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Epigeum Research Skills Toolkit

Doctoral students can apply for a licence to access a suite 18 online courses in research skills provided by online training specialist Epigeum. You will find the details of each course, including estimated completion time, on the  Research Skills Toolkit  page on the Epigeum website (link opens in new browser window). Courses include:

Ethical Research

• Becoming an Ethical Researcher
• Research Ethics in Practice

Research Methods

• Undertaking a Literature Review
• Principles of Research Methods
• Research Methods in Practice: Social Sciences
• Research Methods in Practice: Arts and Humanities
• Research Methods in Practice: STEM

Transferable Skills

• Working with your Supervisor
• Managing your Research Project
• Intellectual Property in the Research Context
• Getting Published in the Arts
• Getting Published in Sciences
• Conferences, Presenting and Networking
• Career Planning in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Career Planning Sciences

Entrepreneurship in the Research Context

• Academic Entrepreneurship
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Recognition and Evaluation
• Entrepreneurial Resources: People, Teams and Finance

With your token, you will be able to access all courses with the Research Skills Toolkit: International logo. Please note that there will be some upcoming changes to the way in which Epigeum courses are organised by theme. This will not impact your access. 

GRADskills has 25 licences to allocate for 2022-23. We will prioritise applications using the following criteria:

• Research Students studying outside of the UK and unable to attend workshops due to timezone differences
• Research Students who are unable to attend workshops due to caring responsibilities or health issues
• Research Students not living in St Andrews
• Research Students living in St Andrews

In the event that we do not allocate all licences in semester 1, we will broader our criteria and contact anyone who applied but was ineligible in the first instance.

The licence gives you access to the online training materials from 31 July 2022 to 31 July 2023 .

To apply for access to the Research Skills Master Programme please complete this  online application form . (You will need to login to OneDrive to submit the form - your name and email address will be logged automatically).

You will receive an email from CEED (this may take up to 3 weeks) with the outcome of your application. If it is approved, your email will include an access code to enable you to log in to the Epigeum online learning website to complete the full programme.

10 Research Skills and How To Develop Them

• Updated December 25, 2023
• Published August 8, 2023

Are you looking to learn more about Research skills? In this article, we discuss Research skills in more detail and give you tips about how you can develop and improve them.

What are Research skills?

Research skills refer to the ability to effectively and efficiently gather, analyze, and synthesize information to answer questions, solve problems, or contribute to a body of knowledge. These skills are essential for various fields and disciplines, ranging from academic and scientific research to business, journalism, and beyond. Effective research skills involve several key components:

Information Retrieval

Source evaluation.

• Critical Thinking

Data Analysis

Problem formulation, organization and note-taking, synthesis and writing, ethical considerations, time management.

• Adaptability

Top 10 Research Skills

Below we discuss the top 10 Research skills. Each skill is discussed in more detail, and we will also give you tips on improving them.

Information Retrieval is all about mastering the art of finding relevant and credible sources of information to support your research goals. This skill involves using various online and offline tools to locate the data, articles, studies, and materials that are most pertinent to your research topic. It’s like being a detective for knowledge – you’re trying to uncover valuable insights that will contribute to your research project.

To excel in Information Retrieval, you must become adept at effectively using search engines, databases, libraries, and other resources. It’s not just about typing keywords into a search bar; it’s about understanding how to refine your searches, use advanced search operators, and explore different databases and sources.

You’ll need to evaluate the quality and reliability of sources to ensure that the information you gather is trustworthy and accurate. This skill also requires critical thinking, as you’ll need to assess the relevance of sources to your research objectives.

How to Improve Information Retrieval

Improving your Information Retrieval skills involves a combination of practice, strategy, and awareness. Start by familiarizing yourself with different research databases and libraries relevant to your field. Experiment with various search terms and use advanced search operators to narrow down results. Take the time to evaluate the credibility of sources – look for peer-reviewed articles, authoritative authors, and reliable institutions. Keep track of your searches and results to refine your strategies over time.

Stay updated with the latest developments in search technology and research databases to optimize your information retrieval process. Remember, the more you practice and fine-tune your approach, the better you’ll become at uncovering valuable gems of information for your research endeavors.

Source Evaluation is about becoming a discerning judge of the information you encounter during your research journey. It involves assessing the credibility, reliability, and relevance of the sources you come across, ensuring that you’re building your work on a foundation of trustworthy and accurate information. Think of yourself as a gatekeeper, using only the most reliable and relevant sources to support your research.

You need to develop a critical eye to enhance your Source Evaluation skills. Begin by examining the authorship – who wrote the source, and what are their credentials? Peer-reviewed articles from established researchers are more reliable than anonymous blog posts. Consider the publication source – is it a reputable journal or website in your field?

