SRA Training

The SRA runs a comprehensive series of training days and events. For reports, papers and presentations from past events see: Past Events Social Research Training News The University of Edinburgh is currently seeking applicants for the MSc in Social Research for September 2008 - further details here.(weblink) The latest report of the Working Group into the Training Function and Activities of the the SRA is available here (.pdf 125k) SRA Training Days Training is vitally important to the future of social research. The SRA runs an extensive training programme which includes courses on: Sampling Questionnaire design Quantitative analysis Qualitative methods Qualitative analysis Report writing and presentations Commissioning and managing research Details of the training days being run this year can be found below or contact the SRA Administrator. Fees are normally: members £125.00 and non-members £185.00 (includes membership of SRA for one year at £60.00). If you wish to book a place print out and complete our Training Booking Form (.doc 27k) and return it with payment or invoice request to the SRA administrator. The full Training Programme details below can be downloaded here (.pdf 28k) The Training Schedule for SRA Scotland can be downloaded here (pdf 248k) June - Nov 2008 RDI Training Courses - The Social Research Association is very pleased to announce the launch of a new series of advanced training workshops developed with funding from the ESRC's Researcher Development Initiative. Attached you will find information about the first wave of courses to be run between March and June this year. We hope that you will find the courses of interest. To download flyer, click here (pdf 53k) Individual courses are outlined below SRA/RDI Training Course 12/06/2008 & 25/09/2008 Developing a Knowledge Transfer Strategy: (one day course with preparatory work & follow up): 12th June, London & 25th September, Glasgow Research organisations increasingly need to develop a strategy for knowledge transfer which can guide a range of communication activities by colleagues. The objective of the course is to help managers of research enterprises, either directors or administrators, to understand how research may influence policy and practice acquire tools and techniques for a knowledge transfer strategy choose methods for evaluating the impact of research. To download programme - please click here (pdf 21k) For full details of the RDI Training Courses - click here (pdf 53k) SRA/RDI Training Course 25-26/06/2008 Interpretation and Explanation in Social Enquiry: 25th – 26th June, London & October , Cardiff (Exact Date TBC) Interpretation and explanation - whether based on quantitative or qualitative approaches - raise important questions about the contribution of social research to the development of knowledge about the social world. Facilitated by Liz Spencer and Anne-Marie Aish, this highly interactive two-day course, will cover How interpretation and explanation are understood in quantitative and qualitative approaches How interpretive and explanatory aims come into play at different stages of the research process How different types of research strategy (inductive, deductive, retroductive, abductive) and research question (what, why and how) are linked to different kinds of research design, and to different methods of data collection and analysis How the choice and use of different procedures and/or statistical techniques should be carefully reviewed in order to facilitate the overall interpretation and assessment of findings To download programme - please click here (pdf 307k) For full details of the RDI Training Courses - click here (pdf 53k) SRA/RDI Training Course 17-18/07/2008 20-21/11/2008 Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis: 17th-18th July, London, 20th-21st November, Newcastle This two-day course is aimed at mid career social research professionals with specialist experience of conducting qualitative research. It will cover five key areas: the principles of qualitative data analysis; the challenges of managing qualitative data; moving beyond description; integrating multiple data and analysis for policy. The course will involve a combination of contributions from experts and facilitators which present key ideas and questions, discussion groups to enable reflection and an exchange of ideas and experiences and practical exercises focused on problem solving and real world dilemmas By the end of the training participants will have developed: A clear understanding and appreciation of the principles which underpin high quality qualitative data analysis in a range of contexts The ability to make informed choices and decisions about the management of qualitative data The ability to plan and implement qualitative data analysis that facilitates explanation and, where appropriate, generalisation The ability to conduct and manage high quality qualitative data analysis in the context of multiple sets and forms of data including how to manage the interface with complementary quantitative datasets The ability to articulate the principles and challenges of qualitative analysis to a policy and practice audience. To download programme - please click here (pdf 331k) For full details of the RDI Training Courses - click here (pdf 53k) SRA/RDI Training Course 23/07/2008 Cognitive Interviewing for Survey Methods - A course designed to familiarise participants with cognitive interviewing methods for testing survey questions. A range of popular techniques will be introduced and discussed including think-alouds, probing, and observation, paraphrasing, rating tasks. Practical information will be given on how to implement key methods and a chance to practice. Current trends, methodological issues and analytic methods will also be considered, Participants who have knowledge of questionnaire design will benefit most from the course. To download timetable - please click here (pdf 32k) SRA Training Course The above Training Programme details can be downloaded here (.pdf 28k). SRA Events and Seminars Through out the year the SRA runs a series of events and seminars. These focus on aspects of social research that are topical and will appeal to a wide audience, from different sectors and at different stages of their research career. Details of our events can be found here or contact the SRA Administrator.