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Carlo Ghezzi
The course provides a broad view of how to become and progress as a researcher. It spans over a wide range of topics, from the historical development of scientific thought to research methodology, to the pragmatics of publication, research funding, evaluation, and promotion in a researcher’s career. It also stresses the ethical aspects of research. Although the course speaks about scientific research in general, it especially focuses on the field on Information and Communication Science and Technology.
Read more
The course provides a broad view of how to become and progress as a researcher. It spans over a wide range of topics, from the historical development of scientific thought to research methodology, to the pragmatics of publication, research funding, evaluation, and promotion in a researcher’s career. It also stresses the ethical aspects of research. Although the course speaks about scientific research in general, it especially focuses on the field on Information and Communication Science and Technology.
Read more
The course provides a broad view of how to become and progress as a researcher. It spans over a wide range of topics, from the historical development of scientific thought to research methodology, to the pragmatics of publication, research funding, evaluation, and promotion in a researcher’s career. It also stresses the ethical aspects of research. Although the course speaks about scientific research in general, it especially focuses on the field on Information and Communication Science and Technology.
The course is mainly directed to students engaging in research and beginning researchers. It may also be of interest for senior researcher in their role as supervisors or mentors, and to all those who are interested in how scientific research works. The main topics addressed in the course are:
- Research, its historical development, and its role in society;
- Research methodology;
- The products of research: publications and artifacts;
- The professional researcher: roles and career progress;
- Research evaluation, from peer review to bibliometrics;
- Research ethics.
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What's inside
Syllabus
WEEK 1 - Research and its context
Week 1 has an introductory and motivational purpose. It faces the following questions: What is science? What is scientific research? What is the relation between scientific progress and the progress of society? What is the relation between research and innovation? Why should researchers engage themselves publicly?
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Syllabus
WEEK 1 - Research and its context
Week 1 has an introductory and motivational purpose. It faces the following questions: What is science? What is scientific research? What is the relation between scientific progress and the progress of society? What is the relation between research and innovation? Why should researchers engage themselves publicly?
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces foundational concepts of scientific research and inquiry
Taught by Carlo Ghezzi, a leading figure in computer science and engineering
Provides a survey of research methodology and best practices across a range of disciplines
Covers the publication and dissemination of research findings, including open access trends
Addresses the roles, career paths, and professional development of researchers
Offers insights into research evaluation, peer review, and bibliometric indicators
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive guide for aspiring researchers
According to students, this course offers a largely positive and comprehensive overview for those embarking on a research career, particularly in Information Science and Technology. Learners praise its ability to demystify the publication process and provide crucial insights into research ethics. Many found the lectures clear and well-structured, making complex topics easy to digest. While it provides a solid foundation for early-career researchers, some experienced learners noted its high-level approach, wishing for more in-depth and practical examples, especially concerning hands-on ICST research.
The course content and lectures are presented clearly.
"The instructor's explanations were clear and engaging."
"The breadth of topics covered is impressive, and it's presented in a way that's easy to digest."
"The content is well-structured, and I found the lectures easy to follow. Highly recommend for clarity."
"The lectures are clear, and I appreciated the logical flow."
Offers valuable advice on publication, evaluation, and ethics.
"...the practical advice on publications and career progression in later weeks more than made up for it."
"It demystified the publication process and gave me a clear understanding of research ethics."
"The ethical module is crucial."
"The module on evaluation helped me understand peer review better."
A broad and essential foundation for new researchers.
"This course provided an excellent overview of the research landscape, especially valuable for someone just starting their PhD."
"Absolutely essential for anyone considering a research career! It demystified the publication process..."
"Fantastic course for early career researchers. It covers so many aspects that aren't typically taught in academic programs..."
"I wish I had taken this course earlier in my academic journey! It clarifies so much about what it means to be a researcher."
Provides broad concepts, but lacks hands-on depth.
"I would have liked more specific examples from cutting-edge ICST research..."
"...it's mostly theoretical and high-level. Needs more practical examples."
"It's broad, not deep, which is fine for an overview."
"Some parts felt less specific to ICST than I expected, but still broadly applicable."
Best suited for new researchers, potentially too basic for experts.
"The course is okay, but I felt it was too superficial in some areas. For someone already a few years into research, much of it felt like common sense."
"Disappointed. I was hoping for more practical, hands-on advice... Not for experienced researchers looking for advanced techniques."
"It's definitely for beginners."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Being a researcher (in Information Science and Technology) with these
activities:
Organize and Review Course Resources
Show steps
Taking the time to organize and review course materials will strengthen your understanding of the course content and prepare you for assessments.
Show steps
-
Gather and organize lecture notes, assignments, and readings.
