation. Combining these methods within action research ensures practical solutions, addressing real-world challenges and co-creating with the community of practice. This approach informs human- centred product design, service innovation, and new emerging technologies to create meaningful, impactful solutions.

An Independent Practice Led Research Report (5000 words)

Your main focus is to create bespoke practice-based research that will be pursued. This project will be a sustained critical inquiry that engages theory and practice to address a subject of entirely of your own choosing.

Your research report is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the areas that most motivate and fascinate you. You may wish to develop a topic previously explored or identify a new interest. The selection of your topic and the focus of your interest in that topic is entirely directed by you, and should be something that can sustain your interest. You can apply a practice-led research method to the phenomena, questions and subjects you believe need to be addressed. The written research paper should be understood as part of a holistic emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and professional practice.

To achieve this, you will need to:

• Identify a subject and specific line of enquiry through defining a research question.
• Test ideas and hypotheses you have, about how your discipline can be used to address your subject.
• Use design practices to engage with, interpret and communicate as appropriate to your subject, audiences and intentions.
• Demonstrate an imaginative, original or novel creative approach in your application of your discipline.
• Rigorously research, experiment, engage, explore, and co-create to develop your discipline specific practice.
• Seek out, connect and build relationships with people and organisations you would like to work with.

During the unit you will be experimenting with different technologies that might feature as part of your new innovative ideas, prototypes and design-led research approach. You are encouraged to explore different ways of telling stories, designing for experiences and amplifying voices.

Further Guidance

Throughout the term, students are required to collaboratively develop a research report, which will be uploaded individually as part of assigned tasks. This process ensures that students actively engage with the research process and gradually build their research report step by step.

For the final assignment, students must consolidate the submitted contents into a single cohesive research report, which will be uploaded for grading.

The report needs to:

• Examine your subject area in substantial depth
• Show evidence of your ability to undertake sustained critical analysis
• Show evidence of your research skills
• Show evidence of producing a well written and convincing argument

Key to this is the way the ‘Research Report’ addresses a well-defined research question. Your research report needs to present a logically developed argument in reference to this research question, the claims of which are supported by evidence and reference to a wide range of sources.

In summary you need to ensure that:

• The research question is well-defined, and contextualised
• An argument is specified, coherently presented and supported by evidence
• Alternative arguments are analysed
• The approach is critical, not descriptive
• A relevant methodology is employed
• Relevant sources have been consulted
• Knowledge of relevant literature, issues and debates is demonstrated
• The style and presentation is clear and careful
• The appropriate academic conventions have been observed (i.e. Harvard ref etc.)

Indicative Scheme of Work

• Engagement with various research methods and approaches to data analysis
• Researcher Mindset & Strategic thinking
• Wicked Problems and Framing Research Problems
• Understanding Qualitative and Quantitative research methods
• Primary and Secondary Data
• Sensemaking and Synthesis
• Engaging with critical reflective writing
• Reviewing exiting digital marketing research
• Generative Research and Human Centred Approaches
• Exploring Ethnographic Research and Appreciative Inquiry

Other Useful Information

Taught weeks will include variations of workshops, inductions, seminars and tutorials and peer feedback sessions. The main brief will also include shorter independent and collaboratives tasks and exercises to support the main project. 
Reading lists will be expanded upon throughout the unit with bespoke references, resources and inspirational material.

MCS 22703 Module Learning Outcomes

• LO 1: Describe a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods aligned to creative practice.
• LO 2: Develop research methods that inform and support practical outcomes.
• LO 3: Choose appropriate methods to collect data: quantitative or qualitative.
• LO 4: Evidence engagement application of primary and secondary research.

Assessment and Tutor Feedback

• Peer and tutorial feedback will be ongoing throughout the unit.
• Students will receive feedback and assessment within 20 working days of submission by: 11th April 2025
• Students who miss the deadline or fail this project may be required to complete a retrieval project which demonstrates that the learning outcomes have been achieved. Students should be aware that retrieval submissions are capped at a bare pass grade, unless the extenuating circumstances panel uphold an evidenced application. The deadline for retrieval submissions will be determined at an Assessment Board.

Assessment Tasks

Research Report Submission (5,000 words)

A well-structured report, informed by a clear understanding of the terms of reference, allows for focused, purposeful research that is easily understood by its intended audience.

The Five Principles

The Five Principles underpin the Mindsets and Skillsets Manifesto and are the foundation upon which all course curriculum frameworks and unit specifications are based. The relevant Principles as stated below have been mapped against the Learning Outcomes relevant to each course unit and at each level (see Programme Specifications for full description of the Five Principles):

• Cultivate:     Where the individual thrives.
• Collaborate: Where the individual evolves.
• Integrate:    Where education engages industry.
• Advocate:    Where purpose meets practice.
• Originate:    Creativity meets technology.

Submission Regulations

Students who miss the deadline or fail this project will be required to complete a retrieval project which demonstrates that the learning outcomes have been achieved.

Students should be aware that retrieval submissions are capped at a bare pass grade, (D-) unless the extenuating circumstances panel uphold an evidenced application.

The deadline for retrieval submissions will be determined at an Assessment Board.