Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: User-Centred Research Methods
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: INF09116
Module leader: Rachel Salzano
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Applied Informatics
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

The module addresses user-centred approaches to research, tailored to the design and evaluation of applications, systems, and other digital projects. You will learn about theories, models, methods, and techniques for quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and reporting. This includes the ethical and legal implications of user-centred research. You will gain practical research skills in obtaining and analysing data which are applicable to any type of research. This knowledge will be applied in a coursework project to conduct your own research related to your programme and interests.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Understand and evaluate the different kinds of user-centred research methods for identifying and collecting information to assist development and maintenance of digital applications, devices, and systems.

LO2: Design and apply user-centred research methods to a research project related to the development or maintenance of digital applications, devices, and systems.

LO3: Critically assess the drivers for and benefits of conducting user-centred research.

LO4: Critically assess the legal and ethical implications of a user-centred approach related to the development or maintenance of digital applications, devices, and systems.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Rachel Salzano
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 10 In the lecture you will be taught theoretical and practical concepts related to user-centred research.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 15 In practical classes and workshops you will get the opportunity to practice the skills and theories you initially engaged with in the lecture and seminars. You will use these sessions to conduct your own research projects and receive formative feedback from the module team.
Online Guided independent study 160 In guided independent study you will take time each week to explore the covered topics beyond the introductory material of the lecture, seminars, and practicals. You will expand your understanding through reading and activities, including but not limited to the textbook/reading list and suggested resources provided on Moodle.
Face To Face Seminar 15 In the seminars you will engage in discussion of theoretical and practical concepts introduced in the lecture. You will engage with curated content from the academic literature to guide these discussions. Your discussions will take place with other students and be facilitated by the module team. During these discussions you may also be provided formative feedback.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Oral Presentation 40 1~4 Week 6 HOURS= 10 minutes In this presentation you will discuss academic literature relevant to your planned research project and critically assess the ethical and legal implications of your planned work.
Report 60 1~2~3 Week 13 , WORDS= 3500 You will write an academic research report about the research you conducted over the term. You will write include an expansion of the academic literature review you presented on for coursework 1, a methods section, a results section, a discussion section, and a reflection on the process of conducting user-centred research.
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
INF09116 User-Centred Research Methods
 

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