Research Methods Ebulletin - April 2010
News
 Sessions booking up: 4th ESRC Research Methods Festival 05 - 08 July 2010 at St Catherine's College, Oxford The ESRC National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) is pleased to report that the bookings for the 4th ESRC Research Methods Festival are going well, with nearly 500 people registered so far. Bookings for some of the sessions are limited and are about to reach capacity e.g. 'Mapping and visualising Census data' (session 48 on Wed 7 July) and 'Participatory methods' (session 47 on Wed 7 July). You are strongly encouraged to book your place quickly to avoid disappointment and also to take advantage of the early bird festival booking rates, which apply until 16 April. This is the biggest social science research methods event of the year in the UK, with over 60 sessions, more than 200 presenters and 800 delegates. As at previous festivals, an impressive line up of presenters will speak about issues at the cutting edge of developments in social science research methods. This biennial festival aims to engage social scientists across a wide range of disciplines and sectors and at different points in their research careers, and aims to stimulate interest, raise issues, highlight opportunities and showcase new developments. Early bird fees of £50 per day apply from 1 March until 16 April. From 17 April onwards registrations cost £60 per day. Reduced fees for full-time students. Read further |
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Research methods training bursaries available The ESRC National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) is offering training bursaries up to £1000 to enable staff in the UK social science community engaged in research, teaching research methods or supervising research to update their skills. Contract researchers working in HEIs are also eligible for the bursaries. For further information and to apply, please read further. Please note that the bursary scheme is open for applications throughout the year i.e. there are no deadlines for applications. Read further |
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New NCRM working paper: Innovation in qualitative research methods - a narrative review This paper reviews methodological innovation in qualitative research. It comprises a narrative review of 57 papers published between 2000-2009 in which claims to innovation in qualitative methods have been made. These papers encompass creative methods, narrative methods, mixed methods, online/e-research methods and software tools. The majority of claims of innovation are made for new methods or designs with under half claiming adaptations or adoption of existing methodological innovations. Read further |
New NCRM methods review paper: The archive in question The archive has become central across a range of disciplines and domains. It is the friction between and within disciplines, subdisciplines and interdisciplines which has been so productive, and hence most revealing of the archive’s potential. This paper by Till Geiger, Niamh Moore and Mike Savage attends to the different disciplines which have reflected on (and created) the archive, and to the tensions and frictions between. Specifically the paper turns to one of the more recent entrants into the field of the archive - sociology - which has received little attention in the literature on the archive. Read further |
New LEMMA Online Training Materials (STATA) Stata versions of the MLwiN practicals are now available for four modules: Modules 3 (Multiple Regression), Module 5 (Introduction to Multilevel Modelling), Module 6 (Regression Models for Binary Responses) and Module 7 (Multilevel Models for Binary Responses). Each practical goes through, in detail, the analysis of a particular data set with Stata using the modelling techniques described in the corresponding concepts component of each module. The availability of the same practicals written separately for MLwiN and Stata will greatly widen the audience for the training materials. Read further |
New working paper on using music elicitation in qualitative research How can music be used as an elicitation tool and how does this approach affect the data generated? Nicola Allett considers how music can get to topics and feelings that are difficult to uncover in traditional interview approaches. If you are interested in using music elicitation in your work, see also Nicola's "toolkit" on the same topic. Read further |
What is Narrative Analysis? Presentation recording and audio In this presentation, Vanessa May, from the Realities node of NCRM, gives an introduction to using narrative analysis for qualitative research. This talk was given as part of the methods@manchester seminar What is...? series. Read further |
Researching Nature using an Actor Network Theory approach - presentation recording Richie Nimmo gives an introduction to his use of actor-network theory to research non-humans, based on his study of the British milk industry in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Read further |
Training courses and events
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Event History Analysis 07 - 09 April 2010 This 3-day course will provide a practical introduction to both continuous and discrete-time methods for the analysis of event histories. The course will cover event histories and issues in their analysis, hazard modelling, data management, modelling the time to a single event, competing risks for multiple types of event, multilevel models for modelling the times of recurrent events and unobserved heterogeneity. The course will have a strong practical emphasis, with regular computer sessions using STATA. However, no prior knowledge of STATA will be assumed. The teaching datasets and computer workshops are based on the British cohort studies. To register please email admincentre.courses@ioe.ac.uk |
