Course title
1M9932701
Research Methodology

YOSHIKUBO Hatsuko
Course content
This module is entirely taught in English. It explores how students can effectively integrate ChatGPT as a research assistant while learning the fundamental principles and methodologies of scientific research. It covers various paradigms of research design, data collection techniques, approaches to data analysis, and ethical considerations in research. Students will develop essential skills for crafting research proposals and preparing for their thesis or dissertation work. Additionally, this module provides a structured pathway for engineering students—regardless of their field of study—to leverage ChatGPT in conducting literature reviews, refining research questions, and analyzing data, thereby enhancing their overall research capabilities.
Purpose of class
This module aims to equip students with a thorough understanding of research methodologies and introduce them to the effective use of ChatGPT as a research assistant. Students will gain the skills needed to design and conduct scientific studies, as well as analyze and draw conclusions from their own research and that of others. By the end of the course, they will be capable of developing sound research proposals and carrying out independent research projects that contribute to their field of study. Through ChatGPT, students will refine research questions, conduct literature reviews, and analyze data more efficiently, laying a strong foundation for academic success and professional growth in research-oriented careers.
Goals and objectives
  1. Students will be able to explain the foundational research principles that are applied in the engineering discipline and utilize ChatGPT to explore and clarify key research concepts.
  2. Students will be able to analyze research effectively—interpreting the results of their own research, carrying out literature reviews, and analyzing the work of others—with the assistance of ChatGPT for data processing and synthesis.
  3. Students will be able to describe the ethical considerations that occur when conducting research, including the responsible and ethical use of ChatGPT in academic and professional research.
  4. Students will be able to write a comprehensive research proposal, leveraging ChatGPT to refine research questions, structure their proposals, and enhance their writing process.
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

Assginemnts Mid-term Final Total.
1. 6% 9% 10% 25%
2. 6% 9% 10% 25%
3. 6% 9% 10% 25%
4. 6% 9% 10% 25%
Total. 24% 36% 40% -
Language
English
Class schedule

Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Introduction to Research Methodology
・Course overview and expectations
・Definition and importance of research
・Major Components of Research Design
Review/Written assignment 1 150minutes
Preparation for the mid-term 50minutes
2. Ethics in Research and Use of ChatGPT Review/Written assignment 2 150minutes
Preparation for the mid-term 50minutes
3. Identifying research topics and formulating questions through an in-depth discussion with ChatGPT Review/Written assignment 3 150minutes
Preparation for the mid-term 50minutes
4. Formulating and refining hypotheses based on the chosen research question Review/Written assignment 4 150minutes
Preparation for the mid-term 50minutes
5. Literature Search Strategies and the Literature Review using Google Scholar and ASEE Peer Review/Written assignment 5 150minutes
Preparation for the mid-term 50minutes
6. Conducting Literature Review with ChatGPT Review/Written assignment 6 150minutes
Preparation for the mid-term 50minutes
7. Mid-term exam Review/Written assignment 7 150minutes
8. Selecting adequate research design and corresponding methodology Review/Written assignment 8 150minutes
9. Developing efficient research tools Review/Written assignment 9 150minutes
Preparation for the final 50minutes
10. Data Collection, Management and Ethics Review/Written assignment 10 150minutes
Preparation for the final 50minutes
11. Drafting Research Proposals Review/Written assignment 11 150minutes
Preparation for the final 50minutes
12. Addressing Peer Review Comments Review/Written assignment 12 150minutes
Preparation for the final 50minutes
13. Students Presentations Review/Written assignment 13 150minutes
Preparation for the final 50minutes
14. Student Presentations and Course Wrap-up Review/Written assignment 14 150minutes
Total. - - 2650minutes
Evaluation method and criteria
Grades are given based on:
1. Assignments (24%)
2. Mid-term (36%)
3. Final (40%)
Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.
ways of feedback specific contents about "Other"
Feedback in the class
Textbooks and reference materials
References:
R. An, Supercharge Your Research Productivity with ChatGPT: A Practical Guide. Independently Published, 2023. ISBN: 979-8395519320.
J. M. Dr., Research Methodology and Design with ChatGPT (Part-1): Guidance on research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis techniques, 1st ed. Independently Published, 2023. ISBN: 979-8398799156.
Prerequisites
Students are required to submit weekly assignments and give both mid-term and final presentations. They should be argumentative and written academically.
It's important to note that this module is designed using ChatGPT Plus, which accesses the GPT-4 model, the most advanced large language model by OpenAI. However, using GPT-4 is not mandatory.
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • Office hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 15:00 -17:00 in the lecturer's office & by appointment
  • Contact e-mail address: zam08580@shibaura-it.ac.jp
Regionally-oriented
Non-regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
Active-learning course
Most classes are interactive
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
N/A N/A
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
  • 4.QUALITY EDUCATION
  • 16.PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Last modified : Mon Mar 10 04:06:55 JST 2025