National Centre for Research MethodsComprehensive Training In Research MethodsNCRM delivers training and resources at core and advanced levels, covering quantitative, qualitative, digital, creative, visual, mixed and multimodal methods The National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) delivers cutting-edge research methods training and capacity building across the UK. We provide courses and resources for both learners and trainers, supporting the research community in the social sciences and beyond. Visit our website HERENational Centre for Research MethodsAdvanced Critical Praxeological Analysis: Designing a Project and Writing a Paper (online)DescriptionCritical Praxeological Analysis (CPA) is a new approach which provides a way of conducting critical qualitative research. Critical Praxeological Analysis (CPA) synthesises ideas from three key areas: Wittgensteinian philosophy, particularly the method of grammatical investigation; ethnomethodology and conversation analysis, with a focus on praxeological gestalts; and critical research, especially critical phenomenology. This synthesis provides a robust method for critical qualitative research. In this two day online advanced course, the authors of the approach, Khadijah Diskin and Phil Hutchinson, will help participants identify and plan a project of study, handle data, and make a start on developing a research article. This course will assume an understanding of the basics of CPA and spend minimal time on a brief recap of these (see NCRM's online course Introduction to CPA - 12-13 February 2025 if you feel you need an introductory course first).
Advanced R as a GIS: Spatial Analysis and Statistics - OnlineDescriptionIn this online course, run over two mornings, we will show you how to prepare and conduct spatial analysis on a variety of spatial data in R, including a range of spatial overlays and data processing techniques. We will also cover how to use GeoDa to perform exploratory spatial data analysis, including making use of linked displays and measures of spatial autocorrelation and clustering. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is aimed as PhD students, post-docs and lecturers who have some existing knowledge of using R as a GIS and want to develop their knowledge of spatial stats and spatial decision making in R. Some prior knowledge of both R and GIS is required. It is also appropriate for those in public sector and industry who wish to gain similar skills. Students will be using R, RStudio and GeoDa. Students need to have completed my Introduction to Spatial Data and Using R as a GIS (https://www.ncrm.ac.uk/training/show.php?article=13142) course, or have equivalent experience. This includes:
For more information, please look at the link. Students will need R (v > 4.0), and the sf, tmap, dplyr libraries. They will also need RStudio (v > 2023.01 or greater) No prior knowledge of GeoDa is needed. It can be downloaded following the instructions at https://nickbearman.github.io/installing-software/geoda. Version 1.20 or greater is required. THIS COURSE WILL RUN OVER TWO MORNINGS (10AM TO 1PM) AND EQUATES TO ONE TEACHING DAY FOR PAYMENT PURPOSES.
Conducting Advanced Ethnographic Research - OnlineDescriptionEthnographic methods are increasingly popular with researchers across the social sciences, but the full potential and possible pitfalls of this complex practice are often overlooked in favour of catch-phrase definitions. This course moves beyond standard understandings of ethnography that depict it as a generic qualitative method founded on ‘participant observation’ to provide learners with a sophisticated, state-of-the-art approach based on cutting-edge academic research. The course will blend theorical and practical considerations. On the one hand, the course examines the theoretical scaffolding of ethnography, recognising that a thorough understanding of the epistemological foundations of the methods we use is essential to conducting rigorous and ethical research. On the other, the spirit of the course is inherently practical and pragmatic, as it aims at preparing researchers to design and conduct ethnographic fieldwork, as well as writing it up for academic and non-academic audiences. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This advanced course is suitable for any researchers equipped with some prior knowledge/experience using both standard qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups, life histories, etc.) as well as ethnographic methods but is interested in advancing their understanding of ethnographic research to a professional level. Researchers working within and outside academia (private sector, government, charitable institutions, etc.) are equally welcome to apply. The course is likewise suitable for postgraduate students in any social science (human geography, sociology, business school, political sciences, area studies, education, etc.), particularly if enrolled or intending to enrol in a research degree (e.g., PhD, Masters by Research, Masters in Research Methods). Please note that this course is also suitable for postgraduate researchers with an UG background in anthropology, as the course if pitched to an advanced level. Pre-requisites Experience using ethnographic research methods and qualitative research methods. Preparatory Reading Demetriou, O. (2023), ‘Reconsidering the vignette as method. Art, ethnography, and refugee studies’, American Ethnologist, 50(2): 208-222. Hage, G. (2005), ‘A not so multi-sited ethnography of a not so imagined community’, Anthropological Theory 5, no.4: 463-475. Ingold, T. (2014), ‘That’s enough about ethnography!’, HAU Journal of Ethnographic Theory 4, no 1: 383–395 Stefanelli, A. (forthcoming 2024) ‘Reading ethnography in the classroom: complementary strategies to develop students’ ethnographic imagination.’ Learning and Teaching in the Social Sciences. The course will run from 09:30 to 15:15 both days.
