National Centre for Research MethodsNational Centre for Research MethodsAn Introduction to Membership Categorisation AnalysisDescriptionThe central concern of Membership Categorisation Analysis (MCA) is the description of the array of categorisation practices observable in members’ “naturally-organised activities”. This workshop is focused on exploring and understanding what Harvey Sacks called the “member’s machinery” and how that foundation was later developed into a concern with the analysis of “culture-in-action”. Sacks’ early analyses considered how relevant categories are ‘used’ not only to categorise individuals as ‘representative’ members of a given category but, in a broader sense, to both produce and recognise the orderly character that scenes and activities observably have. In this sense, MCA is not a formal method of inquiry as such but forms a live ‘resource’ for members in the accomplishment of reasoning, sense-making, and social organisation. For members, such practices are employed in a range of everyday practices both in forms of talk and conversation (e.g. in telling a story about some event), but also in mobility practices (such as forming a queue or ‘flow file’ in public space) or accomplishing visual order (for example, of producing and viewing memes). For analysts, an attentiveness to categorisation practices provides a powerful means of accessing people’s “improvised cultural practices” (Hester and Francis, 2017) which provide the very grounds upon which the sense of the world is built.
Causal inference for policy evaluation - onlineDescriptionThis training course provides doctoral students with the necessary methodological tools for policy evaluation. Macro-level policy interventions, such as foreign aid in developing countries, are not randomly assigned, which complicates analysis of their causal effects on development outcomes. The course introduces students to the commonly used remedies to the problem of causal identification, including matching on observables, regression discontinuity designs, instrumental variable regression, and difference-in-difference estimation. The course will further a conceptual understanding of these techniques, discuss their pros and cons, and provide practical guidance using examples from the aid effectiveness literature.
Conducting Ethnographic Research - OnlineDescriptionThe aim of this two-day training course is to introduce participants to the practice and ethics of ethnographic research. Through a mix of plenary sessions, group and independent work, participants will learn the basic principles of participant observation and research design, as well as the foundations of ethical ethnographic research. The course will also examine the ways in which other qualitative and creative methods of data collection may be productively integrated in ethnographic research. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
The course is suitable for any professional researchers interested in learning more about using ethnographic methods – whether within or outside academia (private sector, government researchers, etc.). The course is likewise suitable for postgraduate students in any social science (human geography, sociology, business school, political sciences, area studies, education, etc.) with prior knowledge of any qualitative research methods, but not necessarily of ethnography.
Developing and Evaluating Complex InterventionsDescriptionThis course will provide participants with an understanding of the complex intervention research process. Presentations and activities will relate to the main concepts of developing/identifying and evaluating complex interventions and support participants to apply the principles to their own research. It will focus on the overarching considerations required to develop complex intervention research projects, rather than the details of study design, and enable researchers to develop and conduct research that will provide the most useful evidence for decision making. The course will be structured around the MRC/NIHR Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions. There will be a mix of lectures and small group activities to put learning into practice.
Drawing in ResearchDescriptionThe training is designed to introduce researchers and PGRs to using drawing methodologies in qualitative research (which has a fieldwork element) and give them practical experience of doing so. It will provide an overview of the use of drawing in social sciences in the core aspects of carrying out a research project: project design, fieldwork, analysis and representation. In addition to presentations from the convenors, who have both used drawing-based methods, the two-day training session will include many practical group drawing exercises, with opportunities for discussion and reflection. Participants will conduct mini research projects based on a research question. The workshop will end with a group exhibition of drawings representing their findings. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the potential uses of drawing in their current and potential research projects, including how to navigate ethics across the life-course of any project.
