Research Training: Knowledge & intellectual abilities

Researcher Development Framework - Domain A
Research Training: Knowledge & intellectual abilities

3. Creativity

Behaviour:

  • Develops new ways of working; has novel ideas and realises their potential.
  • Identifies new trends; creates new opportunities.
  • Develops convincing and persuasive arguments to defend research.
  • Takes intellectual risks; challenges the status quo.
Attitude:
  • Takes a creative, imaginative and inquiring approach to research.
  • Is open to new sources of ideas.

1. Knowledge base 

Knowledge of: 
  • The area of research, the advances within it and its relationships with other research areas. 
  • The methods and experimental techniques appropriate for research design. 
  • Sources of information, bibliographic software and other information technologies. 
  • Literacy and numeracy skills and language abilities appropriate for research. 
Behaviour: 
  • Makes original contributions to knowledge.
  • Identifies, applies and develops methods and experimental techniques appropriate for research projects. 
  • Conducts effective and comprehensive information searches. 
  • Records, manages and handles information/data using appropriate bibliographic software and other information technologies. 

2. Cognitive abilities  

Behaviour: 
  • Analyses and evaluates findings using appropriate methods. 
  • Thinks originally, independently and critically; develops theoretical concepts. 
  • Critically synthesises information from diverse sources. 
  • Evaluates progress, impact and outcomes of research. 
  • Recognises and validates problems; formulates and applies solutions to a range of research problems. 
Attitude: 
  • Willing to give and receive constructive criticism.

NVivo for beginners

This session will use the latest NVivo qualitative software package to enhance your knowledge of the application.

Intended learning outcomes:

At the end of this session you will be able to:
  • Navigate easily around the NVivo interface.
  • Import text, audio, video, pdf and image files into NVivo.
  • Be able to title and provide descriptions of the different media content.
  • Create nodes and coding across a variety of media.
  • Add titles and descriptions to different media sources and nodes.
  • Be able to organise your data in a hierarchical structure and be able to add memos.
  • Create a Framework Matrix.
  • Apply NVivo's basic analytical functions, including text searches and word frequency queries.
  • Be able to create models and export them to Word and PowerPoint.

Facilitator: Andy Edwards-Jones
Applicability: Suitable for most research students and research staff.

Course dates and times:
  • 17 November 2022, 14:00-17:00 UK time (on campus)
  • 16 February 2023, 14:00-16:30 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 1 June 2023, 14:00-17:00 UK time (on campus)

Bookings and enquiries:researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

NVivo users workshop (intermediate)

This workshop style session is intended to provide you with some dedicated time to start, or continue working with your own research data in NVivo, with facilitator support on hand.

Intended learning outcomes:

At the end of this session, you will be able to:
  • Use your learning outcomes from previous introductory NVivo training and put them into practice using your own data.
  • Import and organise your own data.
  • Establish a coding framework for your own data.
  • Code your own data.
  • Use NVivo's basic analytical functions.
  • The workshop will be delivered in two parts. Part 1 will involve learning about specific functions of the application such as framework matrices, classifications, queries, auto coding, importing bibliographic databases, and visualisation with models. Part 2 will allow attendees to progress their own NVivo projects using their own data, and address specific areas of interest.

Facilitator:Andy Edwards-Jones
Applicability:This session is not an introduction to NVivo. It is aimed t research students and staff that have completed the NVivo introductory training workshops or have some working experience of the application, but would benefit from further guidance while progressing their own research work.Participants are encouraged to bring their own research data ready to import into NVivo, or a copy of an existing NVivo project or a laptop with an NVivo project already loaded.

Course dates and times:
  • 15 December 2022, 14:00-16:30 UK time (on campus)
  • 16 March 2022, 14:00-16:30 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 13 July 2023, 14:00-16:30 UK time (on campus)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

Which statistical software to use? a comparison of Matlab, Python, R, SPSS and Excel

 Almost everyone doing a postgraduate research degree will have to collect, analyse, and visualise data. This work will be an essential part of your dissertation (of course) but also of conference presentations, public engagement activities, and press releases. There will be graphs and diagrams, pictures and illustration, summaries and infographics.