Conducting Ethnographic Research - OnlineDescriptionThe aim of this two-day online 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. Some prior training in qualitative research methods, broadly defined – regardless of whether that includes ethnographic methods specifically.
Creative Research MethodsDescriptionThis is a six-week course covering creative research methods and ethics in theory and in practice. The course runs for 1.5 hours online each week, from 2-3.30 pm on Wednesdays, with associated readings, videos, exercises and online discussions in between the online sessions.
The course will focus on gathering and analysing data. Exercises will offer hands-on experience and an online space will be available for discussions and feedback in between the Wednesday sessions. The online introduction space and preparatory reading will be available from the 8th of January, weekly sessions will begin on the 15th of January.
Ensuring Comparability in Cross-National Surveys: Methods and Key Topics - OnlineDescriptionHow does ideological positioning, such as identifying as right-wing in the UK, compare across countries like Germany or Sweden? How can a single question in a cross-national survey account for contextual differences (where they exist)? Who should we ask to ensure nationally representative results, and how should we analyse and interpret the data across different countries? This two-day online workshop equips participants with the tools to design, analyse, and interpret cross-national surveys, tackling key challenges such as measurement equivalence, sampling techniques, data harmonization, and weighting adjustments. Participants will explore how the Total Survey Error (TSE) Framework can help identify and address measurement error, nonresponse error, and sampling error—key factors that influence data quality and comparability. The course will focus on practical issues like the impact of question wording on survey results, the influence of social desirability bias across cultures, and the role of cultural and demographic variability in shaping responses. Participants will be introduced to Multi-group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MG-CFA) as a method for assessing measurement equivalence in diverse contexts. We will also cover essential sampling methods in cross-cultural survey research, as well as weighting techniques designed to make survey results nationally representative, while addressing the challenges of weighting in cross-national surveys. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is aimed at all researchers interested in using cross-national survey data, mainly from social sciences and related disciplines would benefit from the course. Participants should have a basic understanding of linear regression analysis.
Four Qualitative Methods for Understanding Diverse Lives (academics) - OnlineDescriptionIn this one-day online training workshop you will be introduced to four qualitative research methods to better understand diverse lives - Photo Go-Alongs, Collage, Life History Interviews and Participant Packs. When researching social groups, researchers may focus on categories such as age, gender, sexuality and so on. These categories can turn catch-all terms into catch-all agendas. Treating groups of people with one shared characteristic as homogenous risks a cookie-cutter approach which overlooks diverse lives and needs. Given the complexity of what it means to be a person, a one-size fits all approach to engagement cannot suffice. The methods introduced in this training workshop are beneficial in exploring diverse lives and can be used when researching with any group. The session is aimed at PhD students and academics of all career stages across the UK who want to better understand:
This online training workshop will be structured as follows:
By the end of the course participants will:
This online training workshop will take place over the course of one day between 10:00 and 16:00, with 1 hour for lunch between 12:30 and 13:30.
Growing up in England - OnlineDescriptionThis course is run as a collaboration between the National Centre for Research Methods and Administrative Data Research UK and is part of a series on short courses on administrative data. The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the Growing Up in England (GUiE) dataset. GUiE is a flagship ADR dataset and provides a link between 2011 Census data and longitudinal administrative data from the education and children’s social care systems. The course provides an introduction and overview of GUiE including:
By the end of the course participants will:
Knowledge of administrative data research datasets and SDC processes would be helpful but are not essential. This is an introductory course and prior knowledge of or experience using GUiE is not required. PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS BEING TAUGHT OVER TWO MORNINGS (10:00-13:00) AND EQUATES TO ONE TEACHING DAY FOR PAYMENT PURPOSES.
How to write your Methodology Chapter - OnlineDescriptionThis online 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.
