Research Methods Ebulletin - May 2011
News
Call for applications for Networks for Methodological Innovation projects The National Centre for Research Methods is inviting applications for Networks for Methodological Innovation projects. The aim of the scheme is to enable networks of researchers to meet in order to stimulate debate and develop ideas in relation to methodological innovation. The scheme allows a series of events and related activities to be undertaken over a period of twelve months commencing in April 2012. Funds are available for three projects, with a maximum budget of £24,000 per project. |
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runmlwin: New software to run MLwiN from within Stata George Leckie and Chris Charlton from LEMMA node of NCRM at the Centre for Multilevel Modelling (CMM) have developed runmlwin, a new Stata command to run the powerful MLwiN multilevel modelling software developed by CMM from within Stata. runmlwin allows Stata users to: i) Estimate multilevel models for continuous, binary, ordered and unordered categorical, and count dependent variables; ii) Estimate models via classical and Bayesian methods; iii) Estimate multilevel models for cross-classified, multiple membership and spatial data; and iv) Estimate multivariate response, measurement error and multiple imputation multilevel models. The runmlwin website provides installation instructions, comprehensive documentation, worked examples and an active discussion forum. Read further |
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New book - Understanding Social Research: Thinking Creatively about Method This new book by Jennifer Mason (Realities node of NCRM) and Angela Dale brings together a wide variety of research methods - both qualitative and quantitative. The authors identify the most appropriate methods for different research questions and highlight areas where it might be fruitful to compliment different methods with each other or exploit creative tensions between them. The book is a highly practical guide which seeks to draw readers outside their methodological comfort zones. This interdisciplinary approach is complimented by a wide range of strategically chosen examples which demonstrate the authors' pragmatic and creative take on research design. Read further |
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| Call for proposal for methodological studies - Understanding Society Innovation Panel wave 5 Academics and researchers are invited to submit proposals for methodological studies to be incorporated on the Undestanding Society Innovation Panel wave 5. Studies could relate to the design of survey instruments (e.g. question wording, scale format, item order, etc) or to survey design features (e.g. procedures intended to reduce non-response or to improve fieldwork efficiency). Data collection for wave 5 will take place in early spring 2012. The deadline for receipt of proposals is June 2 2011. Read further |
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Digital Social Research: call for Demonstrator Projects The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) invites applications for projects that demonstrate the use of digital tools, techniques and practices in economic and social science research. The purpose of these demonstrators are to i) develop, promote and raise awareness in the use of new digital research tools and methods in social science research; ii) and exploit their potential for translatable practice across the social sciences. The spectrum of demonstrators will include projects with impact beyond the academic research community. The call is part of the Digital Social Research programme and is open to the whole research community. Read further |
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Training courses and events
Sensory Ethnography The ‘sensory turn’ in scholarship across the social sciences and humanities has created new possibilities, potentials and challenges for ethnographers. This workshop will explore the implications of this theoretical and methodological shift for ethnographic practice, and introduce a sensory ethnography approach to doing qualitative research. It will cover i) the theoretical ideas that underpin the notion of multisensoriality; ii) the methodological principles that inform this approach to ethnographic practice; and iii) discussions of practical applications of a sensory ethnography approach across a range of research contexts.Read further |
Structural Equation Modelling for Cross-Sectional and Panel Data Topicscovered in this course include: basic principles of structural equation modelling for both cross-sectional and panel data; simplex models; cross-lagged panel models, latent curve analysis, multiple group models, growth mixture models and parallel process models. Read further |
Oxford Day of Digital Social Science The Oxford e-Research Centre and the Social Sciences Division invite you to Oxford Digital Social Science event. The programme of talks and presentations from researchers across Oxford and the UK cover topics about using advanced ICT tools and methods in social science research. The event is free but registration is required. Register |
Structural Equation Modelling for Cross-Sectional and Panel Data This course starts by introducing the principles and foundational ideas of structural equation modelling, in particular for cross-sectional data, before focusing on the use of these models to analyse panel data. Topics will include: simplex models; cross-lagged panel models, latent curve analysis, multiple group models, growth mixture models and parallel process models. |
Advanced approaches to grounded theory - joint event by NCRM and WISERD 07 June 2011 Cardiff University Speakers: Professor Kathy Charmaz (Sonoma State University) This class focuses on using grounded theory methods with a social constructionist approach. These methods consist of flexible inductive guidelines for collecting and analyzing qualitative data. You will gain practical guidelines for handling data analysis, a deeper understanding of the logic of grounded theory, and strategies for increasing the theoretical power and reach of your work. Through using grounded theory strategies, you can expedite and systematize your research. In addition, you will gain fresh ideas about your data. The sessions cover an overview of fundamental guidelines and several hands-on exercises. Read further |
