Evaluating A Selection of Tools for Extraction of Forensic Data: Disk ...

3.0 INTRODUCTION
Chapter 3
Research Methodology
The literature survey in Chapter 2 has critically reviewed a set of articles related to
digital forensic tools. The literature review has identified crucial factors that could
affect the validity and the features of the disk imaging tools. In Chapter 3, the main
research objective is to identify and construct a conceivable research method that can
be used to investigate the relationship between the identified factors and the validity of
disk imaging tools. The two factors related to the reliability of the disk imaging tools
are completeness and accuracy.
In the development of the research model several steps must be prepared to
empirically test the model. At the early stage of the research, disk imaging tool test
requirements are derived from the standardised approach of the industry. The test
requirements derived will provide the foundation for designing suitable test scenarios
and assertions. Each selected disk imaging tool will be matching multiple test
scenarios according to its functionalities. Each test scenario includes multiple test
assertions that must be tested to confirm the selected tool has conformed to test
requirements. After the test requirements are confirmed, test cases and test assertions
are decided. The data is collected after the execution of the designed test scenarios and
finally the data will be analysed and the findings will be presented.
An appropriate methodology for testing the research model will be developed
based on a review of similar studies that report how other researchers have
investigated similar problems. The review of similar studies provides vital information
on what has been achieved in the field and what methodology has been used in their
research. The review of similar studies is also necessary to ensure an appropriate
methodology is adopted and properly applied in the research. The review of five
similar studies is presented in section 3.1. Research questions and hypotheses derived
from Section 2.6 are defined and justified in section 3.2. In section 3.3, the preferred
research design is discussed in detail to show how the research question is to be
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