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Being a researcher (in Information Science and Technology)

Approx. 7 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course is designed for students, researchers, and professionals who want to learn about research methods in social sciences. It covers the fundamental principles of research design and methodology, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection, and analysis.

Key Learning Points

Learn about research design and methodology in social sciences
Understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods
Develop skills in data collection and analysis
Apply research methods to real-life scenarios

Learning Outcomes

Understand the basic principles of research design and methodology
Develop critical thinking skills
Apply research methods to real-life scenarios

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of social sciences
Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced
Video lectures

Similar Courses

Introduction to Social Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Dr. Robert Yin
Dr. Gary King

Related Books

Description

The course provides a broad view of how to become and progress as a researcher. It spans over a wide range of topics, from the historical development of scientific thought to research methodology, to the pragmatics of publication, research funding, evaluation, and promotion in a researcher’s career. It also stresses the ethical aspects of research. Although the course speaks about scientific research in general, it especially focuses on the field on Information and Communication Science and Technology.

The course is mainly directed to students engaging in research and beginning researchers. It may also be of interest for senior researcher in their role as supervisors or mentors, and to all those who are interested in how scientific research works. The main topics addressed in the course are: - Research, its historical development, and its role in society; - Research methodology; - The products of research: publications and artifacts; - The professional researcher: roles and career progress; - Research evaluation, from peer review to bibliometrics; - Research ethics.

Outline

WEEK 1 - Research and its context
Introduction to the course and to the first week
What is science? What is scientific research?
Scientific progress and the progress of society
Research, innovation and public engagement
Weekly Quiz 1

WEEK 2 - Research Methodology
Introduction to research methodology
The scientific method: a historical perspective
Lesson learned from the history of science
The logic of scientific discoveries
The limits of discoveries
Experimental validation of research results
Weekly quiz 2

WEEK 3 - The products of research: publications and beyond
Introduction to research diffusion
Writing a research paper
The peer review process
The publication world
Other forms of diffusion
Towards open access
Weekly Quiz 3

WEEK 4 - The researcher's progress
Introduction: am I fit for research?
Researcher in formation
Acquiring and mastering the necessary skills
The indipendent researcher
Weekly Quiz 4

WEEK 5 - Evaluating research
Introduction to evaluation
Evaluation of researchers in their career
Quantitative research evaluation via bibliometrics
Conclusion and recommendations
Weekly Quiz 5

WEEK 6 - Research ethics
Introduction and some general principles
Additional general principles
Research ethics pragmatics
Topic specific ethical questions
Weekly Quiz 6

Summary of User Reviews

The Being a Researcher course on Coursera has received positive reviews from many users. The course has been praised for its comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of research. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the practicality of the course, which provides hands-on experience in conducting research. However, some users have mentioned a few cons, such as the lack of interaction with the instructor and the high cost of the course.

Pros from User Reviews

Comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of research
Practical approach with hands-on experience in conducting research
Flexible schedule that allows learners to complete the course at their own pace

Cons from User Reviews

Lack of interaction with the instructor
High cost of the course
Some learners found the course difficulty level to be too high
Some learners found the course content to be too basic
Some learners experienced technical issues while taking the course

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