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Atlas.ti Introductory Workshop ATLAS.ti Version 6 is a CAQDAS package suited to the management and analysis of qualitative data i.e. text and multimedia data/information. In the one day context the overall emphasis is on the management of text although a short demonstration concerning basic handling of different multimedia types can be included if required by participants. The workshop focuses on ways to organise both the data and the project itself. Read further |
STATA for Beginners
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Introduction to the National Pupil Database This course will introduce students to the National Pupil Database and how to code up raw data from the NPD including Foundation Stage Profile Data, and Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, and Key Stage 4 (GCSE) and PLASC data using Stata and SPSS. To register p lease email admincentre.courses@ioe.ac.uk |
Quantitative Analysis Using the National Pupil Database This course will introduce students to basic descriptive analysis of the NPD using Stata and SPSS - discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the data and how it can be merged with other data to improve analysis. To register please email admincentre.courses@ioe.ac.uk |
Measurement error: models, identification and inference (a cemmap Masterclass by Susanne Schennach, Chicago) This class will review approaches aimed at eliminating biases due to the presence of measurement error in covariates. Special emphasis will be given to consistent methods that circumvent distributional assumptions and the need for validation data. Both classical and nonclassical measurement error models will be considered. The class will conclude with examples of the use of measurement error techniques in related fields, such as panel data, auctions and factor models. Read further |
Using Administrative Data to Analyse the Impact of Policy Initiatives
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Multiple Linear Regression This course provides a thorough grounding in the theory and methods of multiple linear regression including: model selection, non linear relationships, dummy variables, interaction terms and assumption testing. The course comprises taught and practical components in about equal proportions. Read further |
Understanding Statistics This course focuses on developing the participant’s understanding of statistics and how to interpret and evaluate research findings. The course is composed of a combination of lectures and practicals. The participants will gain a real insight into how to understand and evaluate statistical findings from social research. It covers key concepts such as: the mean, variation, deviation, standard errors, association, significance testing, confidence intervals, the theory behind statistical modelling and the issue of causality. Read further |
Logistic Regression This course examines the fitting of models to predict a binary response variable from a mixture of binary and interval explanatory variables. The approach is illustrated using examples from a social science perspective, including cases where logistic regression models are used as a means of analysing tabular data where one of the dimensions of the table is a two-category outcome variable. The participant will also learn how to use SPSS to fit a logistic regression model, and how to interpret the results of an SPSS analysis. Read further |
NVivo 8 One Day Introductory Workshop NVivo 8 is a CAQDAS package which now integrates the handling of textual data with multimedia forms of information/data. The workshop is structured to provide step by step support for the some of the tools in NVivo. Exercises concern the coding and organization of the data, so that later interrogation of the data can occur in a wide variety of ways. Brief coverage of the modeling tool and an overview of longer term usage are also included. This one day workshop mostly concerns the handling of textual data. Read further |
CASS Survey Data Analysis 2: Introduction to Linear Regression Modelling Course Objectives: To develop understanding of the basic statistical principles and methods of modelling relationships between variables with focus on simple and multiple linear regression. To enable participants to employ appropriate methods in analysing data. To develop understanding of principles of covariance, correlation, and simple and multiple linear regression. To understand assumptions behind the models, the impact of violations, how violations can be diagnosed and possible solutions. To develop understanding on the reasons, use and implications of modelling categorical variables and interactions in linear regression analysis. The course will include regular sessions to work through examples in SPSS for Windows. |
FREE Methods Seminar: Using Software Tools in Visual Analyses Seminar programme includes: CAQDAS tools for visual analysis (Dr Christina Silver, Qualitative Innovations in CAQDAS, QUIC), Videoconference Interpreting (Dr Sabine Braun, Centre for Translation Studies, University of Surrey) and Visual Methodology: a critique (Dr Thomas Koenig, Qualitative Innovations in CAQDAS, QUIC). Read further |
Biomarkers in social science research The purpose of this one-day workshop is to exchange ideas on the utility of biomarkers in social science research, and to discuss priorities for future data collection. The morning will be given over to presentations of social science research using biomarkers. The afternoon session will involve presentations and discussions around current and future data collection. This workshop is part of the NCRM funded project "Novel measurement methods for understanding economic behaviour". Speakers include: Professor Melanie Bartley (UCL), Professor Nick Buck (ISER, Essex), Dr Hilary Cronin (Trinity College, Dublin), Professor Hendrik Juerges (Mannheim), Professor Moshe Szyf (McGill), Professor James Nazroo (University of Manchester) and Professor Andrew Steptoe (UCL). This workshop is organised by Centre for Microdata Methods and Practice (cemmap) and sponsored by the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM). Read further |