-
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your knowledge.
-
Identify areas where you need further clarification.
Connect with Researchers in Your Field
Show steps
Establishing connections with researchers in your field can provide valuable guidance, support, and insights as you progress in your research journey.
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors who align with your research interests.
-
Reach out to them via email or social media.
-
Request informational interviews or mentorship opportunities.
Explore Research Methodology Resources
Show steps
Review online tutorials and resources to strengthen your understanding of research methods, which are foundational to this course.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
-
Identify reliable sources for research methodology tutorials.
-
Review introductory tutorials on research design, data collection, and analysis.
-
Explore specific tutorials relevant to your research interests in Information and Communication Science and Technology.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Review scientific reasoning
Show steps
Refresh the skill of scientific reasoning to strengthen problem solving and critical thinking
Browse courses on
Scientific Reasoning
Show steps
-
Identify the research question or problem
-
Gather and analyze evidence
-
Draw conclusions and make inferences
Develop a Research Proposal Outline
Show steps
Creating an outline for a research proposal will help you define your research question, objectives, and methodology, providing a solid foundation for your research project.
Browse courses on
Research Proposal
Show steps
-
Review the structure and components of a research proposal.
-
Start drafting an outline that includes the introduction, literature review, research question, methodology, expected outcomes, and references.
-
Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your outline.
Explore case studies of research misconduct
Show steps
Participate in a guided tutorial to understand and avoid research misconduct
Browse courses on
Research Ethics
Show steps
-
Review different types of research misconduct
-
Analyze case studies of research misconduct
-
Identify strategies to prevent research misconduct
Practice Scientific Writing Techniques
Show steps
Regular practice in scientific writing will enhance your ability to effectively communicate your research findings, a critical skill emphasized in this course.
Browse courses on
Scientific Writing
Show steps
-
Identify exercises or online platforms that provide practice in writing scientific abstracts, research proposals, and manuscripts.
-
Set aside dedicated time to practice writing different sections of research papers.
-
Seek feedback on your writing from peers, mentors, or writing centers.
Engage in Peer Review and Critique
Show steps
Exchanging feedback with peers can enhance your research by identifying areas for improvement and fostering critical thinking.
Show steps
-
Form a peer review group with fellow students.
-
Share your research ideas, drafts, or presentations with the group.
-
Provide constructive feedback and engage in discussions.
Write a research proposal
Show steps
Solidify understanding of research methodology by creating a research proposal
Browse courses on
Research Methodology
Show steps
-
Identify a research topic and develop a research question
-
Review literature and develop a research plan
-
Write the research proposal
Attend Research Conferences and Seminars
Show steps
Participating in conferences and seminars allows you to connect with researchers, learn about cutting-edge research, and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant conferences and seminars in your field.
-
Register and attend sessions that align with your research interests.
-
Actively engage in discussions and network with researchers.
Organize and Review Course Resources
Show steps
Taking the time to organize and review course materials will strengthen your understanding of the course content and prepare you for assessments.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather and organize lecture notes, assignments, and readings.
- Review the materials regularly to reinforce your knowledge.
- Identify areas where you need further clarification.
Connect with Researchers in Your Field
Show steps
Establishing connections with researchers in your field can provide valuable guidance, support, and insights as you progress in your research journey.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors who align with your research interests.
- Reach out to them via email or social media.
- Request informational interviews or mentorship opportunities.
Explore Research Methodology Resources
Show steps
Review online tutorials and resources to strengthen your understanding of research methods, which are foundational to this course.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reliable sources for research methodology tutorials.
- Review introductory tutorials on research design, data collection, and analysis.
- Explore specific tutorials relevant to your research interests in Information and Communication Science and Technology.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Review scientific reasoning
Show steps
Refresh the skill of scientific reasoning to strengthen problem solving and critical thinking
Browse courses on
Scientific Reasoning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the research question or problem
- Gather and analyze evidence
- Draw conclusions and make inferences
Develop a Research Proposal Outline
Show steps
Creating an outline for a research proposal will help you define your research question, objectives, and methodology, providing a solid foundation for your research project.
Browse courses on
Research Proposal
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the structure and components of a research proposal.
- Start drafting an outline that includes the introduction, literature review, research question, methodology, expected outcomes, and references.
- Seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine your outline.
Explore case studies of research misconduct
Show steps
Participate in a guided tutorial to understand and avoid research misconduct
Browse courses on
Research Ethics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review different types of research misconduct
- Analyze case studies of research misconduct
- Identify strategies to prevent research misconduct
Practice Scientific Writing Techniques
Show steps
Regular practice in scientific writing will enhance your ability to effectively communicate your research findings, a critical skill emphasized in this course.
