Research Skills Toolkit

Published on: Dec 2020 36.5 of Core activities

Research Methods

 

The Research Methods programme, a central step in the research journey, integrates the latest developments, trends, and challenges in research practice.

The programme is made of five courses equipping researchers across all disciplines with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently undertake independent research projects: ‘Undertaking a Literature Review’, ‘Principles of Research Methods’, and the ‘Research Methods in Practice’ individual courses for Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities and STEM. 

Facilitating active, independent learning, each course presents opportunities for researchers to identify their own priorities, reflect on their experiences, and select the interactive and multimedia content that is most applicable to their work.

  • Undertaking a Literature Review
    Overview

    Publication date: Mar 2020

    Core Activities: less than 2 hours (105 minutes)

    This course supports researchers throughout the process of conducting a literature review. It helps researchers understand how to plan a literature review, find a methodical approach, source literature, evaluate and report their findings according to the requirements of their academic project.

     

    Syllabus
    • Module 1: Literature Review: An Introduction
    • Module 2: Identifying Literature for your Review
    • Module 3: Evaluation of the Literature
    • Module 4: Analysing the Literature and Writing up your Review
  • Principles of Research Methods
    Overview

    Publication date: May 2020

    Core Activities: 2 hours

     

    This course presents the core theoretical principles that underpin research methods across all disciplines, exploring available methodologies, and highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary approaches and mixed methods.

    It further supports researchers through the fundamental stages of research methods, including framing and evaluating their research question, choosing a methodology, and communicating and reporting research. It also helps reflect on potential challenges through contemporary case studies and multidisciplinary scenarios.

     

    Syllabus
    • Module 1: Understanding and Framing Research
    • Module 2: Developing a Research Question
    • Module 3: Knowing about Methodology
    • Module 4: Knowing About Data Collection Methods
    • Module 5: Knowing about Sampling Methods
    • Module 6: Knowing about Data Analysis Methods
    • Module 7: Networking, Collaborating and Connecting Disciplines
    • Module 8: Protecting, Managing and Sharing Research Data
    • Module 9: Communicating, Disseminating and Publishing Research
    • Module 10: Drawing the Strands  Together: Producing a Research Proposal
  • Research Methods in Practice: Social Sciences
    Overview

    Publication date: Dec 2020

    Core Activities: 1 hour

     

    This course supports master’s and doctoral researchers undertaking independent research in the social sciences, providing guidance on research planning, data collection, analysis and reporting methods.

     

    Syllabus
    • Module 1: Data Collection Methods
    • Module 2: Data Analysis Methods
  • Research Methods in Practice: Arts and Humanities
    Overview

    Publication date: Dec 2020

    Core Activities: 1 hour

     

    This course addresses practical applications of research methods in the Arts and Humanities, supporting master’s and doctoral researchers every step of the way using scenario-based activities, nuanced examples, and expert tips to explore common challenges.

     

     

     

     

    Syllabus
    • Module 1: Defining Your Methodology and Designing your Research
    • Module 2: Conducting your Research
  • Research Methods in Practice: STEM
    Overview

    Publication date: Mar 2021

    Core Activities: 1 hour

     

    This course supports master’s and doctoral researchers undertaking independent research in the sciences, providing guidance on scientific research, identifying and formulating research questions, designing and planning your research, reflection and communication.

     

    Syllabus
    • Module 1: Data Collection Methods
    • Module 2: Data Analysis Methods
'Principles of Research Methods' and 'Research Methods in Practice: Social Sciences' Author:
‘Undertaking a Literature Review’ Author:
'Research Methods in Practice: Arts and Humanities' Author:
'Research Methods in Practice: STEM'

Getting the basics in place through a thorough understanding of the literature review process and the strategies for producing a robust literature review is the cornerstone of a successful research project, and, in the longer term, a successful research career. This thoroughly revised course provides that starting point for success.

Professor Douglas Halliday

Former Dean of the Graduate School and current Director of the Multidisciplinary Centre for Doctoral Training in Energy, Durham University

 

Principles of Research Methods is the foundation stones of research. This course lays those foundation stones, inspiring learners from a variety of disciplines to build on them through innovative and engaging activities that promote active learning.

Theory is one thing: practice is another. Researchers need to understand how to apply what they have learnt. Research Methods in Practice: Social Sciences engages learners through practical application. It enables them to work through case studies, dilemmas and challenges, motivating them to explore methods and procedures while keeping an eye on ethics and integrity

Dr Catherine Dawson

Researcher and writer specialising in research methods

 

Research Methods in Practice: Arts & Humanities provides researchers at all stages of their projects with the knowledge to be able to select the right research methods and use them with confidence. Through engaging case studies, videos, activities and resources, this online programme supports researchers in gaining the insights they need for success.

Dr Eleanor Loughlin

Manager of the Academic Skills Programme at Durham University, UK

User Feedback from the end of module survey on the Epigeum site

Everything was just right and very pertinent. Excellent explanations by the professors who were interviewed.

Very good course to follow and learn from for my own research skills. I am learning to understand the requirements for writing a literature review and the course is very helpful to identify how to write one and what to be aware of to write a comprehensive literature review.

The sequence and clarity of the information is very good. It offers insights that allow for reflection and implementation.