Next, look for citations and references within the source – a well-researched work will often cite other credible sources. Additionally, evaluate the publication date – while older sources can provide historical context, ensure you’re using recent information for up-to-date insights.

How to Improve Source Evaluation

Improving your Source Evaluation skills requires a combination of awareness and practice. As you encounter new sources, ask questions about their credibility and relevance. Do evidence and references support the information? Does the author have any potential biases? Take advantage of critical thinking to analyze the source’s overall quality.

To further refine your skills, seek guidance from mentors, professors, or librarians who can provide valuable insights into evaluating sources. The more you engage with this skill, the better you’ll become at building a solid foundation for your research with credible and reliable materials.

Critical Thinking is the intellectual toolset that empowers you to analyze information objectively, discern patterns, and draw well-informed conclusions based on evidence. It’s like being a detective for ideas – you sift through data, identify biases, and unravel complexities to make informed judgments that drive your research forward with clarity and precision.

To hone your Critical Thinking skills, you need to cultivate a curious and analytical mindset. Start by questioning assumptions and biases in both your own thinking and the information you encounter.

When evaluating sources, consider multiple viewpoints and sources of evidence before forming conclusions. Develop the ability to identify logical fallacies or weak arguments that may distort the validity of your findings. Embrace open-mindedness and be willing to adapt your ideas when faced with compelling evidence that challenges your initial perspective.

How to Improve Critical Thinking

Improving your Critical Thinking skills requires practice and deliberate effort. Engage in discussions and debates within your field and beyond to expose yourself to diverse perspectives and sharpen your ability to analyze complex issues. Regularly challenge yourself to critically evaluate information, whether it’s a news article, a research paper, or a colleague’s argument.

Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your critical thinking process and identify areas for improvement. Remember, Critical Thinking is an ongoing journey that can be developed over time – the more you engage with it, the more adept you’ll become at navigating the intricate landscape of ideas in your research endeavors.

Related :  Critical Thinking Interview Questions & Answers

Data Analysis is the art of processing, interpreting, and extracting meaningful insights from the raw information you’ve collected during your research journey. Think of it as deciphering a puzzle – you’re transforming numbers, observations, or qualitative data into a coherent narrative that answers your research questions and adds value to your work.

To excel in Data Analysis, you need to develop both quantitative and qualitative skills. For quantitative data, embrace statistical tools and techniques that help you identify trends, correlations, and patterns in your data sets. Practice using software like Excel, SPSS, or specialized tools for your field to perform statistical tests and visualize results effectively. For qualitative data, immerse yourself in the details, coding and categorizing themes to distill rich insights from textual or visual sources.

How to Improve Data Analysis

Improving your Data Analysis skills involves a combination of practice, learning, and refining your techniques. Start by immersing yourself in the basics of statistics and data analysis methodologies relevant to your research field. Engage in tutorials and online courses to familiarize yourself with various tools and software. As you analyze data, maintain clear documentation of your process and decisions, which will be crucial when presenting your findings.

Collaborate with peers or mentors who are experienced in data analysis to gain insights and feedback on your techniques. Remember, Data Analysis is about transforming data into knowledge – the more you engage with this skill, the better you’ll become at uncovering valuable insights that contribute to the depth and impact of your research.

Related :  Research Interview Questions & Answers

Problem Formulation is like setting the compass for your research journey – it involves defining clear and focused research questions or hypotheses that guide your entire investigation. Consider it the foundation of your work, as it shapes your approach, methods, and the ultimate impact of your research.

To master Problem Formulation, you need to become skilled in asking the right questions. Begin by thoroughly understanding the topic you’re exploring. What gaps or uncertainties do you notice in the existing knowledge? What specific aspect of the topic piques your interest? Craft research questions that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

If you’re developing hypotheses, ensure they are testable and grounded in existing theories or observations. Your skills in Problem Formulation also extend to identifying the scope and boundaries of your research – understanding what you’re including and excluding from your study.

How to Improve Problem Formulation

Improving your Problem Formulation skills requires practice and iterative refinement. Start by conducting a comprehensive literature review to understand the existing research landscape in your area. This will help you identify potential gaps and formulate questions that build upon existing knowledge.

Discuss with peers, mentors, or experts in your field to gain different perspectives and insights into potential research problems. As you develop your skills, be open to revising and refining your research questions based on new information or insights. Remember, Problem Formulation is the compass that guides your research journey – the more you invest in crafting clear and well-defined questions, the more impactful and focused your research will be.

Related :  10 Fact Finding Skills and How to Develop Them

Imagine these skills as your research toolkit for maintaining order amidst the vast sea of information you encounter. Organization involves structuring and managing your research materials, while Note-Taking ensures you capture valuable insights and details for future reference. Together, they help you stay on track and prevent valuable information from slipping through the cracks.

