Research Register for Social Care - research skills

Research methods
Research Glossaries
Finding research
Using evidence
Conducting research

Research methods

Exploring Online Research Methods
This development of this website was funded by the ESRC Research Methods Programme (Phase 2). The aim of the website is to provide an online resource which provides training for researchers who are interested in using online research methods such as online questionnaires and online interviews. The website is targeted at a wide audience including researchers and postgraduates in the HE sector, and researchers working for other organisations such as those involved with public policy and market research.

The Research Methods Knowledge Base
This is an online, hyper-text textbook for an introductory course in applied social research methods. The Knowledge Base was created by Bill Trochim, a Professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University. It covers the theory and practice of research, and covers topics such as defining a research question, sampling, measurement, research design and data analysis. The Research Methods Knowledge Base is also available as a printed book.

Social Science Information Gateway - Research Methods
Links to a wide range of resources related to qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Glossaries

Research Information Network
Glossary and list of acronyms to help navigate through the most common terms, organisations and initiatives in the research information arena

Research Mindedness in social work and social care
The glossary of research terms is located on the Research Mindedness Virtual Learning Resource. The aim of which is to help students and practitioners of social care and social work make greater and more effective use of research in their studies and in practice. Although the website has not been updated since September 2005 it holds a wealth of useful information.

Finding research

Information skills for researchers
Published by the Open University, this site targets Postgraduate researchers. Sections include: Advanced search techniques; Evaluation; Referencing and rights and Presenting and publishing research.

Using evidence

Research Mindedness
This tutorial is designed to help staff and students in social care and social work make greater and more effective use of research findings. Although the website has not been updated since September 2005 it holds a wealth of useful information. Sections of the site include: Finding research, Research in context, Making sense of Research and Being a researcher.

REAL organisational support for evidence based practice action pack
This pack is designed to complement the TEAMWISE using research evidence: A practical guide for teams (above), and focuses on the vital need for evidence-informed practice at all levels of an organisation, while also recognising practical difficulties.

TEAMWISE using research evidence: A practical guide for teams
This second handbook is principally the work of the numerous front-line practitioners and managers who took part in its development. The videoCD inside the front cover of the handbook includes the 21 tools and a series of short films that illustrate how evidence has been put into practice by front-line teams.

What Works for Children? Evidence Guide: An introduction to finding, judging and using research findings on what works for children and young people. (2003)
Developed by the ESRC-funded What Works for Children Group, this guide provides a good introduction to Evidence based practice (EBP) and looks at how to find and use evidence in children and family services. Note: some of the links are out of date.

Conducting research

Exploring online research methods: a virtual training environment
This site is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded project, which aims to enhance understanding of online research methods in the social sciences. The site can be used as a self-learning package, a teaching resource or as part of a university training package. The main training area of the site is the modules section, which have reading materials and learning activities on online questionnaires, online interviews, ethics and technical issues. There is also a resources section which aims to serve as a portal for information on online research methods. This section includes key texts in the field of online research, a glossary, links and FAQs.

Social research methods on the internet
If you are undertaking social research, this tutorial will direct you to relevant internet-based resources for social research methods. This tutorial was developed by the Virtual Training Suite of the Resource Discovery Network.

Evaluation- an essential part of practice: A step-by-step guide for practitioners on undertaking small-scale evaluation (Guides/Manuals)
How to write a research report, Dorset County Council, 2007