Types of Applied Research for the DSCS Dissertation
The School of Business and Technology have approved the following research traditions to be used at Aspen University for the Doctoral of Science in Computer Science program. The choice of whether to use a qualitative or quantitative methodology is based on the nature of the questions being asked, the state of the field, and the feasibility of the approach with the population of interest.
- Qualitative Action Research (AR) involves a systematic process of examining the evidence. The results of this type of research are practical, relevant, and can inform theory. Action research is different than other forms of research as there is less concern for universality of findings, and more value is placed on the relevance of the findings to the researcher and the local collaborators.
- Design Science Research (DSR) is a problem-solving paradigm that seeks to enhance human knowledge via the creation of innovative artifacts. Simply stated, DSR seeks to enhance technology and science knowledge bases via the creation of innovative artifacts that solve problems and improve the environment in which they are instantiated. The results of DSR include both the newly designed artifacts and design knowledge (DK) that provides a fuller understanding via design theories of why the artifacts enhance (or, disrupt) the relevant application contexts.is a detailed, accurate, and cohesive account of a scholarly investigation designed to answer a research question directed toward the improvement of practice in the researcher’s field. Research is distinguished by a theory-to-practice model encompassing a diversity of disciplines.
- Qualitative Systematic Literature Review (SLR) identifies, selects, and critically appraises research to answer a clearly formulated question. The systematic review should follow a clearly defined protocol or plan where the criteria is clearly stated before the review is conducted. It is a comprehensive, transparent search conducted over multiple databases and grey literature that can be replicated and reproduced by other researchers. It involves planning a well thought out search strategy which has a specific focus or answers a defined question. The review identifies the type of information searched, critiqued and reported within known timeframes. The search terms, search strategies (including database names, platforms, dates of search) and limits all need to be included in the review.
Please also refer to the templates in the Doctor of Computer Science Doctoral Lounge.