The details of my project methodology are still unconfirmed, so I plan to explore as many options as possible in the coming weeks. The EFI and the University have enabled students to develop our understanding of enquiry methodologies in four key ways. I will discuss each of these below.
1. Through the EFI shared core courses, focusing on data skills, interdisciplinary enquiry, and creative methods
My semester 1 shared core courses are Interdisciplinary Futures and Insights Through Data. I will reflect on my project methodology during my engagement with each of these courses, and also while taking my semester 2 shared core courses.
2. Through elements within each individual programme which engage with domain-specific methods and knowledges
As of yet I’ve only come across traditional literature reviews and critiques of legislature within the domain-specific parts of my programme, and these areas aren’t necessarily relevant to my project methodology. Again, I will reflect further on domain-specific research methods going forward.
3. Up to 20 credits worth of non-EFI credit-bearing courses which students choose to take on an elective basis
The credit-bearing courses on research methodology are all quite scientific in nature, and therefore aren’t suited for my project’s mode of representation (a creative output). Hence, I won’t be engaging with this form of methods training and will need to develop my project methodology in other ways.
4. Not-for-credit training and support from the School of Mathematics, the School of Social and Political Science Research Training Centre, Institute for Academic Development and Centre for Data, Culture and Society; students may also wish to enroll on one or more relevant free, open courses from providers within and beyond the University of Edinburgh
I will engage with one or more of the ‘micro methods’ workshops by the School of Social and Political Science’s Research Training Centre, most likely picking from the shortlist below:
- Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis: ‘This workshop provides revision of key concepts in quantitative data analysis’
- Introduction to Ethnographic Filmmaking: ‘This workshop provides a basic introduction to using ethnographic filmmaking as a research method’
- Narrative Analysis: ‘This workshop introduces students to two approaches to narrative analysis’
- Accessing and Analysing Existing Data: ‘This workshop provides an introduction to key existing data resources and the UK Data Service’
I have attended and signed up for a couple of courses by the IAD, and will keep an eye out for any future events relating to project methodology. I also plan to use the economics section of the SAGE database to look for insights re the use of financial data.
In addition, I have signed up for the University’s Developing Your Data Skills online course. I will also review the University’s online short courses (methodology aside, this philosophy course could be a useful refresher for my purposes) and LinkedIn Learning.
I didn’t see many resources specific to my mode of representation, so I will spend some time looking for resources which could inform me on creative methodologies.
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Writing this blog post has alerted me to the lack of methods training I have undertaken thus far. I will reflect a little more on my project methodology while finishing my semester 1 modules, but I will be able to dedicate more time to my futures project during the Christmas period, during which I will engage with some of the resources mentioned above.
Dear Sasha, you demonstrated that you did great research and thoroughly considered the skillset you need for your undertaking. I also like the reflective conclusion. Well done!