Learning and Teaching with real data: data and resources This workshop is designed for current and future HE teachers interested in using real data in their teaching. Read further |
2-day Introductory Course on Agent-Based Modelling This course is appropriate for researchers and other professionals, from any discipline, who would like to apply mixed methods or use an innovative method for their research into complex social systems. Day 1 will show you what computational modelling can do. Day 2 is a hands on course, which will give assistance to anyone who is thinking of designing and building their first simulation model. The course also has guest lecturers: Steward Robinson, Professor of Operational Research from Warwick Business School; and James Kitts, Assistant Professor of Columbia University, USA. Read further |
Data Reduction and Classification This one-day course discusses various methods of data reduction, focusing on the use of principal components analysis (PCA). SPSS is used to apply PCA to UK Census data. Although factor analysis is also discussed briefly in the data reduction part of the course, the focus is on the use of PCA data reduction methods to construct a deprivation score. We also consider data classification focusing on the theory and application of cluster analysis. We look at an example based on UK Census data and use SPSS to carry out a cluster analysis using both hierarchical and k-means approaches. Read further |
CASS The Psychology of Survey Response This course examines survey questions from a psychological perspective. It describes the major psychological components of the response process, including comprehension of the questions, retrieval of information from memory, combining and supplementing information from memory through judgment and inference, and the reporting of an answer. It discusses several models of how respondents answer questions in surveys, reviews the relevant psychological and survey literatures, and traces out the implications of these theories and findings for survey practice, especially for design of questionnaires. Participants should be familiar with survey measurement and associated problems. Basic knowledge of psychology is helpful but not required. Read further |
Epistemology of the Social Sciences Bourdieu et al. sought to impose the idea of a common research methodology across disciplines and across ideological positions. The purpose of the short course/workshop is to use discussion of the intention of The Craft of Sociology to enable participants to consider, by reflection on their own research practice, whether this was a false endeavour – whether there can be a generic ‘social science’ methodology or only particular methodologies for particular disciplines. The workshop will assess historically the procedure advocated by Bourdieu et al. in the 1960s by examining the legitimacy of some of their exploitations of selected texts. Read further |
Multilevel Modelling This one-day course begins with a description of some examples where multilevel models are useful in statistical analysis and some examples of multilevel populations. We then cover the basic theory of multilevel models and a brief introduction to software that has been written specifically for fitting multilevel models: MLwiN. No prior knowledge of multilevel modelling is assumed. Participants will get some experience of using MLwiN software. Read further |
CASS Essentials of Survey Design and Implementation Course The course focuses on the design and implementation of quantitative social surveys (excluding questionnaire design). Topics include project management, quality, ethical and reporting issues; guidelines for understanding interviewer vs. self-completion implementation concerns; ways to minimise nonresponse in advance; issues in survey sampling and introduction to weighting; principles of data coding and processing, and an introduction to the Survey Question Bank. Course Objectives: Enable understanding of integrated processes of designing and conducting quantitative survey research projects. Provide experience of grappling with problems in survey design. Raise awareness of main sources of error and ways to detect, control and minimise it. Read further |
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Researching Youth 21 May 2010 The key focal point for this one day workshop will be some of the methodological challenges which arise when negotiating various dimensions of difference between researchers and the young people involved in their research (including gender, ethnicity, nationality and age), alongside a consideration of the impact of the specific contexts in which research on young people’s lives might be conducted. The workshop will focus on a range of practical challenges arising from these issues and is designed to give participants the opportunity to reflect upon their own practices as well as to learn from those of the workshop leaders. Read further |
Longitudinal Data Analysis This 3-day course will be aimed at researchers and other analysts who want to know more about longitudinal research design, and how longitudinal research can be used to address issues in evaluation, as well as developing practical skills in longitudinal data analysis. The course will provide students with a better understanding of a range of longitudinal research methods, including first-difference, difference-in-difference, fixed-effects and random-effects models. The course will help students appreciate the strengths and limitations of longitudinal research. The course will have a strong practical emphasis, with regular computer sessions using STATA. To register please email admincentre.courses@ioe.ac.uk |
