The Discipline of Computer Science

The Discipline of Computer Science

David Resendiz
RWS 1301
Joanna Hinojosa

David Resendiz

The Discipline of Computer Science

Introduction
I am investigating the discipline of computer science to get a better understanding of the
community and its culture. In order to investigate this discipline, I will be interviewing an expert
in computer science such as a professor. I will also be observing the professors class as well as
surveying the students of the class. These research methods should provide me with enough
knowledge about the discipline in computer science. The purpose of this paper is to examine
what elements of the project are completed, what is missing and what can be done to ensure
completion by the final due date.
What have you done?
I am conducting four research methods over a period of time, which are, an interview,
observation, survey, and a document analysis. As of right now, I have interviewed a professor in
computer science. The interview made me realize that I know a lot about computer science
because I knew the answers to all the interview questions and, the professor would also have me
answer some of the questions and he would agree with those answers. But not everything he said
I knew, there was some things he mentioned that I was never aware of such as a magazine called,
ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), which helps to keep up to date with new

David Resendiz

The Discipline of Computer Science

technologies and changes in technologies. I am using this interview to help gather information to
help put my research paper together.
Interview
I have completed my interview with the professor, which was fairly easy but nerve wrecking.
The interview took place in the computer science building in his office on Thursday, Oct 11, at
2:30 pm. The interview was very short. It lasted about 7 minutes. The professor would keep his
answers very short, and I also answered some questions because he would ask for my opinion.
During the interview, I took notes while he was answering the questions, and I also asked for his
permission to record the interview so I can gather all the information
What are you missing?
I am missing three more research methods, which are, the observation, the survey, and the
document analysis. The way I will be getting the rest of my research methods done are by doing
a step by step plan. I will be doing each method every week. I will be preparing for it at the
beginning of the week, then I will conduct the research method at the end of the week. This
should allow me to finish my project just in time.
Observation
I will be doing my observation at the end of this week on Friday, October 17, in a classroom for
computer science. The way I will be preparing myself for this, is by reading the module about
observation and then I will be writing down questions to use during the observation to help me
observe the class more efficiently. I will be using a specific method to observe the classroom. In
this method I will be looking at the people, the place, and the power. I will be observing the
clothing, gestures, expressions, and conversations for the people. For the place, I will observe the

David Resendiz

The Discipline of Computer Science

colors the room, the way its constructed, and the objects it has. For the power, I will be seeing
who has the most power and why they have the most power and how I know they do. I am very
confident and determined in finishing the observation by the end of the week.
Survey
I am planning to do the survey next week, October 24, in the Computer Science building on the
1st floor. I will ask ten students majoring in computer science to take this survey. This survey
will contain only 8 questions, 6 multiple choice and 2 open ended questions. It will provide me
with information about the students opinion on computer science and there reason for choosing
the major and what it requires. I am very confident and determined in having the surveys
completed next week.
Document Analysis
I have not given much thought about the document analysis or when I will do it. The reason for
this is because I want to finish the observation, survey, and the interview first, and then I will
proceed to the document analysis. I do know the documents I will be analyzing, which is the
degree plan for computer science and course description. The degree plan and the course
description will help me determine what course and year might be the most challenging. It will
also help me determine what computer science is consisted of and what it deals with. My
confidence for finishing the document analysis is very high. I will start preparing for it to make
sure it gets done on time.
Conclusion
This project requires a lot of time and work, but I am determined and very confident about
finishing this project on time. I have encountered one issue in my project so far, and that is my

David Resendiz

The Discipline of Computer Science

interview being too short. I didnt obtain as much information as I wanted too, but it will still be
just enough to get my research paper done. A problem I see dealing with later on is not being
able to survey the classroom. This means I will have to look for students on campus studying
computer science. Other than that, I am making great progress, I am doing everything on time
and I expect to finish the project on time.

Appendix
Interview Questions
1. What are some common challenges students face in computer science?
2. What sets of skills are required in computer science and why are they a necessity?
3. What are some behaviors that students in the study of computer science should adopt in
their daily routine to be successful?
4. Can you explain the financial and career benefits of having a bachelors, a masters, and a
doctors degree?
5. What are the most challenging courses in the study of Computer Science?
6. Why would you encourage a student to major in computer science?

David Resendiz

The Discipline of Computer Science

7. How do you evolve with new emerging or ever changing technologies in the field of
computer science?
8. What do you consider to be an ideal student?
Survey Questions
1. What are two pieces of advice for an incoming freshman?
2. Rate the difficulty of your first computer science class from 1-4? (4 being the highest)
3. Rate the difficulty of your current computer science class from 1-4?
4. On a scale from 1-4, number each set of skill in which you use the most or the least in the
study of computer science. (1 indicating the least and 4 indicating the most)
___ Creativity
___ Critical Thinking
___ Logical Reasoning
___ Communication

5. What aspect do you most like about the field of computer science?
a. Problem solving
b. Learning new ideas
c. Making money
d. Challenge
6. What is your attitude towards obtaining a degree in computer science?
a. Excellent
b. Good
c. Fair

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The Discipline of Computer Science

d. Poor
7. Is the study of computer science difficult?
a. Strongly agree
b. Agree
c. Disagree
d. Strongly disagree
8. What is one thing you wish you knew about this major?

David Resendiz