If you work or intend to work in the field of research and development, consider taking an online course to improve your skills.
Whether you’re an industry veteran, a newcomer, or somewhere in between, the industry you’re in is likely to change faster than you can keep up with. That is especially true in the field of research and development, where innovation and change are par for the course.
As a result, it is an absolute necessity that professionals, regardless of the stage of their career, remain vigilant skills, techniques and procedures making waves in the field. If you want your career to grow in line with the space itself, take advantage of every educational opportunity that comes your way – starting with some free and inexpensive online courses.
Coursera
For students or professionals who want to better develop an understanding of research methods, Courserathrough Queen Mary University of London, runs a Research Methodology program.
This 20-hour flexible course consists of four modules where participants will learn different research methods, different sampling methods, and methods of collecting primary and secondary data. Students will also look at the role of the Internet in market research and non-comparative measurement methods and the course will conclude with a discussion of different methods of data collection, observation, content analysis, narrative research, phenomenology and data collection using ethnography.
A similar course suitable for those looking to develop basic skills is the Coursera/University of London program entitled Understanding Research Methods. This flexible, six-hour course consists of four core modules and is particularly suitable for those undertaking research as part of their postgraduate studies or looking to build their knowledge base. No prior knowledge or experience in research is required.
Alison
Alison and NPTEL conducts an Understanding of Research Methods and Processes program that involves exploring qualitative research methods, field work and literature review among other topics. The free online course provides a general introduction to understanding various research methods and methods. Students will learn the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice. The advanced course lasts approximately five to six hours, covers three modules and is CPD approved.
If you are looking for a more specific education, Alison and NPTEL have additional courses such as the beginner level Introduction to Biomedical Research program, Academic and Research Skills for Business Success courses and a course Health Care Research Skills system.
Oxford Home Study Centre
I Oxford Home Study Centre runs a free Research Skills course designed to teach students how to conduct effective research and use their time effectively.
The course is flexible, takes approximately 20 hours to complete and comes with a certificate upon completion. This course examines the important aspects and benefits of research skills and will focus on why research skills are important, tips and tricks for studying and note-taking techniques, and how to use Miller’s Law, which is the proposed rule of memory retention that the average person can only store seven things (plus or minus two) in their working memory at any given time.
Good for someone who wants to develop skills that enable research over the long term, at a basic level.
Class Central
Class Centralthrough Yale University, using a basic program of Qualitative Research Methods.
This course, a Yale University program accessed for free via YouTube, is a self-paced video course that takes less than an hour and a half to complete. Students will learn the basics of qualitative research methods, develop a qualitative research question and collect data using interviews and focus groups.
Class Central, using other edtech platforms, also offers research programs such as Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics module, Research Ethics and Plagiarism course, and Research, Communication and Dissemination Skills.
Don’t miss out on the information you need to succeed. Sign up for Daily BriefSilicon Republic’s digest of must-know sci-tech news.
