Computing Research Methods

Computing Research Methods
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Contents
Activity 1.........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Analysing a range of computer based research techniques...................................................1
1.2 Evaluating different sampling techniques used in computer based research projects...........1
1.3 Assessing ethical issues in using computer based research techniques.................................2
1.4 Evaluating the tools and techniques used to analyse the data...............................................2
Activity 2.........................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Research proposal with aim and objectives...........................................................................3
2.2 Data collection method..........................................................................................................4
2.3 Feasibility of the project........................................................................................................5
2.4 Report format.........................................................................................................................5
Activity 3.........................................................................................................................................5
3.1 Data analysis..........................................................................................................................5
3.2 Research findings.................................................................................................................10
3.3 Recommendations for improvement....................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
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TOPIC
“Identifying and analysing the influence of internet of things on growth and success of a
business organisation”
Activity 1
1.1 Analysing a range of computer based research techniques
A computer based research is a type of investigation in which research over a topic has
been conducted using computer program and systems. In order to investigate present research
topic, there are various computer based research techniques such as collecting, storing and
transmitting (Marinescu, 2017).
The first computer based research technique is collecting. Under this technique,
investigator collects data from primary and secondary sources by using computer programs only.
The primary data using computer program can be gained using electronic mails and survey
websites such as Google Survey. This technique helps in collecting the appropriate data and then
utilising it to gain findings.
Another computer based research technique is storing, this technique is used to conduct
secondary research in which data whether numeric or not is collected from sources of internet
such online books, journals, articles and web pages and then stored in a computer system which
is then analysed to make conclusions.
Another computer based research technique is transmitting in which investigation is
conducted through the way of transmitting data from one software program to another.
All the above mentioned techniques are used by an investigator while undertaking computer
based research (Cambria, 2016).
1.2 Evaluating different sampling techniques used in computer based research projects
Sampling is a procedure in which a small sample is being selected from the entire
population in order to conduct research. In case of computer based investigation, there is few
sampling technique using which a sample is selected from the population (Ellis and Ellis, 2011).
These sampling techniques are random simple sampling, snowball sampling, systematic
sampling and many more; each of these techniques is appropriate in certain scenarios and for
investigation topic.
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Random sampling is a technique in which first a number of samples have been selected
and then randomly a sample is selected based upon probability from the population. This
technique eliminates the biasness in the results and is also most easier way to conduct.
Systematic sampling is slightly different than the above technique. In this technique, a
number is selected randomly; for example let’s suppose the selected number is 6. Once the
number is selected then every 6th respondent from the entire population will be a part of the
sample.
Snowball sampling is another technique which is way different then the above two
sampling techniques. In this technique, those respondents are first selected which are easier and
available to be accessed. Then with the recommendation of these respondents, other respondents
are selected (Drost, 2011).
Simple random and systematic sampling techniques are appropriate when there is a huge
availability of respondents from which investigator has the choice to select. This particular
investigation will be conducted by using small business owners as respondents and accessibility
to such respondents is difficult due to which the method of snowball sampling will be selected.
1.3 Assessing ethical issues in using computer based research techniques
A computer based research can involve various ethical issues which are required to be
considered (Wortmann and Flüchter, 2015). These ethical issues are the restrictions which
impacts the accuracy of the results of an investigation. Few ethical issues in computer based
research are violation of privacy and legal risks. In the case of present research which has been
conducted for Internet of things; the ethical issue which was faced is violation of privacy.
1.4 Evaluating the tools and techniques used to analyse the data
In order to analyse the data, there are various tools and techniques which can be used. These
tools include frequency distribution, measures of central tendency, correlation, regression and
many more. The tools and techniques which are intended to be used in present research are
critically analysed below:
Frequency distribution – This technique is used for close ended questions and is a process in
which every option is analysed to identify its own frequency. This method helps in analysing the
responses of respondents. This technique can be used by using the computer application of
Microsoft Excel or SPSS.
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