There are a number of software packages that can be used, either alone or in combination, for this type of work; and the aim of this session is to give researchers hands-on experience to as many of them as possible - and to compare them side-by-side to help inform decisions about which is the appropriate choice.

We will provide sample data and simple exercises in Matlab, Python, R, SPSS opr Excel. Attendees will work (singly or in groups) to get the same (or comparable) results in some or all (depending on time) of these packages allowing them to make informed decisions about which systems they wish to study further.


Facilitator: Martin Coath

Course dates and times:
  • 25 October 2022, 10:30-12:30 UK time (on campus)
  • 25 April 2023, 10:30-12:30 UK time (on campus)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

SPSS

This session will use the SPSS software to enhance your knowledge of the applied statistics and of the package. We will consider data structure as well as the differences between samples and populations.

Intended learning outcomes:

  • Common statistical distributions will be introduced.
  • Useful methods for graphical, tabular and statistical summaries will be explored, along with various calculations, sorting, selection and transformation.
  • Finally, there will be both an introduction to hypothesis testing and Confidence Intervals using both parametic and non-parametic methods.

Facilitator: Yinghui Wei
Applicability: Suitable for most research students and research staff.

Course dates and times:
  • 19 January 2023, 13:30-15:30 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 22 May 2023, 14:00-16:00 UK time (online via Zoom)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

Understanding and working with quantitative data

 This session will explain the principle methods involved in the analysis of data collected and the basic ideas behind each. The aim of the session is to increase your understanding of the use of statistics and how they are used in scientific and medical research.

Intended learning outcomes

  • highlight common errors made and how to avoid them.
  • demonstrating how to run each test using common software will be given without the use of over-complicated mathematical formulas.

Facilitator: Daniela Oehring
Applicability:Suitable for most research students

Course dates and times: 
  • 3 November 2022, 13:30-15:30 UK time (on campus)
  • 2 May 2023, 13:30-15:30 UK time (online via Zoom)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

Introduction to Python

This is an introductory course for absolute beginners in Python who are interested in discovering and learning Python programming language. This course will make the participant understand different variable, functions types and performing basic maths operations. You will also learn how to import a local file and read its data.

Intended learning outcomes:

You will become familiar with the basic functions and syntax, in particular, the following topics:-
  • variables, data types, comments and math operators
  • strings and print
  • conditionals and flow control
  • functions and importing modules
  • lists, for loops, tuples and sictionaries
  • functions.

Facilitator: Martin Coath
Applicability: Suitable for most research students and research staff.

Course dates and times:
  • 13 December 2022, 10:30-12:00 UK time (on campus)
  • 8 February 2023, 10:30-12:00 UK time (on campus)
  • 18 April 2023, 10:30-12:00 UK time (on campus)
Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

Introduction to R

R is a free software environment for statistical computing and graphics, which can be easily downloaded from the web. It is now widely used for all types of statistical applications, from official and social statistics to modern methods for computationally based inference.

Intended learning outcomes:
After this short course the participant will have a basic knowledge of R. In particular, the following topics will be covered (some in limited detail):
  • using an editor
  • arithmetic
  • data in R
  • R Objects
  • summary statistics
  • graphics including gplot2
  • linear models and correlation
  • treading in data from files
  • data manipulation using dplyr.

Facilitator:Matthew Craven
Applicability: Suitable for most research students and research staff.

Course dates and times: 
  • 3 November 2022, 10:00-12:00 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 6 February 2023, 10:00-12:00 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 1 June 2023, 10:00-12:00 UK time (online via Zoom)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

Introduction to Matlab environment and scripts

Matlab is a powerful piece of software that is a programming language, but which also has some features in common with statistical packages like SPSS, and other features that make it more like a spreadsheet or database. As a result it can seem bewildering and complex. However, at its simplest it is just a very sophisticated calculator with great graph drawing facilities which make many routine data analysis and presentation tasks a breeze. Give it a try before you decide.

Intended learning outcomes:
  • To introduce new and inexperienced users to the Matlab programming environment, basic mathematical and statistical operations on small data sets, using the GUI to draw simple graphs, exporting results to document preparation software, and an introduction to scripting.

