The Short Course in Essential Research Skills for Beginners is a 10-hour introductory program (Rs. 5,000) designed to demystify the research process for students and professionals. Conducted online over five interactive sessions, the course introduces participants to identifying research problems, designing studies, and fundamental data collection and analysis. Delivered in Simple English with Sinhala explanations, it provides a practical foundation for academic, professional, and business decision-making.
A graduate of this course is a research-ready individual capable of formulating clear research questions and objectives. They possess a functional understanding of both qualitative and quantitative methods and can apply simple data analysis techniques to interpret results. Equipped with knowledge of research ethics and report writing, these learners are prepared to assist in academic projects, conduct market research for SMEs, or pursue research-based career pathways with confidence.
Course Fee: Rs. 5,000 | Duration: 10 Hours (Weekdays 8.00 PM – 10.00 PM) | Mode: Online
Course Aim: This course aims to introduce participants to the fundamentals of research, including how to identify research problems, design studies, collect and analyze data, and present findings. It provides essential skills required for academic, professional, and practical research applications.
Target Group: Undergraduate and postgraduate students, academic beginners, research assistants, professionals interested in research-based careers, public/private sector managers or officers, entrepreneurs needing research skills for decision making, and fresh graduates.
Medium of Instructions: Simple English with Sinhala explanations, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all participants.
Teaching & Learning Methods: Delivery is handled dynamically via interactive online lectures, LMS-based learning materials, group discussions, case illustrations, practical examples, short videos, and simple in-class exercises.
Assessment & Participation: As this is a short course, formal grading is not compulsory. However, participants will be assessed by attendance monitoring, active in-class participation, and a short quiz or reflection.
| Day | Core Topics Covered | Practical Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Meaning and definition of research; Importance of research; Types of research (qualitative vs quantitative methodologies); Research workflow process overview; Modern applications of research. | Interactive discussion; Reviewing real-life research examples. |
| Day 2 | Identifying research problems; Formulating research questions; Developing objectives and hypotheses; Introduction to literature review structures; Sourcing information from academic databases. | Topic selection exercise; Simple literature search activity using academic databases. |
| Day 3 | Research design architectural basics; Qualitative and quantitative designs; Sampling methods; Data collection techniques (questionnaires, interviews); Fundamentals of designing a simple questionnaire. | Questionnaire design exercise; Collaborative group discussion. |
| Day 4 | Introduction to data analysis; Basic quantitative data metrics (percentages, averages); Introduction to qualitative analysis structures; Data presentation (tables, charts); Interpreting research outputs. | Simple data analysis metrics exercise; Case-based analytical discussion. |
| Day 5 | Structure of a research report; Writing introductory sections and methodology; Referencing basics; Core research ethics; Practical real-world applications; Final course review. | Mini research proposal presentation framework; Interactive group discussion. |
Certification: Participants will be issued an authenticated downloadable certificate with a unique serial number by RICHWICK METROPOLITAN CAMPUS. The certificate will explicitly confirm the successful completion of the Short Course in Essential Research Skills for Beginners.