Creative Interviewing Dr Vanessa May of the Realities Node at The Morgan Centre, The University of Manchester will be running a workshop called ‘Creative Interviewing’ at the 5th Qualitative Research Summer School. The workshop will explore key issues related to qualitative interviews, as well as the use of visual, participatory and observational techniques (such as photo elicitation, mapping and drawing, walking and talking) in creative interviewing. We will examine the potential, value and limitations of creative interview methods, and the knowledge and data generated through them and consider the analytical issues raised by creative interview data. Deadline for applications is 3rd June. Read further |
Designing and carrying out secondary analysis of large-scale surveys: An overview 15 June 2011 NatCen, London Speakers: Matt Barnes and Vicky Brown (NatCen) This course will provide an overview of the process of designing and carrying out secondary analysis of large-scale survey datasets. Participants will be taught the key stages of a secondary analysis research project - from developing research questions, through planning and undertaking data analysis, to strategies for disseminating findings. The course will include taught sessions and interactive learning using real-life examples from a recent project the presenters have worked on. Note: the course will include some on-screen demonstrations using SPSS but will not include hands-on training of SPSS or any other statistical package. Read further |
Effective parenting and child well-being: understanding the evidence base This one day conference will be looking at how the rapid social, demographic and economic changes over recent decades has changed parenting by pulling on statistics and information from the national birth cohort studies. It will also provide an opportunity for researchers, practitioners and those influencing policy to come together to share information about the latest research evidence and discuss implications for policy. For full details including a provisional programme, list of speakers and to booking details please visit the conference website. Read further |
A joint cemmap / Northwestern centre for Econometrics conference in honour of Joel Horowitz This conference is a two-day conference in honour of Joel L. Horowitz's 70th birthday. It is co-sponsored by the Center for Econometrics at Northwestern University and the Centre for Microdata Methods and Practice (cemmap). The presentations at the conference will include a wide variety of recent developments in econometrics and statistics. Places are free of charge. |
Workshop on Simulating Innovation How can computer simulations provide insight into the processes of innovation generation, diffusion and impact? What are the prospects for simulation models influencing R&D policy in science and industry? This event will bring together academics with experience in agent-based models of technological evolution, knowledge dynamics and innovation networks, including modelling projects that have addressed real policy issues. It will be of interest to those working in innovation studies, evolutionary economics, R&D policy, and science and technology studies, as well as those interested in relating these areas to their own. Read further |
Longitudinal Data Analysis This course starts by reviewing the advantages of collecting and analysing longitudinal data. After discussing the various types of longitudinal data, we focus on panel data containing repeated measures. Topics will include i) methods for exploring longitudinal data; ii) alternative approaches for modelling repeated measures data for continuous and categorical responses with particular attention to population average and random effects models; and iii) methods for handling complex survey designs, weights and non-response. Read further |
Presenting Qualitative Data at Conferences Presenting findings from your research at conferences is one of the key tasks of a qualitative researcher. This two day course, run by the Health Experiences Research Group, aims to develop participants’ skills and confidence in designing and delivering a conference presentation based on their research. Numbers are limited to allow maximum time for individual practice and feedback. Read further |
Research Workshop in Multilevel Modelling using MLwiN This is an intensive workshop that aims to enable researchers to specify multilevel models appropriate to their research questions, to estimate models in MLwiN and to interpret the results. Limited to 12 participants, it is designed for researchers who have some experience of multilevel modelling, but now wish to apply it to their own data. Most of the time will be given to analysis of participants’ own data using the MLwiN software. More formal lectures (eg. on significance testing or reporting results of a multilevel analysis) will be tailored to the group's requirements. Read further |
Introduction to Qualitative Interviewing This two day course, run by the Health Experiences Research Group, aims to introduce researchers to the method of qualitative interviewing using a combination of practical workshops, group discussions and formal lectures. Read further |
Introduction to Focus Groups Focus groups are increasingly used in qualitative research as a method for exploring people’s experiences of specific topics. This one day course, run by the Health Experiences Research Group, aims to introduce participants to the principles and practice of organising, moderating and analysing focus groups. The course uses a combination of practical workshops, group discussions and formal lectures. Read further |
Analysing Qualitative Interviews This two day course, run by the Health Experiences Research Group, aims to introduce the principles and practice of qualitative interview data analysis, with particular emphasis on thematic analysis techniques. It uses a combination of practical workshops, group discussions and formal lectures. Read further |
Introduction to Qualitative Secondary Analysis Qualitative secondary analysis of existing data sets is becoming increasingly popular in the research community. This two day course, run by the Health Experiences Research Group, introduces participants to the principles and practice of qualitative secondary analysis. Read further |