Evaluating Geographical Accessibility using GIS and Spatial ModellingDescriptionThis 2-day course, delivered in-person, introduces participants to a range of measures of geographical accessibility, utilising examples of everyday services such as healthcare facilities and retail stores. This hands-on course considers a range of spatial analysis tools and techniques which can be used to capture measures of geographical accessibility at a range of spatial scales. It uses freely available datasets and tools to equip participants with the skills and understanding to incorporate geographical accessibility within their research and analysis. These include measures of proximity to healthcare, network-based measures of accessibility to everyday services and composite measures of neighborhood accessibility to food stores. We also consider modelling tools that can be used to optimise the location of facilities in order to maximise coverage and accessibility and consider sources of powerful routing and travel time data which can be used to enhance measures of geographical accessibility. The course concludes with a more self-directed and open-ended activity in which participants can put into practice skills and understanding from the course, with support and advice from fellow participants and the course tutor. This course is suitable for researchers, analysts and policy makers who have some familiarity with spatial data - for example those who have worked with data related to small areas or neighbourhoods. It would be helpful if all participants have some experience in using a GIS for basic spatial data visualization or analysis, but this is not essential, all concepts and techniques will be taught form first principles. The tools we use are all menu-driven and comprehensive guidance notes are provided to all participants alongside hands-on support.
Prior to the course, further information will be provided to registered participants to ensure that all participants have access to the required software
How to write your Methodology Chapter - OnlineDescriptionThis workshop aims to give participants a range of practical approaches they can adopt when writing about methodology in the social sciences. Using a range of exercises throughout, the course focuses on 20 or so writing strategies and thought experiments designed to provide more clarity and power to the often-difficult challenge of writing about methods. The course also looks at common mistakes and how to avoid them when writing about methods. The focus throughout is on building confidence and increasing our repertoire of writing strategies and skills. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
Target Audience: PhD students, post-docs and junior researchers in the social sciences working on their doctoral theses or supervising doctoral students.
Introduction to Data LinkageDescriptionThis short course is designed to give participants a practical introduction to data linkage and is aimed at both analysts intending to link data themselves and researchers who want to understand more about the linkage process and its implications for analysis of linked data—particularly the implications of linkage error. Day 1 will focus on the methods and practicalities of data linkage (including deterministic and probabilistic approaches) using worked examples. Day 2 will focus more on analysis of linked data, including concepts of linkage error, how to assess linkage quality and how to account for the resulting bias and uncertainty in analysis of linked data. Examples will be drawn predominantly from health data, but the concepts will apply to many other areas. This course includes a mixture of lectures and practical sessions that will enable participants to put theory into practice. The course covers: · Overview of data linkage (data linkage systems, benefits of data linkage, types of projects) · Overview of linkage methods (deterministic and probabilistic, privacy-preserving) · The linkage process (data preparation, blocking, classification) · Classifying linkage designs · Evaluating linkage quality and bias (types of error, analysis of linked data) · Reporting analysis of linked data · Practical sessions (no coding required; see below) By the end of the course participants will: · Understand the background and theory of data linkage methods · Perform deterministic and probabilistic linkage · Evaluate the success of data linkage · Appropriately report analysis based on linked data The course is aimed at analysts and researchers who need to gain an understanding of data linkage techniques and of how to analyse linked data. The course provides an introduction to data linkage theory and methods for those who might be implementing data linkage or using linked data in their own work. Participants may be academic researchers in the social and health sciences or may work in government, survey agencies, official statistics, for charities or the private sector. The course does not assume any prior knowledge of data linkage. Some experience of using Excel or other software will be useful for the practical sessions. Preparatory Reading Recommended (not required): · Doidge JC, Christen P and Harron K (2020). Quality assessment in data linkage. In: Joined up data in government: the future of data linking methods. