Module: Researching Interactions with Technology

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Researching Interactions with Technology
Module Code	HSA (ITS) / ICT1000 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Electronic Engineering
Module Co-ordinator	Richard Bolger
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	20
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat the module
Array

Description

A module where students explore the relevance of understanding the culture in which technologies are designed and deployed for management of IT, design of IT, and everyday use of current and future generations of IT. This course enables students to develop a critical position on technology use, experience, and adoption in social and cultural contexts, and allows students to carry out an empirical research project. As well as developing research skills, an examination is also made of the relevance of research in the business and everyday world of ICT. The module shapes an attitude toward professional practice as reflective, evidence-based practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse data using quantitative and qualitative methods.
2. Complete a research proposal.
3. Critically evaluate a substantial research literature.
4. Carry out an empirical research project in a scientific, professional manner (with supervision).
5. Apply ethical standards in research.
6. Collect and analyse data utilising qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
7. Write a concise and professionally orientated scientific report on what they have discovered, modelled on a relevant journal article.
8. Reflect on lessons learned in the process of carrying out the research project.
9. Apply teamworking skills and values in mutual online support environment.
10. Develop an infographic/power point presentation/video to communicate your research succinctly to a wider audience.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	20	Tutorials are held in DCU on Saturdays and weekday evenings according to the timetable
Online activity	50	Interaction with tutor and fellow students
Directed learning	10	Supervisor meetings
Assignment Completion	100	Work independently on assignments over the year
Assessment Feedback	10	Assimilating and applying individual and group feedback on assignments
Independent Study	310	Reading, study, research and problem solving
Total Workload: 500

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Overview
This module will facilitate students, with supervision, to carry out an empirical and independent user experience/user interaction with technology research project. The module requires students to design a research project; apply for ethical approval to conduct the project; collect and analyse data; and submit a scientific report describing the project. Throughout the module, students will be supported by module supervisors. Students will also be encouraged to engage in peer support via online forums. The module involves a number of online tutorials as well as face-to-face workshops. Please refer to the research handbook on Loop for a full description.

Block 1
• Introduction to the Research Process • Ethics in Research • Identifying a Research Topic • Identifying a Research Topic in Human Computer Interaction • The Literature Review • Research Paradigms and Methodologies • Preparing a Project Plan and Research Proposal

Block 2
• Using Information Technology in Research • Issues in Data Collection • Designing a Research Study • Experimients • Surveys and Questionnaires • Qualitative Methods • Repertory Grids • Observation • Ethnography • Interviewing • Documents, Archives and Artefacts • Case Study • Mixed Methods Research • Managing Qualitative Data

Block 3
• Managing and Describing Quantitative Data • Exploring and Representing Quantitative Data• Qualitative Data Analysis: Overview of Approaches • Content Analysis • Grounded Theory • Thematic Analysis • Reporting Qualitative Research • Evaluating Qualitative Research • Inference and Hypothesis Testing • Comparing Independent Samples • Comparing Related Samples • Analysing Categorical Data • Correlation • Factor Analysis • Analysis of Variance • Regression

Block 4
• Writing up the Dissertation • Word Processing your Dissertation: Tips and Tricks • Presenting your Findings: Tips and Tricks

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Statistics exercise or Qualitative exercise	10%	n/a
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Dissertation	80%	n/a
Reflective journal	Research project journal	10%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Bell, J.: 2014, Doing your research project: A guide for first time researchers, 6th, McGraw-Hill (ebook in DCU library), New York,
Robson, C. and McCartan, K: 2016, Real world research: a resource for users of social research methods in applied settings, 4th, Wiley (ebook in DCU library), New Jersey:,
Bryman, A.: 2016, Social research methods, 5th, Oxford University Press., Oxford,
Pallant, J.: 2016, SPSS survival manual: a step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS, 6th, McGraw-Hill., Berkshire,
Smith, J.A: 2016, Qualitative Psychology: A practical guide to research methods, 3rd, Sage, London,

Other Resources

45808, Various, 0, See Module Text and Moodle for full list of readings,