Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Disclaimer.
This is an English translation of the module. In case of discrepancy between the translation and the Danish version, the Danish version of the module is valid.

PURPOSE
This course module aims to give the student an insight into and overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods, their scientific theoretical prerequisites and their practical applications in interaction design. For quantitative research, questionnaire construction, experiment design, hypotheses, dependent and independent variables, within- and between-subject design, randomization, sampling and scale construction, as well as statistical tests and analyses, for example descriptive statistics, T-tests, variance tests and the like, are introduced and discussed. For qualitative research, case studies, observation, ethnography, interviews, data coding, thematic analysis, grounded theory, generalizability, reliability, internal validity and external validity, as well as the scientific theoretical foundations of the methods are introduced and discussed. The course introduces the concrete applications of quantitative and qualitative methods in interaction design, and trains the students' ability to select and apply research methods individually or in combination.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• must be able to explain the core concepts, uses, strengths, and limitations of quantitative and qualitative methods
• ​​​​​must be able to demonstrate insight into the differences and similarities between the concrete applications of quantitative and qualitative methods
• must be able to demonstrate knowledge of the use of quantitative and qualitative methods for elucidating issues relating to interaction design

Skills

• must be able to use quantitative and qualitative methods to elucidate central issues regarding interaction design empirically and analytically
• must be able to formulate, assess and communicate central issues within the concepts, application and limitations of a research method
• must be able to argue on a methodological scientific basis

Competences

• must be able to carry out a specific investigation in relation to a problem related to interaction design, and be able to argue for the choice of a specific method, as well as reflect on its strengths and weaknesses

Type of instruction

The type of instruction is organised in accordance with the general instruction methods of the programme, cf. § 17.

Extent and expected workload

The student is expected to spend 30 hours per ECTS, which for this activity means 150 hours.

Exam

Exams

Additional information

Contact: The Study board for Computer Science at cs-sn@cs.aau.dk or 9940 8854