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joined-up-data-in-government-the-future-of-data-linking-methods/quality-assessment-in-data-linkage · Harron K, Doidge JC & Goldstein H (2020) Assessing data linkage quality in cohort studies, Annals of Human Biology, 47:2, 218-226, DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2020.1742379 · Harron KL, Doidge JC, Knight HE, et al. A guide to evaluating linkage quality for the analysis of linked data. Int J Epidemiol. 2017;46(5):1699–1710. doi:10.1093/ije/dyx177 · Doidge JC, Harron K (2019). Reflections of modern methods: Linkage error bias. International Journal of Epidemiology. 48(6):2050-60. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyz203 · Sayers A, Ben-Shlomo Y, Blom AW, Steele F. Probabilistic record linkage. Int J Epidemiol. 2016;45(3):954–964. doi:10.1093/ije/dyv322 · Doidge JC, Harron K. Demystifying probabilistic linkage: Common myths and misconceptions. Int J Popul Data Sci. 2018;3(1):410. doi:10.23889/ijpds.v3i1.410 Programme Day 1 · Overview · Deterministic linkage algorithms · Linkage error · Probabilistic linkage theory and practical demonstration · Practical considerations (including variable selection, handling missing data and managing processing requirements) · Overview of advanced topics including privacy preservation, string comparators and linkage of multiple files Day 2 · Recap: Common myths and misconceptions about probabilistic linkage · Linkage error bias · Linkage quality assessment · Handling linkage error in analysis · Reporting studies of linked data · Software demonstration: Splink – open-source toolkit for probabilistic record linkage and deduplication at scale
Introduction to Podcasting as Research - HybridDescriptionThis Hybrid course is available in-person at the University of Cambridge and also online. It will run over two mornings on Tuesday 21st February and Monday 6th March 2023, 10:00 - 12:30, and equates to one teaching day for paypment purposes. This training is designed for researchers and students who are interested in podcasting as a research practice, sonic method, and as effective means of communication and public engagement with research. No prior experience is required. This training explores the potential of podcasting as a creative, qualitative research method. While academics have already started to discover podcasting as an effective digital medium for research communication, podcasting can also be used as part of a creative research practice and methodology. In this training, which consists of two sessions of 2,5 hours each, we explore some of the ways in which podcasting can be used to this end. This firstly includes podcasting as a participatory action research method, with podcasts serving as public outward-facing platforms for collective action, reflection, and public engagement. Secondly, podcasting can be used as a sonic elicitation technique during interviews and focus groups to elicit rich, detailed, embodied, and affective responses from participants. Participants will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with podcasting by creating their own ‘mini-podcast’ (1 short episode). The topic of this exercise can be related to the participant’s own current research practice, where desired and appropriate. For this introductory-level training, you do not require any prior experience with podcasting or other forms of audio production. The course covers: In this training, we will cover a range of topics related to podcasting in research contexts, from ethical considerations and methodological applications to the practice of podcasting itself. This includes the design and set-up of a podcast (such as genre, format, ‘branding’, and determining your target audience), practical approaches to audio recording, basic editing and (post-)production, and finally the distribution of episodes to public platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. By the end of the course participants will:
This course is aimed at students and researchers interested in podcasting as a research practice. Participants will need to sign up to the Anchor app for podcast production. Alternatively, participants may choose to work with software such as GarageBand (for more advanced editing options), but no previous experience with either of these two programmes is required. Programme Tuesday 21 February, 10:00 – 12:30 Session 1: - Introduction to podcasting as research method (PAR method, and podcast elicitation) - Ethics of podcasting, strengths and weaknesses of podcast methods - Demonstration of podcast production and instruction for hands-on assignment Monday 6 March, 10:00 – 12:30 Session 2: - Listening to excerpts of the mini-podcasts produced by the participants - Group discussion and feedback - Time for Q & A
Introduction to Spatial Data & Using R as a GISDescriptionIn this one day course (online over two mornings) we will explore how to use R to import, manage and process spatial data. We will also cover the process of making choropleth maps, as well as some basic spatial analysis. Finally, we will cover the use of loops to make multiple maps quickly and easily, one of the major benefits of using a scripting language to make maps, rather than traditional graphic point-and-click interface. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is ideal for anyone who wishes to use spatial data in their role. This includes government & other public sector researchers who have data with some spatial information (e.g. address, postcode, etc.) which they wish to show on a map. This course is also suitable for those who wish to have an overview of what spatial data can be used for. Although no previous experience of spatial data is required it would be beneficial (eg Google Maps).
