Call for participation in PhD course
The Role of Hypotheses in Experimental Design Research 8-11 October 2012
Theme
Research through design is increasingly used as a research-methodical starting point for design
research - inside as well as outside the design discipline. Originally, the method was described
by Christopher Frayling (1993) and Bruce Archer (1995), and since then many different suggestions
for what the characteristics of research through design have been presented. Today, many design
researchers acknowledge that research through design is their method of choice. A more thorough
study, however, reveals many differences between the different types of knowledge production which
research through design may result in; consequently, there is a need for a critical and more
theoretical discussion of the concept.
Being able to differentiate this type of research from artistic development work and from other
types of research practices is essential. The traditional scientific process is characterised by
three well-known stages: the hypothesis, the experiment, and evaluation/reflection/communication.
When seen in the light of the fact that research through design is becoming more and more influen-
tial, we need to revisit these stages and take a look at how they challenge, how they are
integrated in, and how they shape the fundamental issues of design research.
This course is the first of three courses, the other two courses are concerned with (2) the role of
the experiment and (3) evaluation/reflection/communication.
Focus
What is the relationship between theories and hypotheses, and can hypotheses be seen as bridg- es
between research questions and research motivation? What are the different types of hypothe- ses
used in design research and how and in what way do these hypotheses influence experiments that need
to be dealt with in the research process?
This course focuses on the presentation of hypotheses as a research activity which spans the gap
between research motivation (various criteria of relevance) and research questions (the specific
aim of the study). The hypothesis thus takes on the role of a method which identifies the premise
(or premises) in relation to which the research work should be understood.
We expect that participants begin to write, restate or strengthen their research methodological
during the course.
Participation
You can apply for participation in the course by submitting a position paper (2 pages). In this
paper the participants must explain their motivation as well as the research questions and the
hypothesis of their PhD projects or justify the lack of same.
Preparation
When you are accepted for participation in the course, you will receive a compendium containing
excerpts from selected PhD-dissertations that reflect a great diversity – with regard to hypotheses
of design research and the role they play in research praxis. As preparation for the course, we ask
the participants to identify hypotheses, key concepts and the role of hypotheses in these disserta-
tions. We, furthermore, ask participants to identify the gap between hypotheses, research ques-
tions and motivation.
The course includes:
• A presentation of the participants based on position papers
• A discussion and mapping of hypothesis-typologies
• Scientific Theory
• A day set aside for writing
• A presentation and discussion of the work of the participants during the course
FACTS
Value: 5 ECTS
Time: primary course activities will be held during week 41, 8-11 October 2012
Location: The Kolding School of Design
Key teachers: Thomas Markussen, Anne Louise Bang, Martin Ludvigsen, Peter Gall Krogh
Cost: DKK 2,500 (Including materials, catering and two dinners during the stay)
Deadline for application:
Please submit your application for participation no later than 15 August 2012, to research
secretary
Lise Yde: [log in to unmask]
Notification of acceptance: 28 August 2012
Course material will be sent to the participants on 4 September 2012
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