Teaching Empirical Social-Science Research to Cybersecurity Students

Journal article (2019)

Authors

Susanne Barth University of Twente
P.H. Hartel University of Twente, Cyber Security - EEMCS
M. Junger University of Twente
A.L. Montoya Morales University of Twente
Research Group
Cyber Security (EEMCS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2019 Susanne Barth, P.H. Hartel, M. Junger, A.L. Montoya Morales
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1109/MSEC.2018.2888781
More Info
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Published Date

2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Department

Intelligent Systems

Research Group

Cyber Security

Abstract

We report on an educational experiment where computer science students perform empirical research into the human factor in cyber security. Most courses restrict students to work in a lab environment,but we encouraged our students to conduct a realistic experiment with real -world subjects. The students wrote a research proposal that had to be approved by the IRB. They then executed the proposal, collecting and analysing the data. Finally the students wrote and presented a paper a student conference. The main method of assessment is by peer review. After teaching the course for six years, we report on the exciting ideas our students came up wi th, and on the lessons we learned in teaching the course. The main conclusions are (a) offering complete freedom to choose research topics inspires students to design creative projects, (b) working with real subjects creates a stimulating learning experience, and (c) peer-review is a useful assessment tool .