Workshop on the Science of Research: Methods, Tools, and Best Practices

The Research Cell, in collaboration with the Department of Geography, Loreto College, Kolkata, organised a workshop on The Science of Research: Methods, Tools, and Best Practices on January 7, 2025. The workshop was conducted by Nabeeha Jamil, GIS Specialist at Tetra Tech, Georgia, USA, and an alumna of the Department of Geography, Loreto College.

The workshop aimed to provide valuable insights into research essentials, scope, methodology, and procedures. It was an interactive session where Ms. Jamil shared her expertise, drawing from her own research papers and other scholarly works to clarify concepts and foster understanding.

Ms. Jamil emphasised that research is the "creation of new knowledge" by refining existing ideas, generating "new concepts, methodologies, and understanding." She described it as a process of identifying, exploring, and improving what already exists.

Workshop Design:

Introduction to Research: An overview of its significance and scope

Engagement with Research Articles: Practical analysis of selected articles

Final Tips and Takeaways: Guidance on best practices for conducting research

She provided a detailed explanation on the steps of the research process, including methodology, framing a research question, stating research objectives, using the SMART approach (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), formulating a hypothesis, and collecting and analysing data. Through a comprehensive presentation, she showcased her own research paper and shared her experiences, challenges, and opportunities.

She highlighted the importance of various tools such as GIS and programming languages such as R and Python. She also demonstrated how to use different citation styles. A key feature was the demonstration of one of her research story maps, emphasising the application of GIS in research. This practical insight bridged the gap between theoretical concepts and real-life applications, making the session relatable and inspiring for the students.

The lecture was informative and was followed by an interactive session. The workshop was a resounding success, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the research design and methodologies. It not only equipped them with the knowledge of how to begin their research but also provided insights into navigating challenges during the process.