To excel in Organization and Note-Taking, you need to develop strategies that work best for you. Start by creating a systematic folder structure on your computer to store digital documents, articles, and data sets. For physical materials, consider using labeled folders or binders. As you gather information, employ tools like reference management software to keep track of your sources and generate citations efficiently.

Simultaneously, practice effective Note-Taking during your readings and research. Jot down key points, ideas, and relevant quotes in a structured format, whether you’re using a physical notebook or a digital note-taking app.

How to Improve Organization and Note-Taking

Improving your Organization and Note-Taking skills requires a mix of discipline and adaptability. Establish consistent routines for organizing research materials, updating folders, and managing citations. Regularly review and reorganize your notes to keep them relevant and accessible. Experiment with different note-taking techniques, such as outlining, summarizing, or mind mapping, to find the approach that aligns with your learning style.

Remember, Organization and Note-Taking are your allies in navigating the sea of information – the more you refine these skills, the smoother your research journey will become and the more confident you’ll be in tackling complex topics.

Synthesis and Writing are your means of weaving together the threads of information and insights you’ve collected into a coherent and impactful narrative. Think of it as crafting a masterpiece from the puzzle pieces of your research – you’re presenting your findings, analysis, and conclusions in a way that informs and engages your audience.

To excel in Synthesis and Writing, you must become a data and idea storyteller. Begin by outlining your research paper or report. Organize your findings logically, building a structured framework that guides your reader through your research journey. Ensure each section flows smoothly, connecting the dots between concepts and evidence. While writing, focus on clarity and conciseness – avoid jargon and convoluted language that may confuse your readers. Use effective transitions to guide them from one point to the next.

How to Improve Synthesis and Writing

Improving your Synthesis and Writing skills requires both practice and revision. Start by breaking down the writing process into manageable steps – drafting, revising, and editing. Give yourself time between drafting and revising to approach your work with fresh eyes. Critically evaluate your writing for clarity, coherence, and accuracy during revision.

Consider seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or writing centers to gain insights into improving your writing style. Study well-written papers in your field to observe how experienced researchers present their ideas effectively. Remember, Synthesis and Writing are your tools for communicating your research’s impact – the more you refine these skills, the more effectively you’ll share your discoveries and contribute to the body of knowledge in your field.

Ethical Considerations encompass the principles and guidelines that ensure your research is conducted with integrity, respect for participants’ rights, and a commitment to transparency. Think of it as the moral compass that guides your research journey, ensuring that your work upholds ethical standards and contributes positively to society.

To excel in Ethical Considerations, you need to become a guardian of ethical integrity in your research. Begin by understanding the ethical guidelines and regulations specific to your field and your research type. This involves respecting participants’ autonomy by obtaining informed consent, protecting their privacy and confidentiality, and ensuring they’re treated with dignity. Additionally, uphold intellectual honesty by properly attributing sources, avoiding plagiarism, and disclosing any potential conflicts of interest.

How to Improve Ethical Considerations

Improving your Ethical Considerations skills involves a combination of awareness and vigilance. Regularly educate yourself on the ethical codes and regulations relevant to your field and research methods. When designing your research, carefully plan how you will address ethical concerns and potential risks.

As you conduct your research, stay attuned to any ethical dilemmas that may arise and be prepared to address them appropriately. Remember, Ethical Considerations are at the heart of responsible research – the more you cultivate these skills, the more your work will contribute positively to both your field and society as a whole.

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Time Management involves the art of effectively allocating your time to different research tasks, ensuring that you meet deadlines, stay on track, and maintain a balanced workflow. Think of it as your compass for navigating the often-intricate landscape of research – it helps you stay organized, productive, and in control of your research journey.

To excel in Time Management, you need to become a master of planning and prioritization. Start by breaking down your research project into manageable tasks and setting realistic goals for each stage. Create a schedule that allocates research, data collection, analysis, writing, and revision time. Be mindful of your energy levels – tackle complex tasks during your most productive hours. Embrace tools like to-do lists, calendars, and time-tracking apps to keep yourself accountable and stay aware of your progress.

How to Improve Time Management

Improving your Time Management skills requires consistent practice and self-awareness. Continuously assess your progress against your planned schedule, adjusting as needed to accommodate unexpected challenges or new insights. Develop the skill of saying no to distractions and non-essential tasks that can derail your focus.

Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Regularly reflect on your time allocation and efficiency – what strategies are working well, and where can you improve? Remember, Time Management is a skill that can significantly impact your research journey – the more you refine it, the more you’ll find yourself navigating your work with greater ease and achieving your research goals with greater success.

Related :  10 Coordinating Skills and How to Develop Them

Adaptability is the ability to flex and evolve in response to changing circumstances, unexpected findings, and new information that arise during your research journey. Think of it as your compass for navigating the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of research – it empowers you to embrace uncertainty and adjust your course to ensure the best outcomes for your work.

To excel in Adaptability, you need to cultivate a mindset that embraces change and seeks opportunities within challenges. Start by acknowledging that research is often full of surprises and plans might need to shift. Develop a sense of resilience by staying open to revising your research questions, altering methodologies, or exploring unanticipated angles.

Being adaptable also means being resourceful – finding alternative approaches when things don’t go as planned. Embrace feedback from peers, mentors, or unexpected results, and be ready to integrate this feedback to improve the quality of your research.

How to Improve Adaptability

Improving your Adaptability skills involves practicing flexibility and embracing a growth mindset. Regularly reassess your research plan and objectives in light of new information or developments. Embrace failures and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth rather than roadblocks. Seek out interdisciplinary perspectives and engage with new ideas that challenge your assumptions.

As you navigate through unexpected turns, continuously reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve adapted, so you can refine your approach in the future. Remember, Adaptability is the key to thriving in the dynamic landscape of research – the more you foster this skill, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle unforeseen challenges and emerge stronger from your research journey.

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Research Skills Conclusion

In the pursuit of knowledge and discovery, honing research skills is the linchpin that sets the stage for success. Throughout this exploration of various research skills and how to nurture them, one thing becomes evident: deliberate practice and continuous improvement are the bedrock of growth. Developing research skills is not merely a checkbox to mark; it’s a journey that empowers you to excel in your field, make meaningful contributions, and amplify the impact of your work.

Improving these skills isn’t just an option – it’s a necessity in today’s job market. The ability to gather information effectively, critically evaluate sources, analyze data, formulate problems, synthesize findings, and more, transforms the research process from a mere task into a dynamic and transformative experience. These skills serve as the pillars that uphold the credibility and validity of your work, ensuring that your contributions stand the test of scrutiny and time.

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Research Skills Toolkit

• Welcome to the Research Skills Toolkit!
• Track: Library 101
• Track: Research 101
• Track: Find an Article
• Track: The Free Web
• Lesson Plans
• For Faculty

For Faculty:

Related lesson plans.

In class or online instruction on the following concepts are available for a more advanced understanding of this track. Each lesson could be taught in one class period with both active learning activities and assessments or potentially shortened to lecture format of 10-15 minutes to allow for multiple lessons to be taught. Contact your campus contact to discuss what you need for your course.

• The Research Process Students will learn the steps of The Research Process, ways in which it is the same and different between personal and academic situations, and begin to think about ways that their own research processes (both personal and academic) are good and bad.
• The Information Timeline Students will learn about how information is created using The Information Timeline, with a special emphasis on what that means for the various assignments they will encounter in a particular class or college in general.
• Types of Information Students will learn about the three types of information: scholarly, trade, and popular. They will begin to think about the types of information they use in their personal and academic research and why different situations call for different types of information.
• Evaluate Information Students will learn techniques for evaluating the appropriateness of a piece of information for both their personal and academic needs.

Research 101

In the Research 101 track, you'll learn some basic research skills that you'll find useful for the academic research you'll be doing as a student.

What are Databases?

Scholarly, Trade, and Popular Information

What is Peer-Review?

Article Abstracts

How to Read a Scholarly Article

What is Plagiarism?

What are Citation Styles?

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• Next: Track: Find an Article >>
• Last Updated: Mar 3, 2022 1:17 PM
• URL: https://mgccc.libguides.com/research-skills-toolkit

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Introducing Epigeum Research Skills Toolkit

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Search HDR students in focus

The Office of Graduate Research is excited to announce the launch of a brand new research skills training online program for HDR students. This comprehensive Toolkit was developed through collaborative approach by leading academics in the field to help support researchers from the early stages of their research career. It includes the following modules.

• Becoming a Researcher
• Ethical Research
• Research Methods
• Transferable Skills
• Entrepreneurship in the Research Context

The Toolkit is available to both HDR students and supervisors, and instructions to register with the relevant token are included below. For any questions, please get in touch with [email protected] .

• Creating an Epigeum account – instructions for students
• Creating an Epigeum account – instructions for supervisors

1. Becoming a Researcher

Suitable for postgraduate researchers across all disciplines, this programme supports the key areas for transition from undergraduate student to independent researcher.