Measuring energy poverty and it's effect on people's health and wellbeing outcomes - OnlineDescriptionBritain’s energy regulator Ofgem is set to increase its cap on energy prices by 54% this April 2022. This is in response to the skyrocketing price of gas, aggravated by demand picking up as countries relaxed lockdown measures, low-wind speeds, and bottlenecks in supply chains. Over the same period, a recent ONS survey found that of the adults who reported a rise in the cost of living, 79% reported energy bills among the relevant causes. This two-day online course aims to postgraduate researchers and analysts interested in quantitative analysis of energy poverty and its effect on people’s wellbeing. This consists of lectures and practical sessions on measurement of energy poverty and on (causal) analysis on its effect of people’s health and wellbeing outcomes. The measurement of fuel poverty can be explored from two key perspectives. The objective approach relies primarily on household income and expenditure on energy bills to measure the prevalence of fuel poverty. In contrast, the subjective (sometimes referred to the ‘consensual’) approach uses households stated ability to afford energy at a reasonable price as well as characteristics of the home (e.g., damp). We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches. In addition, we will explore key associations between fuel poverty and outcomes that affect the health, wellbeing and wealth of individuals. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is suitable for postgraduate researchers and analysts interested in energy poverty research including (but not limited to): Academics, Government Researchers, Third sector organisations and Consultancy analysts.
Multilevel Modelling: A robust analytical method for randomised controlled trialsDescriptionThis course will focus on the conceptual understanding of multilevel modelling and its relevance for robust analysis of evidence from randomised controlled trials, with case studies from educational and clinical trials. It will focus on ‘meaning’ and application of multilevel models instead of computations. The course will run for three days with the first day focusing on the transition from linear regression models to multilevel models. Practical examples with simple exercises will be used to motivate the need for a more robust approach than t-tests or linear regressions in randomised controlled trials. The different sources of variability will be discussed as well as their implications on effect size. The course will primarily be taught in R, but we would also be able to support individual exercises in STATA. This is an intermediate course that requires good understanding of the linear regression model as a prerequisite. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is suitable for postgraduate students, researchers, trial statisticians and methodologists and participants should have a basic understanding of statistical methods including the linear regression model and analysis of variance. Participants require access to computer with R enabled software. It is recommended to use RStudio for coding and running R.
NCRM Introduction Hospital Episode Statistics - OnlineDescriptionThis course will provide participants with an understanding of how Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data are collected and coded, their structure, and how to clean and analyse HES data. A key focus will be on developing an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of HES, how inconsistencies arise, and approaches to deal with these. Participants will also learn how to ensure individuals’ anonymity and confidentiality when carrying out analyses and publishing results based on HES. The course consists of a mixture of lectures and practicals for which participants will use Stata software to clean and analyse HES data. The course covers: • HES data collection and coding • HES data structure • How to clean and manage HES data • How to ensure anonymity and confidentiality • How to carry out basic analyses using HES data • Sources of variation in HES data • How to apply for HES data By the end of the course participants will:
The course is for researchers and data analysts in academia, government and private sector at all levels who are using or planning to use HES for their work. There are no pre-requisites for the lectures. Computer practicals will involve analysis of simulated data therefore previous experience of programming in Stata, R or SAS will be helpful. Instructions for how to set up data in Stata and Stata code with solutions to all practicals will be provided to all participants.
NCRM Introduction to QGIS: Spatial Data and Spatial Analysis - OnlineDescriptionIn this two day course (which will be taught online over 4 mornings), you will learn what GIS is, how it works and how you can use it to create maps and perform spatial analysis. We assume no prior knowledge of GIS and you will learn how to get data into the GIS, how to produce maps using your own data and what you can and cannot do with spatial data. You will also learn how to work with a variety of different data sources and types (including XY coordinate data and address or postcode data) and using spatial overlays, point in polygon analysis and spatial joins. By the end of the course participants will:
Participatory Action Research (PAR): Equitable Partnerships and Engaged Research - OnlineDescriptionPAR aims to create a space for researcher and participants to co-produce knowledge and where relevant, action for change. PAR is considered as a research paradigm in itself, that embodies a particular set of concepts under which researchers operate (Minkler and Wallerstein 2008). These include respect for diversity, community strengths, reflection of cultural identities, power-sharing, and co-learning (Minkler 2000). In this session we will explore these principles, the cyclical approach to PAR and what this means in practice. Participants will be given the opportunity to learn terminology, understand participation in community engaged research, explore how power and positionality can change health outcomes in PAR, and learn about a variety of participatory methods and how they have been applied in different contexts, globally and within the UK. Participants will also be provided with the space to explore challenges they are facing in designing or implementing community engaged collaborative research within a discussion clinic forum.
