Introduction

The Course aims to strengthen the capacity of researchers who feel their work could be improved with more rigorous and internationally accepted methods. The training aims to provide an opportunity to reflect on the researchers’ work in a critical way; rather than being a theoretical introduction to entirely new methods. This will ensure a “hands on” learning where researchers will think about their own work more rigorously and will receive practical feedback on how to improve their research. Furthermore, a dissemination and publication session is intended to provide useful advice to publish research papers as academic peer-reviewed articles and to communicate the key findings to broader policy audiences.

Duration

5 Days

Who Should Attend

This course targets to mid-career researchers

COURSE LEVEL: Foundation

The training aims to provide an opportunity to reflect on the researchers’ work in a critical way; rather than being a theoretical introduction to entirely new methods.

Course Outline

Session 1: Quantitative Methods

The quantitative methods session will include basic tools and principles for data analysis, such as sample design, the effective use of descriptive statistics, identification, and methods to establish causality. It will focus broadly on two areas, namely, survey design and data analysis form different sources.

Survey design is an important stage in quantitative research and deficiencies in design cannot always be corrected by analysing data. The quantitative methods will start with discussions on basics of sampling design. It will cover issues of sample size, stratification, multi-stage clustering and probability proportion to size sampling. The data analysis part will focus on the discussion of the use of descriptive statistics as a tool that provides useful first insight into the data and as a tool that gives preliminary checks (preparation) for more robust analysis. The main discussion will be about establishing causation using both experimental and observational data. The discussion on causality will look at the role of experiments in establishing causality, in particular, random assignment as a tool to solve the selection problem. Random assignment is not always feasible either for ethical or practical reasons. Therefore, the session will also discuss instrumental variable estimation, regression discontinuity, difference-in-difference, and other methods.

Session 2: Qualitative Methods

• Interview and field research techniques, including techniques for semi-structured, in-depth, expert, and elite interviews, as well as focus group discussions. Attention will be given to interpreting testimonies for truth telling and evasion.
• Participant observation will be explored as a method for examining and interpreting power dynamics and group relations.
• Methods and best practices of archival research and interpretive text and content analysis.

Session 3: Publication and Dissemination

•  Publishing research in academic journals, including presentation format, the importance of presenting a focused research question that is sufficiently answered in the paper, transparency in the methodology, and which journals are most likely to publish articles .
• Framing your research in real-world debates in order to articulate the significance of the research for policy.
• Disseminating your research to wider public and policy audiences by using various formats, including training on writing a blog and a policy brief and engaging with the media.

Course Administration Details:

METHODOLOGY

The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.

All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English. The participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

ACCREDITATION

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with an Indepth Research Institute (IRES) certificate certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

TRAINING VENUE

The training will be held at IRES Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.

All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ACCOMMODATION AND AIRPORT PICKUP

Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training Officer.

Email:[email protected].  

Mob: +254 715 077 817

TAILOR- MADE

This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our IRES Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 715 077 817.

Mob: +254 792516000, +254 792516010 ,+250789621067or mail [email protected]/[email protected]

PAYMENT

Payment should be transferred to IRES account through bank on or before course start date.

Send proof of payment to [email protected]/[email protected]

DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS: