7 - Research guidelines for projects

Abstract

This chapter provides a set of guidelines that one has to follow when one is undertaking a mobile human-computer interaction (HCI) research project. This includes a discussion of ethics, a topic that is often ignored in the area of HCI but is particularly important in the area of the mobile HCI, especially in relation to field work. The chapter discusses how to choose a research topic, how to generate literature search statements, and how to create a project description. It also provides tips on how to conduct internet searches to find research that will help one with the project, and how to present the research results in an informative way. One needs to think of three questions before starting the project—what will I study? Why should I study this topic?, and how will I study this topic. When it comes to writing up the project, one must familiarize oneself with the departmental or institutional guidelines that one will be expected to follow.