Qualitative Diary Methods - OnlineDescriptionQualitative Diary Methods (QDMs) are increasingly recognised as a valuable and important method in social science research, due to concern across disciplines with an overreliance on cross-sectional research, a lack of focus on temporality, and the need to capture evolving processes and the daily dynamics of phenomena. QDMs offer a range of innovative approaches and tools for social science researchers that enable us to capture and subsequently begin to understand, how phenomena are experienced in the moment, as well as how they evolve over time. However, they remain a methodological blindspot in much postgraduate research training. This workshop will provide researchers with a new range of methods to add to their methodological toolkit, as well as support and guidance in managing some of the challenges associated with these methods, including insights into qualitative diary (longitudinal) analysis approaches.
Quantitative Methods for Qualitative ResearchersDescriptionThis course is aimed at researchers and teachers who have previously mostly worked in the qualitative tradition of research but wish to understand or begin to research in the quantitative tradition. It assumes no more than a lay knowledge of quantitative methods (such as surveys or polling) and will take participants on a journey from the methodological and epistemological foundations of quantitative methods, through design, sampling and principles of analysis. No prior statistical knowledge is required. The course will mostly follow a problem based learning approach.
Questionnaire Design for Mixed-Mode, Web and Mobile Web Surveys - OnlineDescriptionIn this live online course, learn about questionnaire design in the context of different modes of data collection. Explore question wording issues, the questionnaire as a whole and visual concerns when moving from interviewer-administered to web survey, when creating a web survey in general and when facing the questionnaire design challenges in creating mobile-friendly web surveys. Mirroring in-person training this will be an interactive course and will also have workshops throughout. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is for anyone involved in mixed-mode, web and/or mobile web surveys. Participants need familiarity with surveys and questionnaire design.
Research in Performance: Practice-based Approaches and the work of Sidelong GlanceDescriptionThis one-day course alerts participants to the potential of performance as a method for research in the humanities and social sciences, and the utility of performance in widely disseminating research findings. It will use the work of the course leader’s own research-led production company Sidelong Glance as a focal point for discussion. After introducing the company and its past, current, and planned future productions, Sidelong Glance founder/director Dr Eleanor Lybeck will perform the original one-woman show Wild Laughter; this performance will be followed by an audience Q&A. The second half of the course will be dedicated to the practicalities of production, including funding applications to academic and non-academic sources, and group and individual sessions during which participants will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas for performance projects emerging out of their own research.
Using Creative Research MethodsDescriptionThis two day course will outline creative research methods and show you how to use them appropriately throughout the research process. The course assumes that you have a good working knowledge of conventional research methods, and builds on that knowledge by introducing arts-based methods, embodied methods, research using technology, multi-modal research, and transformative research frameworks such as participatory and activist research. Any or all of these techniques can be used alongside conventional research methods and are often particularly useful when addressing more complex research questions. You will have several opportunities to try applying these methods in practice. Attention will be paid to ethical issues throughout. The course will include plenty of practical advice and tips on using creative methods in research. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course will be relevant for researchers from the third sector, public services (e.g. health, criminal justice, social care, education, local or national government), and those who work in independent research organisations or academia. It is an intermediate level course and attendees will need a good working knowledge of conventional research methods. The course will run from 10.30-17.30 on Day One and 9:00-16:00 on Day Two. Preparatory Reading Although not required participants may wish to purchase the book on which the course is based: Creative Research Methods: A Practical Guide (2nd edn), by the trainer, published by Policy Press. NB: if participants sign up for the monthly e-newsletter produced by Policy Press, they will receive a substantial discount on the book.
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