This face to face course is run by the Researcher Academy

The programme is designed for theoretical, quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods/multi-modal researchers at any stage in their research career.

Participants should have a willingness to listen to others and explore a variety of perspectives with sensitivity, humility and curiosity.

Description: 

This course forms part of the Researcher Academy ‘Developing and defending a robust study design’ programme. As the content and themes covered in each day will build on and reference those covered in previous days, we strongly recommend that researchers attend all three days and complete the full programme. However, if you are unable to attend one of the days or feel you have already covered relevant content in previous training or reading you are able to attend individual course days.

Day one: How philosophy of research can empower you

This workshop will introduce: 

• the standard view of science;  
• critiques of positivism; 
• interpretivism;  
• critical theory and critical realism;  
• standpoint and epistemologies of the South. 

Participants will be introduced to core concepts from each position and work with small groups of other researchers to discuss and critique those positions which will inform class discussions. The day will culminate with a debate between positions, which researchers will be supported to participate in. 

Aim: To empower researchers to persuasively communicate and creatively collaborate using an understanding of the philosophical paradigms that underpin all research   

Objectives:  

• to introduce participants to various epistemological positions 
• to introduce students to debate using the core concepts from these positions 
• to introduce the relationship between epistemological positions and study design 
• to model and encourage in research respect, justice, civic virtue and citizenship as well as responsibility for self and others 
• to engender in our research community passion, curiosity, humility and integrity 

Process:

Interactive workshop with individual work, small group and class discussions.

Course Accessibility

The following table shows a summary of what is needed to participate in the course. 

If you feel you will experience any difficulties participating, please let us know via the ‘special requirements’ tab, providing as much information as possible. The special requirements tab can be completed when you book your place. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at ra-training@nottingham.ac.uk. 

Access seminar room on campus
Take part in group activities/ discussions
Follow presentation slides during the course
Watch and listen to the course tutor(s) and/ or other attendees
Attend the course at a specific date and time

Booking Conditions 

Our courses are very popular, and we experience large volumes of people on our waiting lists. So, Please do let us know if you would like to cancel your place on this course so we can offer your place to another delegate. 

Please note, attendances for courses will be recorded. There are no training points associated with courses run by the Researcher Academy.