1.1 Effective Management of Doctoral and Master’s Research (Total time 103 mins)

• Guides PhD candidates and Master’s students through the challenges of planning and carrying out a research project, helping them to navigate terminology, techniques, tools, and frameworks.
• Introduction to managing your research (19 mins)
• People, roles and responsibilities (19 mins)
• Preparation for your research (16 mins)
• Detailed project planning (15 mins)
• What to do when things do not go to plan (17 mins)
• Delivering your research project (17 mins)

1.2 Working with your Supervisors

• Supports PhD candidates to get the best out of their time with their supervisor(s), offering solutions to common relationship issues.
• Getting Started
• Building positive working relationships with your supervisors
• Meetings and communications
• Making the most of feedback
• Coping with challenges

1.3 Intellectual Property in the Research Context

• Provides Master’s students and PhD candidates with a grounding in the key areas of IP, from copyright and publishing to patents, trademarks, design rights, confidentiality, ownership, and exploitation
• Understand the four main types of intellectual property right
• Analyse an innovative or creative output in terms of intellectual property rights generated
• Discuss the appropriateness, or not, of registering an intellectual property right
• Apply the appropriate ownership rules to intellectual property you have been involved in creating
• Suggest ways of exploiting intellectual property rights created in your own work.

2. Ethical Research (ANZ version) (220 minutes – 3 hours, 40 minutes)

• Specifically designed for the Australian context and includes reference to research involving Aboriginal communities. Adapted for Australia by Dr David Hunter, an Associate Professor of Medical Ethics at Flinders University.

2.1 Becoming an Ethical researcher (110 minutes)

• This course explores the ethical challenges faced by researchers during their Master’s degree and/or Ph.D. It will help you to reflect on your ethical approach in a research context through contemporary case studies and multidisciplinary scenarios.
• Ethical decision-making (30 minutes)
• Underpinning values for ethical research (30 minutes)
• Ethical concerns associated with different forms of research (20 minutes)
• Ethical concerns associated with different research methods and activities (30 minutes)

2.2 Research Ethics in Practice (110 minutes)

• This course provides Master’s and Ph.D. students with a practical guide to applying ethical values to research. It will help you reflect on how to work ethically in a variety of challenging circumstances.
• Working with human participants (35 minutes) (5 quiz questions)
• Understanding research ethics approval (25 minutes) (5 quiz questions)
• Working ethically in challenging circumstances (20 minutes)
• Working ethically in a global environment (30 minutes)

3. Research Methods, Second Edition (5 courses)

The Research Methods programme is made up of five concise and accessible courses – each one integrating coverage of the latest developments, trends, and challenges in research practice, with plenty of opportunities for researchers to identify their own priorities, reflect on their experiences, and select the content that is most applicable to their work.

3.1 Undertaking a Literature Review (105 minutes)

This course aims to introduce you to the processes involved in putting together a literature review, so that you are able to undertake your own comprehensive review according to the requirements of your academic project.

• Literature review: An introduction (30 mins)
• Describe what a literature review is and why it is important
• Describe the characteristics of literature reviews in different disciplines
• Describe the main stages in a literature review
• Explain why it is important that a review has a clear method
• Identify how to create a focused question.
• Identifying literature for your review (25 mis)
• Describe the main types of academic literature
• Explain why it is important to develop inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Identify how to effectively search for literature electronically
• Identify additional searching strategies
• Describe why documentation of the search strategy is important.
• Evaluation of the literature (25 mis)
• Explain why it is important to evaluate the quality of the literature in your review
• Explain how to select and organise your sources
• Describe why different pieces of literature on the same topic might come to different conclusions
• Explain the importance of critical appraisal
• Describe the function of critical appraisal tools.
• Analysing the literature and writing up your review (25 mis)
• Describe different approaches to analysing the literature
• Describe how themes can be identified from a body of literature
• Explain how different sources can be compared and contrasted in a review
• Demonstrate how to reference accurately and appropriately
• Identify which aspects of the literature review might be discussed at the viva voce.

3.2 Principles of Research Methods (128 Minutes)

This course explores the principles and practices of research methodologies for a range of disciplines. It will help you reflect on the challenges you might face during your Master’s degree and/or Ph.D. through contemporary case studies and multidisciplinary scenarios.

