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Presentation
Presentation
Research and Innovation Methodologies introduces doctoral students to the principal methodological approaches used in contemporary Computer Science research and innovation through a series of seminars delivered by active researchers. Drawing on diverse research paradigms, methodologies, methods, and scientific practices, the course develops a critical understanding of the relationships between research problems, methodological design, evidence generation, and scientific contributions. Throughout the course, students progressively build the methodological foundations of their future doctoral research, developing the ability to select, justify, and integrate research and innovation methodologies appropriate to their intended scientific problem. The course constitutes the first stage in the development of the Individual Research Project (IRP), providing the methodological basis for the subsequent course Development of the Doctoral Research Proposal.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Doctorate | Semestral | 10
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
1 | Mandatory | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT1504-13763
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
The course addresses the methodological foundations of research and innovation in Computer Science, covering the conception, design, validation, and communication of scientific research. Topics include research problem formulation, research questions, paradigms and research design, artefact-based research, evidence synthesis, conceptual modelling, empirical, participatory and experimental methods, data analysis and interpretation, modelling and simulation, the responsible use of Generative Artificial Intelligence to support research, scientific writing and publication, open science, research integrity, ethics, research data management, intellectual property, and good research practices. The course contents are integrated to support the development of the methodological foundations of an Individual Research Project.
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Objectives
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Critically analyse the diversity of research and innovation methodologies used in contemporary Computer Science. 2. Formulate and justify research problems, research questions, and methodological approaches appropriate to a doctoral research context. 3. Critically evaluate the suitability of different research methodologies and methods in relation to specific scientific problems and expected research contributions. 4. Integrate evidence from the literature to support methodological decisions and research design. 5. Develop a coherent methodological rationale for an intended doctoral research project. 6. Apply the principles of research integrity, open science, responsible research, and ethical conduct throughout the research process.
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Teaching methodologies
Teaching methodologies
The course adopts an active, student-centred learning approach organised around a series of seminars delivered by researchers with expertise in different areas of Computer Science. Each seminar combines the presentation of methodological approaches with the critical discussion of real research cases, promoting dialogue and reflection between students and lecturers. Between seminars, students undertake guided reading, individual reflection, and peer discussion, critically relating the topics addressed to their own research interests. Throughout the semester, each student progressively develops a methodological portfolio that supports the methodological foundations of their future Individual Research Project. Lecturers act as facilitators, providing continuous formative feedback while fostering autonomy, critical thinking, and the ability to justify methodological decisions.
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References
References
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications. Shneiderman, B. (2016). The new ABCs of research: Achieving breakthrough collaborations. Oxford University Press.
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Assessment
Assessment
[PT] Avaliação
A avaliação é individual e acompanha a construção progressiva da fundamentação metodológica do futuro Projeto Individual de Investigação.
Instrumento Ponderação Parâmetros de avaliação Portefólio metodológico: três reflexões críticas sobre seminários escolhidos pelo estudante entre as sessões 3 e 13. 30% Capacidade de síntese; análise crítica da abordagem apresentada; identificação de potencialidades e limitações; relação fundamentada com o contexto de investigação do estudante; clareza e rigor da argumentação. Cada reflexão é avaliada pelo docente responsável pelo respetivo seminário. Ensaio crítico sobre uma abordagem metodológica abordada nas sessões 3 a 13. 30% Domínio conceptual; enquadramento na literatura; análise crítica; compreensão das condições de aplicação, limitações e critérios de qualidade; capacidade de relacionar a abordagem com diferentes problemas de investigação. Avaliado pelo docente responsável pelo seminário correspondente. Proposta preliminar de enquadramento metodológico do futuro Projeto Individual de Investigação. 40% Coerência entre problema, questões de investigação, contributo pretendido e opções metodológicas; fundamentação das escolhas; integração de evidência da literatura; adequação dos métodos e estratégia de validação; identificação de limitações e questões éticas; clareza, rigor e consistência global. Avaliada pelos docentes responsáveis pelas sessões 1, 2, 14 e 15. O Portefólio Metodológico desenvolvido ao longo do semestre constitui um instrumento de reflexão e integração das aprendizagens, apoiando a preparação dos três elementos de avaliação. O feedback proporcionado pelos docentes ao longo dos seminários assume natureza formativa e poderá ser incorporado pelos estudantes no desenvolvimento dos trabalhos subsequentes.
[EN] Assessment
Assessment is individual and accompanies the progressive development of the methodological foundations of the student's future Individual Research Project.
Assessment instrument Weight Assessment criteria Methodological Portfolio: three critical reflections on seminars selected by the student from sessions 3 to 13. 30% Ability to synthesise; critical analysis of the approach presented; identification of strengths and limitations; reasoned connection to the student's research context; clarity and rigour of argumentation. Each reflection is assessed by the lecturer responsible for the respective seminar. Critical essay on one methodological approach addressed in sessions 3 to 13. 30% Conceptual understanding; engagement with relevant literature; critical analysis; understanding of conditions of application, limitations and quality criteria; ability to relate the approach to different research problems. Assessed by the lecturer responsible for the corresponding seminar. Preliminary methodological framework for the future Individual Research Project. 40% Coherence between the research problem, research questions, intended contribution and methodological choices; justification of decisions; integration of evidence from the literature; appropriateness of methods and validation strategy; identification of limitations and ethical issues; overall clarity, rigour and consistency. Assessed by the lecturers responsible for sessions 1, 2, 14 and 15. The Methodological Portfolio developed throughout the semester serves as a tool for reflection and integration of learning, supporting the preparation of the three assessment components. Feedback provided by lecturers throughout the seminars is formative in nature and may be incorporated by students into subsequent work.
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Mobility
Mobility
No
