Adapting Research Methodologies for Developing Country Conditions: A multidisciplinary module for Ireland-based Doctoral Students.

Module Outline:

The aim of this module is to raise awareness about development issues among Ireland-based doctoral students and to provide training in the methodological challenges of conducting research in developing country environments.
Sessions will address issues that are of common relevance to students from across a wide range of disciplines. The module is developed and delivered by researchers who are active in development-related fields, including politics, economics, health, environment, education, rural development, biological sciences, culture and anthropology, etc.
There will be workshops in the mornings that will provide training in key aspects of research in developing countries, based on the types of research likely to be undertaken by PhD students based in Ireland. In the afternoons there will be seminars on cross-cutting issues that shape the research environment and raise matters of potential interest to students who may be working in low and middle-income countries for the first time.

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.
Learning Objectives:
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
•             Prepare effectively for a development-related research project
•             Demonstrate a good understanding of the range of methodologies relevant to research in low- and middle- income countries.
•             Select and justify the choice of appropriate methods for specific research situations.
•             Identify the challenges involved in adopting research methods to developing country situations
•             Show a critical awareness of power and inequality in research settings, and how problems of exclusion and marginalisation may be overcome.
•             Identify the ethical challenges involved in development-related research and how these can be addressed.

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 to apply. While the module is largely aimed at TCD students, a limited number of places will be made available for students from other institutions. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis until full
Supervisors, heads of departments and post-graduate officers are invited to draw this module to the attention of their students including those 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 5th – 8th November 2010 (official TCD Reading Week). Each day will include a workshop focusing on methodological issues and a seminar focusing on contextual development issues.

Morning Workshops:

• Monday - Tuesday: 10am – 1pm,
• Wednesday: 9.30am – 12.30pm,
• Thursday: 9.30am – 12 noon
  

Afternoon Seminars:

• Monday - Thursday: 2pm – 4pm
  

Click here to view timetable in PDF format.

Other information:

Fees:

No fee will be charged for this module.

Attendance and Accreditation:

It is asked that participants attend all sessions in order to complete the module. If students/supervisors are interested in gaining ECTS (credits) for this module they are asked to contact Ogenna Uduma, TIDI Doctoral Programme Officer, ogenna.uduma@tcd.ie. All students who attend a minimum of 75% of the workshops and seminars will receive a TIDI certificate of completion.

Venue:

Class Room 309, Centre for Global Health, 7-9 South Leinster Street, Dublin 2.

Registration:

Please complete the online form by Friday 29th October. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis until full.

For further information contact the Module Coordinator, Dr Ogenna Uduma: email ogenna.uduma@tcd.ie, tel +353-1-896-4177