• Understanding and framing research (14 mins)
• Define what is meant by epistemology, ontology and theoretical perspective
• Explain the relationship between epistemology and theoretical perspective
• Identify and apply epistemological and theoretical positions.
• Developing a research question (17 Minutes)
• Define ‘research question’ and explain what makes a good and effective research question
• Define ‘aims and objectives’ and illustrate how these relate to the research question
• Identify and evaluate preferences, assumptions and bias when producing a research question and aims and objectives.
• Knowing about methodology (13 Minutes)
• Define what is meant by methodology and explain the difference between methodology and method
• Reflect critically on a variety of methodologies
• Discuss how to choose, justify and defend your methodology.
• Knowing about data collection methods (11 Minutes)
• Explain how methods are framed and guided by methodology
• Identify, evaluate and apply a variety of digital and non-digital research methods.
• Knowing about sampling methods (12 Minutes)
• Discuss probability and non-probability sampling methods
• Identify and apply different sampling methods
• Discuss factors that have an influence on sample size choice
• Address sampling challenges and avoid sampling problems.
• Knowing about data analysis methods (15 Minutes)
• Describe and apply qualitative, quantitative and mixed data analysis methods
• Identify and evaluate data analysis tools, software and platforms
• Reflect critically on validity, reliability and authenticity when analysing data.
• Networking, collaborating and connecting disciplines (12 Minutes )
• Discuss the pros and cons of crossing and connecting disciplines
• Identify a variety of networking and collaboration methods, tools and platforms
• Explain how to network and collaborate ethically.
• Protecting, managing and sharing research data (12 Minutes)
• Identify and address data protection and security challenges
• Demonstrate how to produce and submit a Data Management and Sharing Plan.
• Communicating, disseminating and publishing research (13 Minutes)
• Identify, evaluate and apply a variety of communication, dissemination and publishing methods, platforms and channels
• Demonstrate how to convey your research effectively and efficiently
• Identify and address potential challenges when communicating, disseminating and publishing research.
• Drawing the strands together: Producing a research proposal (11 Minutes)
• Describe the sections required in a research proposal
• Reflect critically on why research proposals are accepted or rejected
• Outline the steps required to produce and submit a research proposal.

3.3 Research Methods in Practice – STEM

• Data Collection Methods (33 Minutes)
• Identify the type and quantity of data needed to answer your research question
• Evaluate a variety of data collection and sampling methods from across a number of STEM disciplines
• Identify and consider a variety of sampling procedures and the statistical implications, including calculation of sample size
• Reflect critically on the practicalities and challenges of data collection
• Describe how to select the data collection methods appropriate for your research question and research methodology
• Identify different data management issues relevant to security and accessibility of research data.
• Data Analysis Methods (27 Minutes)
• Identify and evaluate a number of qualitative, quantitative and mixed data analysis methods and tools from a variety of STEM disciplines
• Recognise and address assumptions, preferences and bias in data analysis methods applied in STEM disciplines
• Describe ethical, moral and legal issues surrounding data collection and analysis
• Identify and apply professional standards of integrity and scholarship when collecting and analysing data
• Explain how to evaluate, select and defend the data analysis methods that are appropriate for your research, including statistical validation of the research outcomes
• Outline principles of responsible data presentation and common formats for presenting various data types.

3.4 Research Methods in Practice – Arts and Humanities

• Defining your methodology and designing your research (29 Minutes)
• Explain the importance of methodology in providing a framework for research
• Recognise the importance of interdisciplinary and interinstitutional collaborations, and identify the challenges that they present
• Recognise the variety of primary and secondary sources, and explain how to utilise appropriate research methods
• Describe how the methods and processes involved in your project fit together and are aligned with your research question
• Appraise the practicalities of accessing and collecting research materials and identify solutions to and ways of managing potential challenges and dilemmas.
• Conducting your research (29 Minutes)
• Recognise a variety of methods that can be used in arts and humanities to analyse research material, and identify appropriate methods for your research
• Describe the characteristics of critical thinking, and explain how it should be employed in research
• Identify appropriate and effective ways to communicate findings, conclusions and outputs in the arts and humanities
• Recognise ethical and legal issues surrounding all stages of the research process, and explain how to address them
• Identify and apply professional and academic standards of integrity at all stages of the research process.

3.5 Research Methods in Practice – Social Sciences

• Data collection methods (33 Minutes)
• Consider a variety of data collection methods that can be used to gather appropriate data, and start to choose suitable methods for your research
• Reflect critically on the practicalities of data collection and identify practical data collection issues relevant to your research
• Describe the challenges that might arise as you collect data for your research and list some possible solutions
• Recognise and address ethical and legal issues surrounding data collection
• Identify and apply professional and academic standards of integrity and scholarship when collecting data.
• Data analysis methods (30 Minutes)
• List a variety of methods that can be used to analyse data, and start to choose appropriate data analysis methods for your research
• Identify potential data analysis challenges and outline possible solutions
• Reflect critically on data analysis conclusions and outputs
• Recognise and address ethical and legal issues surrounding data analysis
• Identify and apply professional and academic standards of integrity and scholarship when analysing data.

4. Transferable Skills

These courses develop a broad range of skills essential for both academic and non-academic careers. Areas covered include intellectual property, career planning, managing projects, working with research supervisors.

4.1 Getting Published in the Arts (150 Minutes)

• Be able to plan an appropriate publication strategy for your early academic career
• Understand how technology and the open access movement are changing the academic publishing landscape
• Be able to identify and prepare a suitable piece of work for academic publication in a journal or as a monograph
• Be able to identify, assess and approach appropriate print and online journals and publishers in your academic discipline
• Understand the process of peer review and revision.

