MethodViz: designing and evaluating an interactive learning tool for scientific methods – visual learning support and visualization of research process structure

Abstract

In this study, we focussed on designing and evaluating a learning tool for the research process in higher education. Mastering the research process seems to be a bottleneck within the academy. Therefore, there is a great need to offer students other ways to learn this skill in addition to books and lectures. The MethodViz tool supports ubiquitous aspects of the research process in their scientific works higher education students follow. Moreover, the tool facilitates and structures the process interactively. In this paper, we describe the creation process of the artefact and examine the characteristics and scope of MethodViz alongside the traits and ideas of design science research. The evaluation’s results are encouraging and show that MethodViz has the potential to improve students’ learning achievements.