Browse courses on
Scientific Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify exercises or online platforms that provide practice in writing scientific abstracts, research proposals, and manuscripts.
- Set aside dedicated time to practice writing different sections of research papers.
- Seek feedback on your writing from peers, mentors, or writing centers.
Engage in Peer Review and Critique
Show steps
Exchanging feedback with peers can enhance your research by identifying areas for improvement and fostering critical thinking.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a peer review group with fellow students.
- Share your research ideas, drafts, or presentations with the group.
- Provide constructive feedback and engage in discussions.
Write a research proposal
Show steps
Solidify understanding of research methodology by creating a research proposal
Browse courses on
Research Methodology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a research topic and develop a research question
- Review literature and develop a research plan
- Write the research proposal
Attend Research Conferences and Seminars
Show steps
Participating in conferences and seminars allows you to connect with researchers, learn about cutting-edge research, and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant conferences and seminars in your field.
- Register and attend sessions that align with your research interests.
- Actively engage in discussions and network with researchers.
Career center
Learners who complete Being a researcher (in Information Science and Technology) will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Develop and conduct scientific research projects in a variety of fields, including information science and technology. Analyze and interpret data, write research papers, and present findings at conferences. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including research methods, data analysis, and scientific writing.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. Develop and implement data-driven solutions to business problems. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including data analysis, statistical modeling, and machine learning.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Design, develop, and maintain software applications. Work with other engineers to create and implement new features. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including software development, design patterns, and agile methodologies.
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Manager
Plan, implement, and manage information technology systems for organizations. Work with other IT professionals to ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including IT infrastructure, project management, and risk management.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Protect organizations from cyberattacks by identifying and mitigating risks. Develop and implement security policies and procedures. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including information security, risk assessment, and incident response.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Develop and manage products for organizations. Work with other teams to bring products to market and ensure that they meet customer needs. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including product development, market research, and customer segmentation.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. Develop and implement solutions to business problems. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including business analysis, process improvement, and data analysis.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Write technical documentation for software, hardware, and other products. Work with engineers and other technical professionals to create clear and concise documentation. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including technical writing, documentation standards, and information design.
Librarian
Librarian
Organize and manage information resources for libraries and other organizations. Provide research assistance to patrons. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including information retrieval, library science, and research methods.
Archivist
Archivist
Preserve and manage historical records and artifacts. Work with researchers and other professionals to make archival materials accessible. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including archival theory, preservation techniques, and research methods.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Develop and manage exhibitions for museums and other cultural institutions. Work with curatorial staff to acquire, conserve, and interpret artifacts. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including museum studies, curatorial practices, and research methods.
Journalist
Journalist
Gather and report on news and current events. Write articles, produce videos, and create other content for print, broadcast, and online media. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including journalism ethics, research methods, and writing for different audiences.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Develop and implement public relations campaigns for organizations. Work with the media to promote positive publicity and manage negative press. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including public relations theory, media relations, and crisis communication.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Develop and implement marketing campaigns for products and services. Work with other marketing professionals to create and execute marketing strategies. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including marketing research, consumer behavior, and campaign management.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Lead and manage sales teams to achieve sales goals. Work with customers to identify their needs and develop sales strategies. A course on being a researcher can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role, including sales techniques, customer relationship management, and negotiation.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/16q6e4/being
Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Being a researcher (in Information Science and Technology).
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in information systems research. It covers both qualitative and quantitative methods, and includes chapters on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Provides practical advice on how to conduct research in the real world. It covers topics such as choosing a research topic, designing a research project, and writing a research report.
Classic guide to the research process. It covers topics such as finding and evaluating sources, writing a research paper, and presenting your research.
Save
Provides practical advice on how to write academic papers. It covers topics such as choosing a topic, writing a thesis statement, and structuring your paper.
Is the official style guide for the American Psychological Association. It provides guidelines on how to format your research paper, including the title page, abstract, body, and references.
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to the research process in nursing. It covers topics such as choosing a research topic, designing a research study, and collecting and analyzing data.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in education research. It covers both qualitative and quantitative methods, and includes chapters on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in psychology research. It covers both qualitative and quantitative methods, and includes chapters on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in social work research. It covers both qualitative and quantitative methods, and includes chapters on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in social sciences research. It covers both qualitative and quantitative methods, and includes chapters on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in business research. It covers both qualitative and quantitative methods, and includes chapters on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in criminal justice research. It covers both qualitative and quantitative methods, and includes chapters on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods used in education research. It covers both qualitative and quantitative methods, and includes chapters on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/16q6e4/being
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Rating
4.8
Effort
7 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Politecnico di Milano
Instructor
Carlo Ghezzi
Language
English
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