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Marcus Specht,
Gillian Saunders-Smits,
Jacqueline Wong,
and
Martine Schophuizen
The use of data to understand phenomena and evaluate designs and interventions in different disciplines is increasingly evident. As a result, engineers and other applied scientists frequently find themselves needing to collaborate in multidisciplinary fields when carrying out research to remain innovative.
Read more
The use of data to understand phenomena and evaluate designs and interventions in different disciplines is increasingly evident. As a result, engineers and other applied scientists frequently find themselves needing to collaborate in multidisciplinary fields when carrying out research to remain innovative.
Read more
The use of data to understand phenomena and evaluate designs and interventions in different disciplines is increasingly evident. As a result, engineers and other applied scientists frequently find themselves needing to collaborate in multidisciplinary fields when carrying out research to remain innovative.
This course will help you to become a successful multidisciplinary researcher in industry, non-profit, or academia, and be more efficient and successful as you will know where the pitfalls are! This course explains the fundamentals on how to plan and carry out state-of-the-art qualitative and quantitative research in different phases of an innovation or research project.
The course has been designed by a team of experienced, multidisciplinary researchers in education, engineering and research methodologies and will also feature experts in the field of research methodologies as guest lecturers. In the course you will be working towards creating a project plan for your research, giving you a head-start in your research project.
The interuniversity, interdisciplinary Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Center for Education and Learning is a leader in multidisciplinary technological research and innovation projects. Learning from leading experts in the field you will learn to apply the best practices in your own context.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/8b3ni1/multidisciplinary
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Describe what multidisciplinary research is and its associated challenges and opportunities in different disciplines.
- Set up each phase of scientific research: the literature study, the theoretical and conceptual frameworks, the experimental and study design, the choice of research methods and data collection, the data analyses and the interpretation, validation and verification of the results and discussions of the outcome.
- Understand and select the appropriate methods for a research question in terms of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods including formative and summative evaluation studies.
- Explain and the importance of research ethics, data management and guidelines for human research ethics in your research design and practice.
- Write a research plan for a multidisciplinary case, including formulating a research objective and research questions, research set up, planning and reflection.
- Describe what multidisciplinary research is and its associated challenges and opportunities in different disciplines.
- Set up each phase of scientific research: the literature study, the theoretical and conceptual frameworks, the experimental and study design, the choice of research methods and data collection, the data analyses and the interpretation, validation and verification of the results and discussions of the outcome.
- Understand and select the appropriate methods for a research question in terms of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods including formative and summative evaluation studies.
- Explain and the importance of research ethics, data management and guidelines for human research ethics in your research design and practice.
- Write a research plan for a multidisciplinary case, including formulating a research objective and research questions, research set up, planning and reflection.
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to research
What constitutes multidisciplinary scientific research and how is it used
Structure of research: Scientific method and engineering design cycle
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction to research
What constitutes multidisciplinary scientific research and how is it used
Structure of research: Scientific method and engineering design cycle
Read more
Language of research
What to research and how to find out more
What is a research objective and a research question
How to formulate a research objective and a research question?
Week 2: Phases and methods of scientific research
Research questions and hypotheses
Desktop research, literature study
Theoretical modeling and conceptual frameworks
Experimental/Study design
Data collection
Evaluation, validation and verification
Research ethics and human resource research ethics
Week 3: Research method selection and study design
Understand and select the appropriate method for a research question in terms of:
Qualitative methods
Quantitative methods
Mixed method approaches
Formative and summative evaluation studies
Week 4: Data collection and analysis
Data collection and data management
Data analysis (qualitative and quantitative)
Data interpretation
How to validate and verify data
Week 5: Research management, documentation and publishing
How to report research results
Reporting multidisciplinary work
Reporting in different disciplines
Project management
Scientific publishing including open science
Week 6: Verified certificate only: Research plan writing
Writing a project plan based on a multidisciplinary research case where students can choose from which discipline they approach the problem.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores research in different domains, targeting multidisciplinary researchers
Taught by experienced, multidisciplinary researchers in education, engineering, and research methodologies
Features guest lecturers who are experts in the field of research methodologies
Provides guidance on creating a project plan for research, giving learners a head start in their research projects
Learners will interact with leading experts in the field and learn best practices
Course requires engagement and active participation for a successful learning experience
Save this course
Save Multidisciplinary Research Methods for Engineers to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Multidisciplinary Research Methods for Engineers with these
activities:
Review the basics of research design
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of research design fundamentals before starting the course.
Browse courses on
Research Design
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses on research design.
-
Take a practice quiz or test on research design concepts.
Take online tutorials on research ethics and human research ethics
Show steps
Enhance understanding of ethical considerations in multidisciplinary research.
Browse courses on
Research Ethics
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online resources for tutorials on research ethics and human research ethics.
-
Complete the online tutorials.
-
Take notes on key ethical principles and guidelines.
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Ensure effective organization and accessibility of course materials for successful learning.
Browse courses on
Organization
Show steps
-
Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
-
File and organize materials in a logical and structured manner.
-
Review materials regularly and take notes to enhance retention.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review 'Research Methods in Education' by Marcus Specht
Show steps
Provide a foundation for understanding the concepts of research methods.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters 1-3 to gain an overview of research methods.
-
Summarize the key points of each chapter.
-
Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter.
Practice using qualitative data analysis software
Show steps
Develop proficiency in using qualitative data analysis software for multidisciplinary research.
Browse courses on
Qualitative Data Analysis
Show steps
-
Install qualitative data analysis software on your computer.
-
Complete online tutorials or workshops on using the software.
-
Practice using the software to analyze qualitative data from a research project.
Answer questions in the course discussion forums
Show steps
Foster a sense of community and provide support to fellow learners.
Show steps
-
Review the discussion forum guidelines.
-
Identify questions that you can answer based on your knowledge and experience.
-
Respond to questions with thoughtful and informative answers.
Develop a research proposal based on a multidisciplinary case
Show steps
Apply the principles of multidisciplinary research to a real-world scenario.
Browse courses on
Research Proposal
Show steps
-
Identify a multidisciplinary research problem.
-
Develop a research question and objectives.
-
Design a research methodology.
-
Collect and analyze data.
-
Write a research proposal.
Contribute to an open-source research project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience with the principles of open-source research.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source research project that aligns with your interests.
-
Review the project documentation and code.
-
Identify areas where you can contribute.
-
Make a pull request to contribute your changes.
Review the basics of research design
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of research design fundamentals before starting the course.
Browse courses on
Research Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses on research design.
- Take a practice quiz or test on research design concepts.
Take online tutorials on research ethics and human research ethics
Show steps
Enhance understanding of ethical considerations in multidisciplinary research.
Browse courses on
Research Ethics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online resources for tutorials on research ethics and human research ethics.
- Complete the online tutorials.
- Take notes on key ethical principles and guidelines.
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Ensure effective organization and accessibility of course materials for successful learning.
Browse courses on
Organization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
- File and organize materials in a logical and structured manner.
- Review materials regularly and take notes to enhance retention.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review 'Research Methods in Education' by Marcus Specht
Show steps
Provide a foundation for understanding the concepts of research methods.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters 1-3 to gain an overview of research methods.
- Summarize the key points of each chapter.
- Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter.
Practice using qualitative data analysis software
Show steps
Develop proficiency in using qualitative data analysis software for multidisciplinary research.
Browse courses on
Qualitative Data Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Install qualitative data analysis software on your computer.
- Complete online tutorials or workshops on using the software.
- Practice using the software to analyze qualitative data from a research project.
Answer questions in the course discussion forums
Show steps
Foster a sense of community and provide support to fellow learners.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the discussion forum guidelines.
- Identify questions that you can answer based on your knowledge and experience.
- Respond to questions with thoughtful and informative answers.
Develop a research proposal based on a multidisciplinary case
Show steps
Apply the principles of multidisciplinary research to a real-world scenario.
Browse courses on
Research Proposal
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a multidisciplinary research problem.
- Develop a research question and objectives.
- Design a research methodology.