Introducing Institutional Ethnography: An Interdisciplinary Feminist Approach to Social ResearchDescriptionThis online workshop will introduce Institutional Ethnography (IE), an interdisciplinary feminist approach to social research that focuses on how texts and language organise our everyday lives. IE is not just a methodology, but an entire approach to research with a specific ontology of how the social world works and the organising role of texts and language. In IE, the researcher ‘takes sides’ using a specific version of standpoint to explore how institutions work in practice rooted in peoples’ experiences. This often involves researching as, with, or alongside marginalised groups and making visible how institutions exclude or make invisible certain groups of people and experiences. The overall aim of the workshop is to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of institutional ethnography as an approach and the opportunity to translate their own research ideas and projects into an IE research proposal and do a small piece of text-focused analysis. This hands-on workshop is suitable for students, academics, and anyone else interested in feminist methodologies, text and discourse analysis, and institutional or organisational ethnographies. No prior training in, or knowledge of, IE is required. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is aimed at academics, students, any other qualitative researchers, including policymakers, organisers, and activists interested in analysing organisational processes. Participants must have at least some experience in qualitative research methods, but no experience of Institutional Ethnography is required. Preparatory Reading Required:
Desirable:
Introduction to ArcGIS Online - OnlineDescriptionArcGIS Online (AGOL) is Esri’s cloud-based GIS platform that allows users to create maps and other web applications for data sharing, collaboration and analysis. This practical, one-day hands-on course provides a guided introduction to AGOL. You will learn how to publish existing vector data to AGOL, set sharing and group privileges and create a web map that drives field-based data collection. You will use Experience Builder to create a web application that is used for sharing and visualising spatial data. The course comprises hands-on exercises each introduced with a short presentation and a live demonstration. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will be able to:
This course is intended for users of ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro software who wish to improve their technical knowledge and understanding in ArcGIS Online (AGOL), the cloud-based counterpart, to traditional desktop GIS. Delegates should be familiar with the basics of using ArcGIS Pro and spatial data (e.g. using spatial layers, working with an attribute table, setting symbology, vector data). Delegates should be familiar with the basics of using ArcGIS Pro and spatial data (e.g. using spatial layers, working with an attribute table, setting symbology, vector data). This is a 1-day online course starting from 9:30 and completing at 17:00, with a mid-morning break (10 mins), a 30 minute lunch and an optional mid-afternoon break (10 mins). Delegates are provided with the data used to take part in the course and electronic copies of the course materials (presentations and exercises). The course comprises of 7 modules. Each module has a short introduction presentation, followed by a live demonstration to reinforce what was discussed in the presentation. Delegates will then work through an exercise on that topic for around 15 to 45 minutes. The trainer will be present to answer any queries. The course is delivered online using Zoom desktop. The trainer will be present throughout the course and additional trainers will support if required.
Introduction to Bayesian Statistics for Social ScientistsDescriptionThe purpose of this course is to familiarise students with the basic concepts of Bayesian theory. It is designed to provide an introduction to the principles, methods, and applications of Bayesian statistics. Bayesian statistics offers a powerful framework for data analysis and inference, allowing for the incorporation of prior knowledge and uncertainty in a coherent and systematic manner. Throughout this course, we will cover key concepts such as Bayes' theorem, prior and posterior distributions, likelihood functions, and the fundamental differences between Bayesian and frequentist approaches. You will learn to formulate and estimate statistical models, update beliefs using new data, and make informed decisions based on the posterior probabilities generated through Bayesian inference. By the end of this course, you will possess the necessary skills to perform Bayesian data analysis, interpret results, and apply Bayesian methods in various contexts. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
The course will be delivered over two days, with a two-hour live session on each day (26/03/2025 and 02/04/2025 at 2pm). Participants will be given access to a two-hour pre-recorded lecture one week prior to each live session, which they are expected to work through in preparation. The live sessions will provide an opportunity to apply concepts from the lectures, and participants are encouraged to come with questions. This course will be taught using STATA - Some basic knowledge of STATA will be required. The course leader will prepare the basics of probability refresher which can be used as part of the preparatory work for this course. It will be available 2 weeks before the course start date. Students who are not as confident with using probability or haven’t worked with it recently are encouraged to complete this.
Introduction to Critical Praxeological Analysis (online)DescriptionCritical Praxeological Analysis (CPA) is a new approach which provides a way of conducting critical qualitative research. Critical Praxeological Analysis (CPA) synthesises ideas from three key areas: Wittgensteinian philosophy, particularly the method of grammatical investigation; ethnomethodology and conversation analysis, with a focus on praxeological gestalts; and critical research, especially critical phenomenology. This synthesis provides a robust method for critical qualitative research. In this online introductory course, the authors of the approach, Khadijah Diskin and Phil Hutchinson, will provide newcomers with a foundation in CPA, by laying out the philosophical background, outlining the stages of project development and analysis, and then ending the day by facilitating a CPA data session on some recent data that might serve as a topic for CPA studies. This course will assume no prior knowledge of either CPA, Critical Phenomenology or Ethnomethodology and Conversation Analysis and so works as perfect introduction for those who are looking for a method of critical qualitative research.