Workshop on Rich Cognitive Models: Behaviour Changes in Large Organisations It seems the behaviour of people working in large institutions such as hospitals and building sites is not easy to change. The overarching question is how a culture in large organisations can be changed. Is tighter control needed? More incentives? Responsibility? In this workshop we would like to focus on how to model changes in institutional cultures. We do not look for an implemented solution to the problem. Instead we would like a range of approaches to the problem providing unique formalisations and modeling ideas to understand and solve the problems faced in this kind behaviour change in large institutions. Read further |
Multilevel and Longitudinal Modelling The course introduces models for clustered data, such as students nested in schools, or repeated measures/panel waves nested in subjects. Linear and logistic random effects models and alternative approaches for continuous and binary data are covered. Prior to the course, participants should be familiar with linear and logistic regression. By the end of the course, they should have an understanding of the model assumptions, be able to choose an appropriate model for a given situation and interpret the parameter estimates. Sophia Rabe-Hesketh and Anders Skrondal. To register please email admincentre.courses@ioe.ac.uk |
QDA Miner Introductory 2-day workshop QDA Miner two day introductory workshop. This two day introduction to QDA Miner workshop will be led by the developer, Normand Peladeau. The workshop will comprise demonstration and hands-on work and participants will be able to work with their own data during the training and receive guided support. Find out more about the software. Read further |
CASS Applied Multilevel Modelling Course By the end of the course participants should: Have a practical understanding of the ideas and methods of modelling data with a multilevel data structure, and know when their use is appropriate. Have a detailed understanding of how to critically interpret results from multilevel models. Gain a working knowledge of the multilevel statistical package MLwiN. Be able to apply these methods to continuous and binary response data. Course content includes: Multilevel data structures, Random intercept and random slope models, Contextual effects and cross level interactions, Diagnostic checking and model specification, Binary response models, Repeated measures analysis and non-nested data. Read further |
CASS Longitudinal Data Analysis Course Course Objectives: To provide an introduction to various approaches for analysing longitudinal survey data, including methods for handling complex surveys, weights and non-response. To enable participants to identify the important issues when analysing longitudinal survey data. Course content includes: Issues when analysing longitudinal survey data, Overview of approaches to analysing longitudinal survey data, Population average (marginal) models, Random effects models, Methods for categorical responses, and Handling complex survey designs, weights and non-response. Methods will be illustrated and compared using data from the British Household Panel Survey and regular computing sessions using STATA to work through examples. Read further |
Now booking: 4th ESRC Research Methods Festival St Catherine's College, Oxford The ESRC National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) is pleased to report that the bookings for the 4th ESRC Research Methods Festival are going well. This is the biggest social science research methods event of the year in the UK, with over 60 sessions, more than 200 presenters and 800 delegates. As at previous festivals, an impressive line up of presenters will speak about issues at the cutting edge of developments in social science research methods. This biennial festival aims to engage social scientists across a wide range of disciplines and sectors and at different points in their research careers, and aims to stimulate interest, raise issues, highlight opportunities and showcase new developments. You are strongly encouraged to book your place quickly to avoid disappointment and also to take advantage of the early bird festival booking rates, which apply until 16 April. Further information and bookings |
Session of School League Tables ESRC NCRM Methods Festival - Oxford In the UK, School League Tables are used extensively by policymakers and parents as one of the key measures of school effectiveness. However it has been widely recognised that there are problems with some of these measures. ADMIN, CEMMAP and LEMMA will be co-hosting a mini conference on the 5th/6th July at the ESRC Research Methods Festival on the limitations and problems of school league tables, and measuring value added by schools. There will be a range of internationally renowned speakers including, Flavio Cunha, Harvey Goldstein, Herb Marsh and Jeff Smith and speakers from the three ESRC investments. Read further |
Enhancing Longitudinal Surveys by Linking to Administrative Data |
Third Annual Conference - Explorations in Ethnography, Language and Communication: Focus on Data This conference will explore the possibilities and problems of employing ethnographically sensitive approaches to language and communication research across a wide range of disciplines and topics (including health, education, social and political processes, culture and identity). Some of the questions the conference aims to answer include:' What counts as “data” in linguistic ethnography?', 'What is the relationship between data and researcher or data and participant?' and 'How should/can ethnographic data be analysed and interpreted?' The conference will open with interactive data workshops. The second day will include plenary lectures, parallel oral presentations and a closing debate, with plenty of opportunity to exchange ideas with speakers and other delegates. Read further |