COM754 Research Methods for Digital Technologies (November 2026 assignment)

Task 2 – Research Project Data and Methodology

2. Critically evaluate research methodologies in the context of research for digital technology.

3.  Plan and execute a small research project.

4.  Compile, analyse and disseminate data in relation to a small research project.

In the rapidly evolving field of digital technology, staying current with the latest research is crucial. This task is the second of three and will focus on your ability to synthesize and explain complex information from secondary data sources, critically evaluate existing research, plan, explain and execute a research project and

Task 2: Research Project Data Methodology

Present an appropriate dataset and develop a research methodology for a smallscale project based on secondary research related to your chosen topic in Task 1. Your submission should include:

• A clear hypothesis and research questions.
• Objectives of the research.
• A detailed data section, focussing on explaining the data you are using for your research project clearly.
• A detailed methodology section, focusing on your research design and the plan for analysing this existing data.
• A timeline for your research project.

Using any form of GenAI to write any section of your assignment is strictly prohibited. The assignment must be your original work. Copying or pasting AI-generated content is deemed plagiarism.

Your ideas, including the hypothesis and research questions and methodology must be generated based on your understanding and judgment of the topic and literature. This cannot be achieved through AI assistance.

Guidance as to how GenAI use might be permitted is available on the Learning and Teaching Hub  and on the COM754 Moodle Page in the Assessment and Feedback section.

Format and structure: Work should be submitted as a single MS Word (.doc/.docx) or PDF document only, containing your assignment and a reference list. No appendices are required.

Introduction

Background and Context: Provide an overview of the research topic, its significance, and the relevance of using secondary data.

Problem Statement: Define the problem or gap in the literature that your research aims to address, focusing on areas where secondary data can provide valuable insights.

Hypothesis and Research Questions: Clearly state your hypothesis and formulate research questions.

Objectives of the Research

Research Objectives: Outline the main goal and objectives of your research, specifying how secondary data will be used to meet these objectives.

Specific Aims: Detail what you aim to achieve with your study, highlighting the role of secondary data in achieving these aims.

Methodology

Research Design: Describe the overall design of your research, whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, using secondary data.

Data: Explain your secondary data, including its source and

Data Analysis Plan: Detail how you will analyse the secondary data, what methods you will be using and a mathematical description of your methods of analysis.

Timeline

Research Timeline: Provide a detailed timeline for your research project, including key milestones and deadlines. This can be a picture or a table.

Ethical considerations

Ethical Issues: Identify if there are potential ethical issues related to using secondary data, and how you plan to address them.

Conclusion

Summary of data/methodology: Recap the key elements of your research data and methodology.

Submission

This assessment must be submitted online via the appropriate Turnitin submission link found on the module space. (Emailed or paper versions will not be accepted).

Referencing for all written material should follow the IEEE standard, with particular attention paid to referencing of material resourced from the Web or other online facilities. References do not count towards the word count.

Work must submitted as a single file (.doc, .docx or pdf) via the Turnitin link provided through VLE (Moodle) by 27th November 2026.

Make sure to submit before 23:59 on the due date – Friday 27th November 2026.