Research-based Information

Short Term Certificate Course on Research Methodology and SPSS

A short-term certificate course on Research Methodology and SPSS was conducted by the Centre for Research and Publications, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya from 12th to 18th November 2018. It was aimed to give an insight as to how to undertake a research study, process data in SPSS, draw meaningful inferences as well as to utilize its major findings into action-oriented operational projects. Various aspects of research were covered in the course along with a practical session on the SPSS. The delegates from different parts of the country arrived and participated in the one-week-long-course.

On 12th November, a formal inauguration was conducted where the Delegates from different places were welcomed. The session started with a prayer song, the dignitaries lit the lamp. The President of the DHM, Ms. Colin Dsouza welcomed the gathering, later the Principal delivered the significance of the programme. The Director of the Adelaide Centre of Research and Publication introduced the Department to the gathering and highlighted the different projects undertaken by the college. Dr. Jenis Mary gave the key-note address on the course to the participants. The guest Sr. Dulcine spoke on how this course would be beneficial to the participants to do the research project.

The first session was regarding the problem formulation and objectives of the study. The resource person Dr. Jenis Mary shared her hands-on experience on the topic. She equipped the participants to formulate a research problem with theory and practical. In the afternoon session they had a practical session on Statistical Package on the Social Sciences (SPSS) in which they were taught how to do the codebook. This included all the variables in their questionnaire.

On 13th November, the second session was regarding sampling and research designs, the resource person was Prof. Rosa Nimmy. She taught the participants on different sampling techniques used in research and the designs that are used while doing research. In the afternoon session they continued the session on the SPSS where they learned how to do data entry for the study given to them.

On 14th November, the session was conducted by Dr. Sebastin K.V on data collection. He introduced the topic to the participants and told them the various types of data collection methods. The resource person guided them on the different methods like the interview method, focus group method and the case studies. This gave the participants an insight into the different methods. In the noon session, Prof. Shwetha from St. Aloysius College gave a brief idea on Module Development. Since the participants belonged to the field of community development, the session was useful to prepare the modules for the development of their concerned programmes.

On 15th November, the Course Coordinator took a session on Self-awareness. There were many exercises that helped participants to be aware of their present state of mind and to accept it. She stated that we have to let go of certain things to have peace of mind.

On 16th November, Prof. Asha Lobo took the session on Qualitative Research Methods. She gave a brief history on the qualitative research methods, its relevance and sampling strategies used, besides the different approaches and when to use the qualitative research methods.

On 17th November, they had a practical session, on how to process the data entered into the tables and charts/figures. They were taught how to export the data to the word and generate the graphs. The afternoon had a practical session on Data Analysis and Interpretation where they were trained to analyse the data in tables and graphs to give more clarity.

On 18th November, the Principal Dr. Juliet Joseph took the session on how to write a project proposal. She gave insights on how the project information should be shared. The title, goals, objectives, duration, which area the study is conducted, etc. She also guided them on how to write an executive summary, background on the implementing organization, problem statement, rationale behind the study, personal plan and monitoring and evaluation. In the afternoon session, she gave a brief idea to the participants on how to do a budget for the project.

During the valedictory, all 17 participants gave their feedback on the course. They also were given certificates for completing their course.