FutureLearn

Why Research Matters (FutureLearn)

Offered by Deakin University,

Explore what research is and why it’s so important to us all. Find out how to make evidence-based decisions. Imagine a world without research, where governments carry out policy based on hunches and manufacturers release products without testing. Research allows us to solve problems on a global scale and make evidence-based decisions.

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During this course, you’ll get an introduction to what research is, and why it’s so important to us all. You’ll learn fundamental research concepts, meet leading researchers working on real-world problems, and identify an interest area for your own research.

What topics will you cover?

The contribution of research to society
Introduction to fundamental research concepts, including:

. Evidence-based decision-making
. Research paradigms and approaches

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Identify a potential area of research interest
Discuss how research helps solve problems
Explain paradigms and concepts essential to undertaking and understanding research
Apply a decision-making process based on evidence

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