Facilitator:Martin Coath
Applicability:Suitable for most research students and research staff.

Course dates and times: 
  • 23 November 2022, 10:30-12:00 UK time (on campus)
  • 15 March 2023, 10:30-12:00 UK time (on campus)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

Matlab environment and scripts - intermediate

Suitable for those that have attended the introductory session or have a little experience with other programming IDE’s.

If you have grasped the basics of Matlab or if you are happy with the idea of programming languages this session will let you explore how to get exactly what you want, in ways that should save you time and effort. We will be exploring how Matlab goes way beyond a simple calculator or spreadsheet and find how new facilities can be added by programming, and how data is stored, retrieved, and presented in a multitude of ways decided by the user.

Intended learning outcomes:
  • To explore all aspects of the Matlab programming environment, mathematical and statistical operations using matrices, creating and editing graphs, use of scripts and functions, introduction data structures, introductory program debugging.

Facilitator:Martin Coath
Applicability:Suitable for most research students and research staff.

Course dates and times:
  • 24 January 2023, 10:30-12:00 UK time (on campus)
  • 2 May 2023, 10:30-12:00 UK time (on campus)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

What is LaTeX – An introduction 

This first session on the LaTeX typesetting software is for everyone, particularly if you have never heard of LaTeX. Even if you are already a LaTeX user come along and join the debate. The time will be split between demonstrations and detailed answers to students questions.

All academics have to write reports and papers of one sort or another. Of most immediate concern to most graduate students is the thesis or dissertation which represents the culmination of an intense and demanding period of study and research.

For almost 30 years there has been debate between those who support general purpose word-processors (such as Microsoft Word) and those who argue that academic writing requires a specialist tool. LaTeX is such a tool and represents the alternative to word-processing. LaTeX is free, designed specifically to handle large complicated cross-referenced academic documents, and has been used successfully for nearly 30 years in all academic fields.

Intended learning outcomes:
  • The aim of this introductory session is to allow graduates to discover what it is and to make an informed choice about whether or not to consider using it.

Facilitator:Martin Coath
Applicability: Everyone. If you have heard of LaTeX and are not sure what it is then this is your chance to find out. If you have never heard of LaTeX then it could be what you are looking for. Please come along even if you are a LaTeX user and join in the discussion.

Course dates and times:
  • 12 December 2022, 10:30-11:30 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 20 April 2023, 10:30-11:30 UK time (online via Zoom)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

LaTeX – Getting started

The second session is aimed at those who are curious to find out more about LaTeX and those who are seriously considering using it. The previous LaTeX session is not a prerequisite but there will only be very limited time for debate and explanation so please do come to ‘What is LaTeX’ so you know what you are getting yourself in to! We aim to achieve three things in this session.

Intended learning outcomes:

  • to get LaTeX installed and running on every computer. You will need to bring a laptop running Windows 7 and on which you have full administrative rights. If you have a University issue laptop you will have to contact IT support to be sure you have been made an administrator (there will not be time in this session to cover installation for Mac and Linux users - if you want to take part install Windows in a virtual machine).
  • to create and edit some simple documents to illustrate as many of the general principles as possible in the time available. This should be enough for you to go away and start experimenting with your newly installed software.
  • to make everyone aware of the vast array of free LaTeX support material on the internet. After you have mastered the basics you will be able to find books and tutorials that are available to anyone who wants to go further.

Facilitator: Martin Coath
Applicability: Everyone. If you have heard of LaTeX and are not sure what it is then this is your chance to find out. If you have never heard of LaTeX then it could be what you are looking for. Please come along even if you are a LaTeX user and join in the discussion.

Course dates and times:
  • 18 January 2023, 10:30-12:00 UK time (on campus)
  • 9 May 2023, 10:30-12:00 UK time (on campus)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

LaTeX - Pictures, bibliographies, tables and other assorted problems


You will need to be familiar with the basics of LaTeX to get the most out of this session. For absolute beginners this means a) coming to both previous sessions and b) having done some practice and research in the time since session 2. Experienced users are very welcome to come along – there are always tips and tricks to be shared.

