Guidance for Researchers: 2024 Quantitative Research Skills mini-series
Two series of quantitative research skills training are happening in Spring-Summer Semesters 2024:
- Introducing quantitative research for the terrified:
A new introductory level quantitative research skills training is taking place in the Seacole building on Fridays 5th and 12th April 2024 (venue in Seacole building, City South campus).
This new 2-session mini-series will provide you with the basic concepts and principles to help you understand statistics.
- A beginner's guide to SPSS for quantitative research:
A 3-session series taking place on Fridays on 19th and 26th April and 3rd May (venues in Seacole building, City South campus) will introduce SPSS as an effective visualisation tool for understanding and utilising quantitative research data.
For participants who attended the three-session series on quantitative research training in November-December 2023, the content of the first session may have some overlap with the previous series, while session 2 presents fresh material. You are very welcome to join us.
Speaker: Dr. Philip Dee, Academic Development Department (ADD), Faculty of HELS
Dr. Philip Dee has worked at BCU for 20 years and in that time has evolved his support role to include research and statistics. He has a PhD in Nuclear Physics and during his time at BCU has ‘translated’ his research knowledge in order to offer support in the faculty of HELS to research-active staff and students and is currently an active supervisor up to PhD level. To consolidate his research skills, Philip has recently completed a degree with the Open University in ‘Mathematics and Statistics’ and is a member of the Royal Statistics Society (RSS). He maintains a YouTube channel which supports many aspects of academic support, numeracy and statistics.
Introducing Quantitative Research for the Terrified (5&12 April 2024)
Are you conducting quantitative research and working on a research strategy that focuses on quantifying the collection and analysis of data?
Or, are you doing qualitative research but are finding it useful to learn another skill set and be equipped to carry out cross-disciplinary research?
Or simply, you would like to be able to understand statistics when you read an article and know how to interpret the data presented.
Either way, this research skills series could help you understand data and statistics and the use of them for academic research.
This series serves as an introductory level suitable for beginners or individuals seeking a refresher, paving the way for deeper exploration into research skills and the establishment of a supportive community tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of its members. (For participants who attended the three-session series on quantitative research training in November-December 2023, the content of the first session may have some overlap with the previous series, while session 2 presents fresh material. You are very welcome to join us.)
Speaker: Dr. Philip Dee, Academic Development Department (ADD), Faculty of HELS.
1. Overcoming the Jargon Barrier in Quantitative Research
An introduction to quantitative research through the lens of a ‘Jargon-busting’ approach. The session will remind you, as early researchers (or supporters of research), of the difference between descriptive and inferential statistics, as well a deep dive into what we mean by a ‘variable’ – a key component in approaching your research question that gets you thinking about what you intend to measure and how you can analyse your outcomes.
Registration is closed.
2. Core Methodologies in Quantitative Research
This session will build upon session 1 and introduce the more common methodologies such as RCTs, Cohort studies and case-control studies. The emphasis will be on their applicability as well as their strengths and limitations.
Registration is closed.
Check the three-session series on SPSS in the next section, which will inherently cover topics such as comprehending associations and correlations, as well as interpreting descriptive and inferential statistics, including statistical significance.
A Beginner’s Guide to SPSS for Quantitative Research (19th, 26th Apr & 3rd May 2024)
SPSS serves as a valuable tool for understanding statistical significance by providing the means to analyse, interpret, and visualise data effectively, thereby aiding researchers and analysts in making informed decisions based on empirical evidence.
This SPSS training series provides an introductory journey into visualising statistics and findings from quantitative research. Designed to build upon your existing knowledge, these sessions serve as a stepping stone toward enhancing your research skills. By covering essential topics such as understanding associations, correlations, descriptive and inferential statistics, participants gain valuable insights into employing SPSS for their research analysis. Equipped with these foundational skills, attendees are better prepared to explore more advanced research methodologies and analyses. Additionally, the series fosters a supportive community tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of its members, creating a collaborative environment conducive to growth and learning.
Speaker: Dr. Philip Dee, Academic Development Department (ADD), Faculty of HEL.
1. Introducing the SPSS Environment
Accessing, downloading and running SPSS. Undertaking basic descriptive statistics and visualising the data through charts and graphs.
Registration is closed.
2. Basic Inferential Statistics using SPSS
Carrying out and interpreting common inferential statistical tests. We will look at using the t-test and some non-parametric tests such as the Chi-Square, the Mann-Whitney and the Wilcoxon tests.
Registration is closed.
3. Running with Scissors (looking at your own data using SPSS)
This session will be an ‘open’ but facilitated opportunity to bring along your own data (or randomly generated data that matches your own research design), so that you can begin to become familiar with and more confident using SPSS on your own terms. If you do not have your own data we will partner you up with students who do have data, so you can also get a flavour of collaborative working.
This session will take place on Friday, 3rd May, in person in the Seacole building on City South campus. Room to be confirmed. Seats are limited to 30. Book your place now.
Let us know if you want any topics to be offered or/and if you want to be involved in a community of practice and receive help with your research. Either email the Research Support Librarian or indicate your interested areas of training and support by using this survey.