Welcome to Pre-seeds (Research 101)!
- This course is beginner-friendly and community-rooted.
- You don’t need a research background to get started.
- Learning is nonlinear, and that’s okay.
Episode 1.1: Introduction to research: What is research?
- Research is a systematic, logical, and evidence-based process for asking and answering questions about the world.
- It differs from opinion or belief because it relies on data, critical thinking, and clear methodology.
- Good research is replicable, objective, and empirical—others should be able to follow your steps and understand your conclusions.
- Research serves various purposes: it can explore new topics, describe conditions, explain relationships, or solve real-world problems.
Episode 1.2: The research process: Steps involved in conducting research
Episode 1.3: How is Research Classified?
- Research can be classified by purpose, methodology, design,
goal, focus, timeframe, and data source.
- These labels guide methodological choices and clarify how findings
should be interpreted.
- Most real studies blend several categories; classifications are
tools, not rigid boxes.
- Recognising the map of research types prepares you to plan and communicate your own projects.
Episode 1.4: Types of Research I: Basic, Applied; Quantitative, Qualitative
- Basic research builds theory; applied research solves problems.
- Quantitative research answers “how much” with numbers.
- Qualitative research answers “why” with stories and context.
- Mixed methods combine the strengths of both.
- Descriptive research tells you what’s happening without changing anything.
- Experimental research tests cause and effect by manipulating variables.
Episode 1.5: Strengths, Limitations, and Applications of Research Types
- Each type of research—basic, applied, descriptive, experimental, qualitative, and quantitative—has unique strengths and limitations.
- Complex problems benefit from mixed methods that draw on multiple types.
- Being intentional about research type improves clarity, coherence, and usefulness of findings.
- Different disciplines apply research types in different ways, tailored to their questions and practices.