4.2 Getting Published in the Sciences (150 Minutes)

• Help you gain an overview of the changing landscape of academic science publishing
• Develop your ability to plan an appropriate publication strategy for your early academic career
• Develop your awareness of key intellectual property (IP) issues surrounding academic publications
• Develop your ability to structure, write and submit a scientific paper to an academic journal
• Increase your understanding of the editorial processes involved in scientific publishing
• Develop your ability to respond effectively in the event that your scientific paper is rejected.

4.3 Career Planning in the Sciences (150 Minutes)

• Understand key factors in career decision-making
• Understand the skills you have and the career options open to you
• Begin developing your own career plan
• Recognise how to engage with both academic and non-academic employers successfully.

4.4 Career Planning in the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (150 Minutes)

• Be able to evaluate skills that you have in addition to your research capabilities
• Know how to evaluate career routes within and outside of academia
• Understand the skills you have and how to market them to employers
• Begin developing your own career plan.

4.5 Conferences, Presenting and Networking (120 Minutes)

• Recognise the benefits of attending conferences
• Plan a strategy for presenting your research at conferences
• Understand how to submit a conference paper
• Understand how to give an effective presentation
• Understand the key aspects of organising an academic conference
• Feel confident in establishing and maintaining productive professional (and social) contacts
• Reflect on your experience and be better equipped, organised and prepared for your next conference.

5. Entrepreneurship in the Research Context

In these courses, students and researchers thinking of commercialising their research are challenged to consider issues such as their goals, the viability of their idea, routes to market, and how to mobilise people and finance.

5.1 Academic entrepreneurship: An introduction (150 Minutes)

• Understand the stages of an entrepreneurial journey, including common challenges faced by technology entrepreneurs
• Recognise entrepreneurial characteristics, including whether entrepreneurs are ‘born’ or ‘made’
• Understand what motivates scientists to participate in commercialisation activities
• Know the options for commercialising academic innovations
• Understand some of the rewards of entrepreneurship available to stakeholders and participants
• Appreciate the importance of networks in entrepreneurial activity
• Understand how role and identity affect academic entrepreneurship, including whether entrepreneurship is at odds with academic values
• Recognise some of the skills and capacities generally required for entrepreneurial activity.

5.2 Entrepreneurial opportunities: Recognition and evaluation (180 Minutes)

• Be able to describe different types of opportunities enabled by university research
• Understand the link between meeting human needs and entrepreneurial opportunity
• Understand why people identify some opportunities but not others
• Appreciate that some innovations and opportunities have more commercial potential (are more attractive) than others
• Be able to describe the process of assessing the commercial attractiveness of an opportunity
• Understand the basics of developing a business plan for a new venture
• Understand why it is important to think about what will happen to a venture in the long run.

5.3 Entrepreneurial resources: People, teams and finance (180 Minutes)

• Be aware of the various types of resources required to launch a new venture
• Be aware of the pros and cons of starting a venture based on ‘lean’ principles
• Be aware of the role of social capital in entrepreneurial activity
• Know the benefits and challenges associated with building an effective entrepreneurial team
• Be aware of basic financial capital issues for technology ventures
• Appreciate the basic aspects of venture fundraising for university spin-outs
• Understand some of the challenges in determining equity or ownership in a university spin-out
• Understand some of the basic concepts and challenges associated with valuing a new venture.

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Research Skills Toolkit

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Research Skills Toolkit

Promotional materials – research skills toolkit.

A set of promotional materials designed to help institutions implement the Research Skills Toolkit

Toolkit Brochure:   Link

Introductory powerpoint: link, email banner: link, web banner: link, social media text: link, social media card: link, toolkit image: link  , becoming a researcher, social media text:   link, course image 1: link, course image 2: link, ethical research  , introductory presentation:   link, poster: link, digital banner (students): link, digital banner 1 (staff): link, digital banner 2 (staff): link, web banner (students): link, web banner (staff): link, research methods, introductory presentation: link, email banner: link, web banner: link, social gif: link, disseminating your research, social media text:   link, beyond research, case studies – research skills toolkit.

Find out more about the implementation and use of the Research Skills Toolkit  at other institutions

University College Dublin

Programme: research skills toolkit.

A case study about the implementation of Epigeum’s Research Skills Toolkit at University College Dublin. 

Download this case study  

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• Last Updated: Jan 10, 2024 3:08 PM
• URL: https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/researcherskillstoolkit

Research Skills Toolkit Online Courses and Self Assessment Exercises

This course is designed to introduce the Research Skills Master Programme. The programme provides doctoral researchers and early career academics with a broad range of essential skills and knowledge designed to improve their effectiveness as researchers. It will also allow researchers to hone the vital transferable skills needed for pursuing a career outside of academia.

