Multidisciplinary Module for Ireland-based Doctoral Students 2009
Adapting Research Methodologies for Developing Country Conditions: A multidisciplinary module for Ireland-based Doctoral Students
You can fill out our Module Registration Form here
Download module guide (PDF 141.32 KB) containing information on module content and locations
Module Outline
The aim of this module is to raise awareness about development issues among doctoral students and to provide training in the methodological challenges of conducting research in developing country environments. Seminar presentations will cover a wide spectrum of development-related fields, including politics, economics, health, environment, rural development, biological sciences and cultural studies. Seminars will feature a mix of case-study presentations by experienced researchers, group discussion and consideration of research challenges raised by students.
Cross-cutting themes that will be addressed throughout the module include gaining necessary approval for fieldwork, gaining access to research sites, dealing with informants and documentary materials, engagement with the local research community, cultural sensitivities, engagement with officials and policy-makers, use of research assistants, and dissemination of findings.
Note that this module is not intended to provide an introduction to research methodology in general, nor to substitute for other (discipline-specific) training that is already on offer. Rather, it aims to provide research students with specific guidance on how to adapt their research methodologies to developing country conditions and prepares them for working in a new and challenging social, political and economic context.
The module is offered by TIDI, the Trinity International Development Initiative as part of the wider ‘Doctoral Training for Development in Africa’ project which is supported by Irish Aid and the Higher Education Authority.
Target Audience:
The course is aimed specifically at doctoral students from any discipline who are currently conducting researching (or preparing for research) in the developing world and/or on topics relating to international development. Other students (e.g. master’s students) who are considering undertaking research in developing countries are also welcome. While the module is largely aimed at TCD students, a limited number of places will be made available for students from other institutions.
Supervisors, heads of departments and post-graduate officers are invited to draw this module to the attention of students who may be just registering for doctoral study at this time. Supervisors are also encouraged to register their PhD students (or indicate their interest in the course), even if students have not yet started their studies.
Timetable:
The module is compressed and will be offered during the week of 9th-13th November (official College Study Week) Morning sessions: 10am – 12 noon Afternoon sessions: 2 – 4pm Venue to be confirmed. It is asked that participants attend all sessions in order to complete the module. Recognition Certificate of participation will be provided by TIDI, The Trinity International Development Initiative.
Registration/Further Information:
Please complete the attached form and submit to tidi@tcd.ie by Monday 26th October. For further information, see www.tcd.ie/tidi or contact the module coordinator, Dr Edward Lahiff, tel: +353-1-896-4177, email Edward.lahiff@tcd.ie.
Presentations
SESSION 2:
9th November: Biological Research in a Developing Country Contact. View the presentation delivered by Dr Noel Murphy, Department of Biology, NUI Maynooth. (PPT 51.1MB)
SESSION 3:
10th November: International Migration and Economic Development. View the presentation delivered by Dr Catia Batista, Department of Economics, TCD. (PDF 7.27MB)
SESSION 4:
10th November: Monitoring Change in the Tropical Environment. View the presentation delivered by Professor Mike Jones, Department of Botany. (PPT 27.8MB)
SESSION 5:
11th November: Ethnographic Methods in the Development Context. View the presentation delivered by Dr Chandana Mathur, Department of Anthropology, NUI Maynooth. (PPT 281KB)
SESSION 6:
11th November: Rural Research – Exploring Whose Reality? View the presentation delivered by Fiona Meehan, Kimmage Development Studies Centre. (PPT 4.89MB)
SESSION 7:
12th November: How an understanding of water and development issues can help your research. View the presentation delivered by Bruce Misstear, Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, TCD. (PDF 6.99MB)
SESSION 8:
12th November: The Sociology and Geography of HIV/AIDS in Africa. View the presentation delivered by Dr Pádraig Carmody, Department of Geography, TCD. (PPT 4.45MB)