Intended learning outcomes:
If you have made it this far you will be starting to appreciate that despite the fact that LaTeX offers huge advantages it also has its share of frustrations. Many of these can be dealt easily with help from experienced users. We will deal with the most common problems first, but this session also has time to address any particular issue that you want to bring along.

In particular: the placement of figures, the handling of bibliographies, and the design of tables in LaTeX are frequently raised as ‘problems’, although in fact in most cases the ‘solutions’ are trivial but merely difficult to find. If you are convinced that LaTeX is for you then you should find this session very helpful. If you are still not sure then seeing some of the potential problem dealt with might help you to make up your mind.

Facilitator:Martin Coath
Applicability: Everyone. Please come along even if you are a LaTeX user and join in the discussion.
Prerequisites:You must have attended both previous sessions and have done some practice and research.

Course dates and times:
  • 21 March 2023, 10:30-12:30 UK time (on campus)
  • 7 June 2023, 10:30-12:30 UK time (on campus)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

Project Approval Process (RDC.1)

The aim of the workshop is to prepare students for the process of project approval (RDC.1). Project approval stage is compulsory if you are registered for the degrees of MPhil, PhD, ResM or MD. The process of project approval requires the production of a research prospectus, plan of work, Data Management Plan and any other materials and processes specified by local Research Degree Management Units and, their assessment by experts in the field who are independent of the supervisory team.

Intended learning outcome:
The session is designed to explain the process and to assist students in the preparation of the RDC.1 submission.

Applicability: Suitable for all research students
Facilitator:Richard Yarwoodand SarahKearns

Course dates and times:
  • 26 October 2022, 13:00-15:00 UK time (on campus)
  • 31 October 2022, 10:00-12:00 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 23 January 2023, 10:00-12:00 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 26 April 2023, 13:00-15:00 UK time (on campus)

Bookings and enquiries:researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

Confirmation of Route Process (RDC.2/2A)

The aim of the workshop is to prepare students for the process of the transfer (RDC.2/2A). If you are registered as an MPhil/PhD student, the Confirmation of Route process is compulsory. Transfer to PhD status is also possible from ResM, MD and MPhil research degree registrations. The process of transfer requires the production of written reports and any other materials and processes specified by local Research Degree Management Units and, their assessment by experts in the field who are independent of the supervisory team.

Intended learning outcome:
The workshop is designed to explain the process and to assist students in the preparation of the reports.

Facilitator:Stephen Essexand Sarah Kearns
Applicability:Full-time research students who are 9 to 12 months (part-time students: 15 to 21 months) into their programme.

Course dates and times:
  • 22 November 2022, 10:30-12:30 UK time (on campus)
  • 17 March 2023, 14:00-16:00 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 19 June 2023, 10:30-12:30 UK time (online via Zoom)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

Preparing for the viva

The aim of this workshop is to help postgraduate research students with the purpose and the format of the oral examination of their thesis. This workshop will familiarise participants with the format of the viva including in-person, remote (online) or hybrid models and, the role of the internal and external examiners and the judgements they will be making in the course of the viva. There will be an opportunity to consider the types of questions that candidates may be asked in the course of the oral examination.

Facilitator: Professor Richard Yarwood, Director of Doctoral College
Applicability: All postgraduate research students

Course dates and times: 
  • 16 November 2022, 14:00-16:00 UK time (on campus)
  • 2 March 2023, 14:00-16:00 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 24 May 2023, 14:00-16:00 UK time (online via Zoom)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk

*Please note: A recording of this session is available at the Researcher Development Programme DLE/Moodle page: https://dle.plymouth.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=25918

Introduction to Responsible Metrics

This session introduces the topic of "responsible metrics", discusses the use of metrics in analysing / evaluating both research outputs and researchers, and aims to increase confidence in using the most common metrics found in research tools.

Facilitator: Library Research Support
Applicability: Suitable for all research students and staff

Course dates and times:
  • 5 December 2022, 14:00-15:30 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 17 April 2023, 10:30-12:00 UK time (online via Zoom)
  • 20 June 2023, 14:00-15:30 UK time (online via Zoom)

Bookings and enquiries: researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk