Applied Social Research Training Report
30th August 2016
Description
From June to August 2016, PRSO's research
trainers voluntarily conducted Applied Social
Research Training for 12 young Afghan
researchers that included NGO staff,
university students and university graduates. It
aimed at enhancing their knowledge and skills
in some of the applied research methods. It
has especially addressed the needs of
researchers in the area of selection and
formulation of the research problem, review
of literature, conceptual framework, selection
of research design, formulation of research
questions/hypothesis
and
testing
of
hypothesis, selection of sampling methods and
its techniques, conducting interviews,
developing data collection tools, collecting
data from the field and field management,
choosing suitable techniques of data analysis,
using software for transcription, coding and
analysis, interpreting the data and reporting
on the findings of the research study.
transcription and coding qualitative data. They
also learned basic data analysis.
Outcomes
Participants have learned how to
measure the validity and reliability of their
hypothesis, to do a literature review, to
develop a scientific research question, to
choose a research design model, to understand
the limitations of various data collection
methods, to collect data through FGD, KII, Indepth-interview and survey. They also learned
survey management, data management and
data quality control. They learned audio
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Course Objectives:
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Explain the difference between pure and
applied research; and to give details on
differences
between
monitoring,
evaluation and research
Enable participants develop a research
proposal
Get to know the research ethic, and avoid
bias and plagiarism.
Formulate
and
test
a
research
questions/hypotheses,
Describe different types of sampling
techniques;
Discuss the techniques of data collection,
processing
and
analysis
through
Participant Observation, Focused Group
Discussion
(FDG),
Case
Study,
Participatory Weighted Checklist (PWCs),
Interviews (in-depth interview, key
informant interview [structured and nonstructured]) and survey.
Course Format
It was interactive class-room sessions that
included lectures followed by group
discussions, exercises and assignments
Course Contents
Area 1: Research Concept
1. Introduction to research, research culture, publications, objectives and scope of research.
2. Traditional research methodologies and accepted methodologies in social sciences
3. Difference between research, evaluation, monitoring and assessment
4. Ethical issues in research
5. Types of Bias in research
Area 2: Commissioning a Research Project
6. Key steps in the research process
7. Gaps in existing evidence
8. Examining evidence (types of evidence; primary, secondary, direct, indirect) and addressing a
defined set of assumptions based on educated guess.
9. Defining a quantitative weight to the evidence based on its accrued valued
10. Measuring the validity and reliability of the hypothesis
11. Formulation of a research questions
12. Connect the research ideas to the preexisting theories
13. Applying research/evaluation designs
14. Selecting data collection techniques/tools
15. Synthesize research questions, literature review, and methodology into a proposal
16. Developing a realistic timetable and budget for a research project
17. Developing manuals, guidelines and protocol
Area 3: Measurement and Tools
18. Theory of Change
19. Developing Indicators
20. Developing data collection tools
Area 4: Designing and Managing Data Collection
21. Sampling Strategies
22. Qualitative Interviews (In-depth interview, Key informant interview, FGD)
23. Case study
24. Survey
25. Managing data collection
Area 5: Designing, Managing and Conducting Data Entry
26. Transcription using Express Scribe Transcription Software
27. Data quality assurance (quality control)
Area 6: Designing and Performing Data Analysis
Area 7: Report Writing/Reading
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28. Presenting quantitative data
29. Presenting qualitative data
30. Interpreting findings
31. Ability to translate findings into policy recommendations
32. Referencing; citation; citation types (APA; Chicago) In-text citation; Citing figures and
graphs.
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