Overview of Research

INTRODUCTION

This course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of research, distinguishing it from other techniques such as audits and evaluations. Participants will be introduced to a variety of research designs and research terminology, and will be given the tools to identify and evaluate these designs, exploring both their strengths and weaknesses. The course will also introduce the concepts of professional and scientific knowledge, discuss the scientific method and its origins, and explain its importance in formulating theories. Different perspectives on research will be explored, with a focus on the positivist and interpretivist paradigms, and an introduction to the main research designs and when they should be applied.

This John Varlow | Training and Consultancy course will highlight:

✔ Distinguishing research from other techniques

✔ Exploring the variety of research designs

✔ Understanding research language and terminology

✔ Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of research designs

✔ Understanding professional and scientific knowledge

✔ Discussing the scientific method and its importance

✔ Exploring the positivist and interpretivist research paradigms

✔ Understanding when to use different research designs

Objectives

The aim of this course is to provide participants with a clear understanding of research concepts and methods, and to equip them with the skills needed to identify and evaluate various research designs. By the end of the course, participants will:

✔ Be able to distinguish research from other techniques like audits and evaluations

✔ Understand key research designs and terminology

✔ Be able to evaluate different research designs and recognize their strengths and weaknesses

✔ Understand the scientific method and its application to theory formulation

✔ Be able to identify and apply different research paradigms, such as positivism and interpretivism

✔ Understand the PICO approach to framing research questions

Training Methodology

This course will include both theoretical discussions and practical activities. The morning session will focus on defining and discussing various research designs and concepts such as randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, longitudinal designs, and randomisation. Participants will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each of these concepts and practice identifying these features within case studies.

In the afternoon session, the focus will shift to different philosophical perspectives on research. The positivist and interpretivist paradigms will be explored in depth, with a particular focus on the scientific method and its role in positivist research. Activities will revolve around understanding the research process, formulating research questions, and using the PICO approach.

Organisational Impact

Research is a vital part of decision-making across many sectors. By attending this course, organizations can benefit from having employees who:

✔ Have a deeper understanding of research methods and designs

✔ Are able to distinguish between research and other techniques such as audits

✔ Can effectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods

✔ Can apply research techniques and terminology in their respective fields

✔ Are knowledgeable about both positivist and interpretivist research paradigms

Personal Impact

Participants will gain valuable skills in research design, evaluation, and application. Specifically, delegates will:

✔ Understand key research designs and how they can be applied

✔ Be able to evaluate research studies and recognize the strengths and weaknesses of different designs

✔ Develop a clearer understanding of the scientific method

✔ Gain insight into different perspectives on research and their implications for practice

✔ Learn how to formulate research questions using the PICO approach

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is suitable for professionals from various sectors who are involved in research or decision-making processes. It will be particularly beneficial for:

✔ Researchers

✔ Analysts

✔ Project Managers

✔ Healthcare Professionals

✔ Social Scientists

✔ Policy Makers

Course Outline

Morning Session:

✔ Introduction to Research: Distinguishing research from audits and evaluations

✔ Key Research Designs: Randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, longitudinal designs, and randomisation

✔ Advantages and Disadvantages: Exploring the strengths and weaknesses of different research designs

✔ Case Study Evaluation: Identifying research concepts within real studies

Afternoon Session:

✔ Exploring Research Paradigms: Positivist vs. Interpretivist approaches

✔ The Scientific Method: Its origins, importance, and application in positivist research

✔ Framing Research Questions: Using the PICO approach to develop focused research questions

✔ Activities: Practical exercises on the research process and the formultion of research questions

Duration:

1 Day (Can be run as two half days)

Pre-requisites:

If run as two half days, the morning session is needed before the afternoon session.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will receive a John Varlow | Training and Consultancy Certificate of Completion, recognizing their understanding of key research methods and their application in real-world contexts.

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