Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - IAT 804 G100

Foundations of Research Design for Human-Centred Design of Interactive Technologies (3)

Class Number: 8171

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    SIAT Graduate Student.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides an introduction to different epistemological worldviews, research approaches and methodological traditions of inquiry that are used to conduct research within SIAT. Students are introduced to a range of ways of knowing and inquiring in human-centred design, development and analysis of interactive technologies including scientific, social science, humanities, design and art-based approaches.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines epistemological approaches and methodologies for conducting research in the human-centred design of interactive technologies. It will explore terminology and research approaches in both the arts and sciences; the assumptions behind different philosophical worldviews or paradigms (e.g., post-positivism, constructionism, pragmatism); the origins and characteristics of different methodological traditions of inquiry; research designs based on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches; and, research ethics and the ethics of working with human participants. This course will provide students with foundational knowledge needed to conduct research in the interdisciplinary fields found within SIAT.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will be able to:
- understand and use key terminology around the creation of knowledge, inquiry, and methodology
- understand and analyze the underlying concepts of research in the human-centred design of interactive technologies and the differences between research methodologies (e.g., experimental research design, ethnographic research study, phenomenological study, art/design based approaches)
- plan a research investigation using one or more methodologies for conducting research in the areas of human-centred design
- understand and apply principles of research ethics surrounding the design and use of interactive technologies for people and conducting research studies with human participants
- document a research study plan through writing and oral presentation

Grading

  • Ethics tutorial and assignment 5%
  • Short paper and in-class group discussion 15%
  • Workshop critique / in-class presentation 15%
  • Assignments on methodological traditions 15%
  • Final paper detailing a research design 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

“Research Design:  Qualitative, Quantitative & Mixed Methods Approaches” (2013) by John W Cresswell; 4th Edition; SAGE Publication
ISBN: 9781452226101

“Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design:  Choosing Among Five Approaches” (2017) by John W Cresswell; 4th Edition; SAGE Publication
ISBN: 9781506330204

“Doing Psychology Experiments” (2007) by David W Martin; 7th Edition; Wadsworth Publishing
ISBN: 9780495115779

RECOMMENDED READING:

“How to Design & Report Experiments” (2003) by A Field, G J Hole; 1st Edition; SAGE Publications
ISBN: 9780761973836

“Methods in Psychological Research” (2013) by A Evans, B Rooney; SAGE Publications
ISBN: 9781452261041

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS