COMPUTER SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Research Paper Requirements

4th quarter evaluations of papers, posters

(as an example paper for each section below, I'm using Control of complex, physically simulated robot groups (text version) by David C. Brogan University of Virginia, UVa Graphics group)

Also see: Tunably Decentralized Algorithms for Cooperative Target Observation and A Pheromone-Based Utility Model for Collaborative Foraging for example papers.

See researchPaperShell for more information

  • Be sure to include in your presentation: Larger Purpose - How can your research ideas be used by others and what are possible benefit(s) or values for other people?

    1. Title Page (title, name, date) Include "Computer Systems Lab, 2006-2007"

    2. Abstract (for example, see Brogan's abstract with Keywords)
      • Purpose/Goal
        • Summarization statement/paragraph, usually between 75 and 150 words long.
        • Clearly state the specific purpose of this research project. (Literature reference - think of Edgar Allen Poe's singleness of effect)
        • Brief elaboration on the method of research and results expected or achieved.
      • LaTeX
        • Write your own Title Page and Abstract in LaTeX. Use this shell (.tex), resulting .pdf
        • Rename this shell to your own paper's name (.tex). Compile with pdflatex mypapername.tex

    3. Introduction (for example, see Brogan's Introduction)
      • Rationale
        • Statement of Problem
        • Importance of Topic
      • Statement again of the Purpose/Goal (from the Abstract)
        • Expand upon the subject and purpose of the project as clearly as possible.
        • Give the reader a good idea of what to expect. Is there substance to be expected in this paper?
        • Introduce and begin detailing the research being addressed and the approach to this project's problem or research.
        • Is there a relevance as to why this problem, application, or research is important?
        • Clarify the scope of this project; how far are you intending to go with this paper?
      • LaTeX
        • Write your own Introduction in LaTeX. Use this shell (.tex), resulting .pdf
        • You'll need the image files fig1.pdf and fig2.pdf to compile this version of the shell.
          See researchPaperShell for information on creating your own pdf image files.
        • Rename this shell to your own paper's name (.tex). Compile with pdflatex mypapername.tex

    4. Background (for example, see Brogan's Background)
      • Provide a context for this project and describe other examples of projects or research that pertain to your area. (Most likely, you're not the first to be working on this idea.) Discuss how these provide a basis for your project. Be clear, concise, and as thorough as possible in summary of this previous work and background information.
      • What relevant theory or algorithms that pertain to this project? Literature Review, background of algorithms and theory
        • Because the two purposes of this section are to prepare the reader to understand your project and to highlight your expertise on the topic, you should review five or more pertinent sources to provide background information on the topic. You should also briefly define terms and describe specific software and algorithms and theory used in the study.
        • All information in this section should be cited.
      • LaTeX
        • Write your own Background in LaTeX. Use this shell (.tex), resulting .pdf
        • You'll need the image files fig1.pdf and fig2.pdf to compile this version of the shell.
          See researchPaperShell for information on creating your own pdf image files.
        • Rename this shell to your own paper's name (.tex). Compile with pdflatex mypapername.tex

    5. Development Sections (for example, see Brogan's Development, pt. 1 ) (Your actual program/project, what you are actually doing/coding this year), also see Brogan's Development, pt. 2) - note how Brogan uses sections and subsections in the write up of his development
      • Requirements, Overview, Limitations, Development plan
        • Specify the criteria by which the project was deemed successful.
        • Briefly outline the method used to create the project.
        • Note any equipment, materials, and time restrictions.
        • Iterative evaluation plan - go over the tactics you used to assess your program's components as they were developed. What "Lifecycle Model" did you use for your development?
      • Research Theory and Design criteria
        • Clearly and thoroughly present this project's methods, theory, and algorithms. In detail, expand upon the processes for this project and the development of your research (what you did, learned).
        • Represent a sufficient level of difficulty, complexity, and quality.
      • Testing and analysis
        • Explain in detail the types of tests conducted in this project. (You're doing more than just writing a program and seeing if it works or not).
        • Thoroughly and clearly explain and analyze are the tests that you conducted. These tests need to have a point, a focus. What points are you getting across with your tests and analysis.
        • List performance characteristics of the project. Include properly labeled tables and graphs as well as statistical calculations if appropriate.
      • Visual representation of data and results
        • In addition to portraying your information with words use visual representations of your project's structure, test results, algorithms.
      • Developmental Procedures
        • Explain all steps clearly. Include diagrams when appropriate. The completed product is tested for performance and then analyzed and re-designed if necessary.
      • LaTeX
        • Write your own Development section(s), part 1 - the first phases of your project's development. Use this shell (.tex), resulting .pdf Note the use of subsections.
        • You'll need the image files fig1.pdf, fig2.pdf, and fig3.pdf to compile this version of the shell.
          See researchPaperShell for information on creating your own pdf image files.
        • Rename this shell to your own paper's name (.tex). Compile with pdflatex mypapername.tex

        • 2nd semester: Write your own Development section(s), part 2 - exploring 2nd semester phases of your project's development. Use this shell (.tex), resulting .pdf - Note the use of subsections and subsubsections for more detailed explanations.
        • You'll need the image files fig1.pdf, fig2.pdf, and fig3.pdf to compile this version of the shell.
          See researchPaperShell for information on creating your own pdf image files.
        • Rename this shell to your own paper's name (.tex). Compile with pdflatex mypapername.tex

    6. Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Recommendations ("End matter" for your paper) - (for example, see Brogan's Results and Discussion)
      • Re-state your project's purpose. Summarize the project requirements. Was the project successful? Describe the importance/applications of the product. Suggest recommendations for further study.
      • Describe the results of your project. What has been the point of your project, and what does it all mean? Larger Purpose - How can your research ideas be used by others and what are possible benefit(s) or values for other people?
      • Provide thorough and extensive aummary analysis of procedures you've experimented with and tests you've done.
      • Expound upon the results you've seen and what you've learned through this project's development.
      • Provide specific, detailed, concise yet thorough discussion of your results and what you've learned.
      • What are your conclusions and recommendations? Be specific. Are your conclusions superficial (maybe not much was done this year) or are the conclusions of substance (this is an academic year's worth of work and study)?
      • LaTeX
        • Write your own Results/Discussion section(s) in LaTeX. Use this shell (.tex), resulting .pdf Note the use of subsections.
        • You'll need the image files fig1.pdf, fig2.pdf, and fig3.pdf to compile this version of the shell.
          See researchPaperShell for information on creating your own pdf image files.

    7. Appendices (for example, see Brogan's Appendix)
      Extra:
      • Tables, data
      • Code
      • Write your own Appendix section(s). Use this shell (.tex), resulting .pdf

    8. Literature Cited (five minimum, hard copy attached to paper) (for example, see Brogan's Reference section)
      • Correct format, no wikipedia
      • Source copies attached
      • In-text citations match Literature Cited list
      • In-text citations appropriately placed (i.e., none missing!)
      • Write your own Bibliography section. Use this shell (.tex), resulting .pdf

    9. Acknowledgements

    10. Your paper:
      • Proper paragraphing, spelling, and grammar
      • Text body is 12 pages/ Total (i.e., with Appendix) is 20 pages or less/double-spaced
      • All diagrams appropriately labeled (and cited, if necessary)