Presented by

Key learning outcomes.

• The importance of developing transferable skills to assist
• The structure of the Research Skills programme and how to use the features
• Identify which Research Skills courses will be most appropriate to your individual abilities and needs

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View the activity and add it to your development profile on  Inkpath .

View via BlackBoard Learn: Communities > Brunel Graduate School - Online Courses  > Research skills toolkit

Specific skills focused on in this session

Research methods

Transferable skills

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Brunel 3d development tool.

Skills needed to do your research and career

• Research Management

Skills needed to develop your research and career

• Inter and intrapersonal skills

Researcher Development Framework (RDF) Competencies

• C1: Professional Conduct
• C2: Research Management

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Research Skills Toolkit

Related papers

Nordic Journal of Information Literacy in Higher Education, 2010

It is one of six modules within the SIF (Strategic Innovative Fund) funded Generic Skills Project for PHDS. The Generic Skills Project itself was just one strand within others Supporting the development of 4th level education in Ireland. The Graduate Information Skills module is a collaborative project led by NUI Galway with partners Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork. It is aimed at PHDS but Masters Research and post-docs will find the module of benefit too. The module is developed to offer both an online and face-to-face environment and be customizable with eLearning environments. Project launched in 2007 and has a three year cycle. We agreed to outsource online development and after a tendering process a company called eMedia were awarded the contract. We have piloted full content to PHDS in the three institutions involved and have reviewed feed-back received from attendees. We have also met with module presenters and authors to review their feed-back. The initial...

Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2012

The aim of this study was to identify the basic skills expected of researchers in the public and private sectors. In order to identify the skills, a postal survey questionnaire was designed, including the main basic skills. The questionnaire was sent to the heads of the research sections of 150 purposefully selected public sector organizations and 100 purposefully selected private sector organizations. There were variations in the observed facts and skills of the researchers at the responding institutions. Chisquare analysis showed that there were significant (P<0.05) associations between the two sectors and industries that the organizations are involved in. The educational qualifications, selected computer packages, and English knowledge were significantly associated. There was a significant relationship between the two sectors and the research person's skills. The need for computer literacy for the researchers and skills on basic research techniques had no significant association with the sectors. The study revealed that basic skills such as research design, data collection, data analysis, report writing, seminar presentations, literature studies, and basic computing skills related to these activities are expected of research personnel in both public and private sector organizations involved in manufacturing, selling, education, research and development, public service, consulting, electronic media, housing, advertising, management, and financing industries and services. Therefore, these can be included in a curriculum designed to provide basic training for the researchers. Finally, the research skills among the researchers in both sectors were low.

Detailed surveys of legal research practice and training in Australia had not been undertaken previously and the reports provided grounds for further research. This paper firstly reviews the developments taking place within higher education as reflected in the various government reports. It then outlines the relevant literature on literacy competency within information sciences. Also pertinent is the law schools&#39; response to doctrinal research skills training. Previous surveys of legal research teaching in Australia are summarised. The paper then examines the outcomes of the 2002 survey and makes some conclusions and recommendations based on the analysis of results taking into account the challenges identified for the tertiary education sector in Australia.

UniServe, 2009

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In H. Marriott, T. Moore & R. Spence-Brown (eds) Learning discourses and the discourse of learning. Melbourne: Monash ePress. pp. 02.1-02.12

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Research Skills Toolkit for MPLS

At this hands-on session, graduate researchers in mpls are invited to try out some it and library skills and services to support their work.

## Covid update : we have no plans to run Research Skills Toolkits in Hilary Term, 2021. Explore the programme of taught workshops from the IT Learning Centre. ##

A free  hands-on workshop  for graduate researchers in MPLS. An opportunity for you to learn about a broad range of resources in one time-efficient session.

This 2-hour session focusses on the skills and tools that will streamline your academic work. You will encounter a variety of IT and Library tools and services to support your research. Relevant software, online services and libraries techniques are on offer for you to try out.

You will also meet with subject specialists for help and guidance on further learning.

Topics are likely to include:

• EndNote  - manage your research reading and citations
• Corpora   - why would I use a corpus?
• GIMP   - image editing 
• Word   - for your thesis
• Excel   - organise & analyse data using pivot tables
• Excel   - sort & filter data
• Audacity   for recording audio
• LinkedIn Learning   - IT video courses 
• Your   thesis, copyright and ORA
• Key bibliographical tools in your field
• Research impact
• Conference papers in Scopus

Read details about this toolkit, and book your place (these workshops are planned for Week 1 of Hilary Term, 2021):

WORKSHOP / BOOKING

Contact us:

IT Learning Centre

Use our  online contact form email us at  [email protected]