Methods resources and support

The UK-run site, Methods@manchester, was launched in September. It offers various resources for social scientists looking for innovative ways to carry out research. This includes visual/sound, mixed methods, surveys, experimental methods, ‘e-science’ or information and communication and technology data management, collaborative approaches, ethnography, quality assessments and interviewing techniques. You can also ask questions of other researchers, such as how to best reach participants who have limited speech, how to use online resources in qualitative research, the difference between narrative and discourse analysis, and so on.

From Methods at Manchester:

methods@manchester is a web resource which brings together The University of Manchester’s internationally acclaimed expertise on social research methods. Visit www.methods.manchester.ac.uk to watch video clips of experts talking about specific methods: examples include Martin Everett’s leading work on Social Network Analysis, Wes Sharrock on Ethnomethodology, Nick Shryane on Structural Equation Modelling and Ian Plewis on Multilevel modelling.

You can also listen to a wide range of introductory methodological talks, whilst viewing associated PowerPoint presentations – for example Penny Harvey explains why and how anthropologists conduct ethnography and Vanessa May explains the rationale behind narrative analysis.

September 13 marks the start of the programme of events for the autumn semester, with seminars and short courses  taking place. On September 29 the Methods Fair included methods-related presentations throughout the day (speakers include Martin Everett on social networks; Carol Smart on in-depth interviews; Nick Shryane on structural equation modelling); a display of posters by researchers and PhD students; stalls giving information on training opportunities, online resources, short courses and much more. See: http://www.methods.manchester.ac.uk/events/2010-09-29/index.shtml

Go to the web-site http://www.methods.manchester.ac.uk and join the mailing list to receive a regular update on methodological events.