Investing in the

future

Michael BrightSenior Science Manager

RESEARCH METHODS PROGRAMME

Research Methods ProgrammeThe Context:

Council’s Mission

Solving the Problem

RRB Strategy

Research Methods ProgrammeAim of the Programme:

to develop qualitative and quantitative methods within the context of substantive research. It is also geared toward the effective dissemination of good practice through a range of related training activities.

Research Methods Programme Objectives:

To support substantially focused research that poses interesting and novel methodological issues.

To foster work that directly enhances methodological knowledge or improves and advances quantitative and qualitative methodological techniques

To encourage and support the dissemination of good practice, including the enhancement of training programmes and training materials for the research community.

Research Methods ProgrammeObjectives (cont)

To establish fellowships linked to research funded through the Programme, or linked to existing centres of methodological excellence.

Promote cross-national initiatives involving substantially focused and methodologically innovative research that shares a common focus, such as the analysis of comparable data, the use of novel analytical approaches, or evidence based investigations of policy problems.

Research Methods ProgrammeAreas and Topics 1

Generating, Storing and Retrieving Data:– Research Design and Data Collection– Multi-Media Integration and Retrieval– Data Mining

Research Methods ProgrammeAreas and Topics 2

Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis– Longitudinal and pathways Analysis– Network Analysis– Evidence Based Policy and Evaluation

Methods– Mathematical Modelling and Simulation– Analysing Text, Discourse, Narrative

and Visual Data– Integrating Multiple Methodologies

Research Methods ProgrammeAreas and Topics 3

Enhancing Methodological Skills– Training Activities– Establishing Fellowships

Research Methods ProgrammeWhere we are at - Phase 1

321 outline applications - 66 shortlisted.

63 Full Proposals considered - 89% alpha rated.

20 Projects Funded - 36% success rate for alpha rated proposals.

5 Training Awards, 2 Stand-Alone Fellowships and 13 Substantive Research Projects.

Research Methods ProgrammePlans for Phase II

Approximately £700k remaining for Phase II

Commissioning Panel Recommended:– That the second phase should focus on enhancing

the training element of the programme.– That in order to ensure a coherent package the

specification should be informed by an evaluation of the training opportunities that already exists and an identification of the most pressing need.

– That the ESRC should be more proactive in commissioning training courses in Phase II to support training which is crucial for the development of the knowledge base.

Research Methods ProgrammeProposed Timetable for Phase II

RRB considers specification for Phase II

End of March 2003

Call for Proposals Early April 2003

Closing Date for Applications Early June 2003

Peer Review of Applications Summer 2003

Panel Meeting End of September 2003

Applicants Informed of Recommendations

Mid October 2003

RRB Approval of Recommendations

Mid November 2003

Award Letters Issued Late November/ Early December 2003

Phase II Projects Commence From January 2004 onwards.

Please note that all these dates are provisional and subject to change