Introduction to Impact Evaluation - OnlineDescriptionThe online one day course (which will be taught over two mornings) will introduce you to various empirical, quantitative methods that can be used to estimate the impact of a specific policy intervention. These methods can be referred to as “programme evaluation”, “impact assessment”, “causal estimation” or “impact evaluation”. The course assumes basic statistical concepts (mean, median, correlation, expected value, statistical significance and confidence intervals), and algebra is optional. It does not teach participants how to implement any of these methods using statistical software. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is aimed at Government researchers and analysts interested in quantitative methods for impact evaluation, Third sector researchers and analysts interested in quantitative methods for impact evaluation and PhD students and junior researchers.
Introduction to Longitudinal Data AnalysisDescriptionLongitudinal data is essential in a number of research fields as it enables analysts to concurrently understand aggregate and individual level change in time, the occurrence of events and improves our understanding of causality in the social sciences. In this course, you will learn both how to clean longitudinal data as well as the main statistical models used to analyse it. The course will cover three fundamental frameworks for analysing longitudinal data: multilevel modelling, structural equation modelling and event history analysis. The course is organised as a mixture of lectures and hands-on practicals using real-world data. During the course, there will also be opportunities to discuss also how to apply these models in your own research. Objectives:
IMPORTANT: Please note that this course includes computer workshops. Before registering please check that you will be able to access the software noted below. Please bear in mind minimum system requirements to run software and administration restrictions imposed by your institution or employer with may block the installation of software.
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). This course will be taught over two mornings (10:00 – 13:00, including a mid morning break) and equates to one teaching day for payment purposes.
Navigating Complexity: Qualitative Research in Challenging Field Settings - OnlineDescriptionThis course is designed to familiarize students and researchers with various facets of qualitative research, particularly focusing on challenging fieldwork environments involving complex and intimate inquiries, expansive research scopes and diverse participant types. We will draw on our personal experience of undertaking ethnographic work and collecting semi-structured interviews with adults and children, presenting examples from the field to illustrate key challenges. The course will particularly benefit researchers engaging in qualitative research with vulnerable communities for short-term periods and in international contexts. This course will discuss:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is aimed at students, researchers and academics in the social sciences with little or no training in qualitative methods. The course will run from 11:00-16:00 and equates to one teaching day for payment purposes.
NCRM Introduction Hospital Episode Statistics - OnlineDescriptionThis online 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:
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.
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. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
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.
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.
Radical Research EthicsDescriptionEthical research is better quality research. This online course (one day, taught over two mornings) is designed to raise your awareness of why and how you need to think and act ethically in practice throughout your research work. The current system of ethical review by committee can lead to the misleading sense of having ‘done ethics’. This course shows you how to conduct research which is truly ethical. It also provides the opportunity for discussion of your own ethical dilemmas, if you wish. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This course is aimed at Doctoral students, early career researchers (any discipline). Also practice-based/applied researchers. Possibly government researchers too, and independent researchers.
The Decolonial Researcher - In PersonDescriptionIn recent years, there has been an upsurge in calls to decolonise academia. This has involved discussion about the need to decolonise curricula, pedagogy, campus spaces, and relationships within universities. It has also been suggested that research methods and methodologies need to be decolonised too. This course will offer an in-depth exploration of this area by asking: What are the possibilities when it comes to decolonial research? This one-day course will be split into four sections, as follows. Firstly, the course will examine the decolonial critique of academia. This will involve exploring some of the main themes found within decolonial scholarship and activism with a specific focus on the decolonial critique of social science research. Secondly, the course will explore some of the key predecessors of decolonial research which have had a significant impact on current thinking about decolonial research. More specifically, consideration will be given to the relationship between feminist research, Indigenous research, and decolonial research. Thirdly, the course will consider various strategies which have been suggested to decolonise research. This will involve discussing some of the practical strategies that may be used when trying to produce decolonial research. Fourthly, the course will offer a critique of decolonial research. This will involve recognising the limitations of decolonial research which make it an imperfect approach to conducting research. The course will be delivered in an interactive workshop format which will involve a mixture of lecture-style teaching, interactive large-group discussions, and small-group conversations. Researchers from all disciplines, expertise, and backgrounds are welcome to attend. The course covers:
By the end of the course participants will:
This is an in-person course, taking place in Cardiff on the 9th of May from 10am to 5pm. The course is suitable for all levels. It is structured in such a way so as to ensure that it progresses from entry-level, to intermediate-level, to advanced-level. This course is designed for doctoral researchers within social science disciplines and anyone else who would like to further explore decolonial research methods and methodologies.
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 at the University of Liverpool. Please note refreshments will be provided, but lunch will not (there are various outlets nearby to purchase something, or bring your own). 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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