Research Design Skills

Introduction

Research design skills are essential for every researcher or academic seeking to produce precise and impactful scientific knowledge. This course focuses on equipping participants with the theoretical concepts and practical skills necessary to professionally design research, including selecting the appropriate methodology, identifying data collection tools, and ensuring research quality according to academic standards.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key concepts related to research design.
• Distinguish between different research methodologies and select the most appropriate one.
• Formulate the research problem, objectives, and questions/hypotheses accurately.
• Select and evaluate suitable data collection tools according to academic standards.
• Develop a comprehensive research plan that reflects scientific professionalism.

Course Outlines

Day 1: Introduction to Scientific Research

• Defining scientific research and its importance.
• Characteristics of good research.
• Types of scientific research.
• Ethics in scientific research.
• Differences between quantitative and qualitative research.

Day 2: Formulating the Research Problem

• How to choose a research topic.
• Identifying and formulating the research problem.
• Formulating research objectives.
• Writing research questions and/or hypotheses.
• Reviewing previous literature and its role in research.

Day 3: Research Design and Methodology

• Research methodologies (descriptive, experimental, historical, etc.).
• Sampling design (types, size determination, selection methods).
• Research variables and their types.
• Steps in preparing a research plan.
• Ethical considerations in the design stage.

Day 4: Data Collection Tools

• Questionnaires: types and construction requirements.
• Interviews: types and techniques.
• Observation: types and implementation requirements.
• Piloting tools and checking for validity and reliability.
• Technical considerations in using digital tools.

Day 5: Preparing the Research Plan and Writing the Report

• Elements of the research plan.
• Structuring the general layout of the research plan.
• Formatting references using documentation systems (APA, MLA, etc.).
• Presenting research results in an academic manner.
• Preparing for academic discussions or scientific publication.

Why Attend this Course: Wins & Losses!

• Gain professional research design skills.
• Ability to clearly formulate research problems, objectives, and hypotheses.
• Learn how to select and evaluate various data collection methods.
• Develop a comprehensive research plan that meets academic standards.
• Boost your chances for academic publication and confident research discussions.

Conclusion

By the end of this course, participants will have mastered research design skills from start to finish, from formulating the problem to writing the final report.

They will also be more capable of producing high-quality, precise scientific knowledge that enhances their academic and professional presence in the field of research.