Acquaint participants with the principles of research methods, knowledge and skills and their applications in many social, population and health fields. The applications include identification and diagnosis of issues of concern, recommending evidence based actions and policies, as well as how to influence adoption of policies and conduct monitoring and evaluation.

The course develops the skills needed for data collection and analysis with an emphasis on the translation of the acquired capacities into policy support, as well as community efforts to address the many development challenges. Participants are encouraged to apply the tools and concepts they learn in their special field of interest.

The course has a number of special features:

• Fully multidisplinary training integrating quantitative and qualitative methods with hands on applications

• Equipping trainees with skills of proposal writing, conducting empirical research, combining qualitative methodologies and tools, as well as producing published scientific articles and developing evaluation plans

• Covers wide range of complementary computer packages used in quantitative and qualitative research

• Pays special attention to translating research into policies for promoting the lives of people

• The language used is English

The course consists of four complementary modules, which are seen as an integrated package that extends from basic elements and skills in the research process up to the ultimate objective of drawing implications and presenting them in a format appropriate for supporting development and initiating community change.

Each module provides basic tools and concepts that cut across many community-based areas and development fields, as well as specialized knowledge on social issues applying an equity lens.

The course, also, contains actual applications on topical concerns identified by the trainees. These applications include development of research proposal, design of research instruments, data entry, data analysis, as well as scientific writing and professional presentation of research results.

In addition, the training pays special attention to the set of specialized skills needed to engage in community development. These skills are taught across the four modules.

The course is designed to address a wide audience of researchers, academics, policy makers and practitioners who are engaged in and/or utilize social science research for development and policy support. It is also suitable for those with programmatic interests in serving their communities, particularly focusing on social challenges.

• Lectures and seminars

• Group work and application exercises

• Oral presentations

• Computer applications

• CD of course material

• Hard copies of course material

• Powerpoint presentation of lectures

• References to further readings

• Guide manuals developed by SRC to cover practical applications

Participants learn through the discussion of readings, as well as the critical analyses of their experiences in their countries. Trainees are expected to be prepared to share knowledge and experience related to social concerns and research in their countries.

1. Course Participation (at least 90 percent):
This includes attendance, active participation in class discussions and group work

2. Course Evaluation:
Trainees are expected to complete a pre-test on the first day of each module and a post-test on the last day of the module. In addition, participants are asked to give their opinion daily on the sessions, instructors, materials, and organization, as well as fill in an evaluation form at the end of each module and at the end of the training course.

3. Assignments:
Trainees are expected to fulfill all required assignments throughout the course.