Course for Ph.D scholars teaches research work methodology

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 19 (EMN): In an effort to help scholars bring out resourceful research by following proper methodology and data analysis, a ten-daylong research methodology course for Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D) students in Social Sciences got underway at Nagaland University’s Kohima campus, on Feb. 19.
The training programme was sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Human Resource Development. It was organised by the Women’s Studies Centre & department of Teacher Education of the university.

The vice-chancellor of NU, Prof. Pardeshi Lal attended the inaugural programme as its chief guest. He spoke about the strenuous aspects of research and the ways to handling the challenges it poses. The professor said: “What to research or what to do is the biggest predicament,” yet it can be taken care of, he added. The foremost thing about any research is to have a clear idea of what the scholar wishes to achieve or do.

Speaking about the importance of literature survey, he said it is through literature that helps one to identify gaps. In fact, it is this step of research that can bridge the gaps and lead a researcher to proper understanding of their research, the gathering was told.
Prof. Pardeshi Lal felt that the “biggest question is how to do.” Choosing accurate methodology plays a vital role in solving this dilemma, he said. In this process one has to think “very seriously,” and decide on how to go for sampling. It is important that researchers put their ‘heart, mind, and all wisdom’ into their research, he said.

Emphasising on the vitality of originality, Lal said that the original thought, ideas, and inferences are important. It is the originality that will help their work stand out and have more impact, he said.

Even if one has “tremendous data” to supplement their research, it all comes down to proper presentation at the end of the day, Lal said. He encouraged the scholars to have an ‘honest approach in their research as it will have better impact.’

The 21st century is marked by important themes, according to the professor. The themes include solving the how—how best one can create awareness and cater to the population; how to take care of health and wellbeing; how might the present generation provide a sustainable development for the coming generation in an era of Climate Change and environmental degradation, he added.

The vice-chancellor expressed belief that the course would help scholars in making their work more refined. He urged them to ‘extract the best’ from the course.

Co-course Director Dr. M Rajendra Nath Babu gave a presentation about the workshop. The main objective behind organising the workshop was to impart information to research scholars about research methodology and data analysis. It aimed at creating opportunities to interact, and to clarify doubts and issues in research work, he said.

Various practical activities and research topics shall be taught throughout the training. The activities include hands-on training on computer software; assignments to write research proposals; designing instruments for data collection, and field work for data collection.

The participants will be required to make presentations and submit a report at the conclusion of the workshop, Babu added.
For this course, the ICSSR at New Delhi sanctioned INR 5, 50, 000. Out of the 145 applications for this workshop, 35 candidates were selected based on the stream, merit, and category.

A total 35 participants from 13 colleges and universities form across the country will be availing the course. Candidates from other states are Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
The course will culminate on Feb. 28.