- Collect and analyze data.
- Write a research proposal.
Contribute to an open-source research project
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience with the principles of open-source research.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source research project that aligns with your interests.
- Review the project documentation and code.
- Identify areas where you can contribute.
- Make a pull request to contribute your changes.
Career center
Learners who complete Multidisciplinary Research Methods for Engineers will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including the physical sciences, engineering, life sciences, and social sciences. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings in scientific journals. This course would be helpful for Research Scientists because it provides a foundation in research methods, including qualitative and quantitative methods, data collection, and data analysis. The course also covers research ethics and human research ethics, which are important considerations for Research Scientists.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use a variety of statistical and machine learning techniques to identify trends and patterns in data. This course would be helpful for Data Analysts because it provides a foundation in research methods, including data collection and data analysis. The course also covers research ethics and data management, which are important considerations for Data Analysts.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts conduct research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. They use a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data on consumer preferences, attitudes, and behaviors. This course would be helpful for Market Research Analysts because it provides a foundation in research methods, including qualitative and quantitative methods, data collection, and data analysis.
User Experience Researcher
User Experience Researcher
User Experience Researchers conduct research to understand how users interact with products and services. They use a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data on user behavior and preferences. This course would be helpful for User Experience Researchers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including qualitative and quantitative methods, data collection, and data analysis.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for developing and managing products from concept to launch. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to create products that meet the needs of users. This course would be helpful for Product Managers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including user research and market research.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create user manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information to a non-technical audience. This course would be helpful for Technical Writers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including literature review and data analysis.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers write about scientific research and discoveries for a general audience. They work with scientists and researchers to translate complex scientific information into clear and engaging writing. This course would be helpful for Science Writers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including literature review and data analysis.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues to help policymakers make informed decisions. They use a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data on public policy issues and evaluate the effectiveness of different policy options. This course would be helpful for Policy Analysts because it provides a foundation in research methods, including qualitative and quantitative methods, data collection, and data analysis.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers develop and deliver training programs for employees and customers. They work with subject matter experts to create training materials that are effective and engaging. This course may be helpful for Instructional Designers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including formative and summative evaluation.
Training Manager
Training Manager
Training Managers oversee the development and delivery of training programs for employees and customers. They work with Instructional Designers and other training professionals to ensure that training programs meet the needs of the organization. This course may be helpful for Training Managers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including formative and summative evaluation.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs and materials. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to create curricula that meet the needs of students. This course may be helpful for Curriculum Developers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including formative and summative evaluation.
Education Researcher
Education Researcher
Education Researchers conduct research to improve teaching and learning. They work with educators and administrators to evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and develop new teaching methods. This course may be helpful for Education Researchers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including qualitative and quantitative methods, data collection, and data analysis.
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrators oversee the operations of colleges and universities. They work with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that the institution meets its educational mission. This course may be helpful for Higher Education Administrators because it provides a foundation in research methods, including formative and summative evaluation.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They work with staff, volunteers, and donors to achieve the organization's mission. This course may be helpful for Nonprofit Managers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including formative and summative evaluation.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people to cope with personal and social problems. They work with individuals, families, and groups to provide counseling, support, and resources. This course may be helpful for Social Workers because it provides a foundation in research methods, including qualitative and quantitative methods, data collection, and data analysis.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8b3ni1/multidisciplinary
Reading list
We've selected 12 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
Multidisciplinary Research Methods for Engineers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of qualitative research methods. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection, and analysis. It is an essential resource for any researcher who wants to conduct qualitative research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantitative research methods in psychology. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection, and analysis. It is an essential resource for any researcher who wants to conduct quantitative research in psychology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of interdisciplinary research. It covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary research, and how to conduct interdisciplinary research effectively.
Provides a comprehensive overview of mixed methods research. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection, and analysis. It is an essential resource for any researcher who wants to conduct mixed methods research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in education. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection, and analysis. It is an essential resource for any researcher who wants to conduct research in education.
Provides a comprehensive overview of multidisciplinary research methods in social sciences. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection, and analysis. It is an essential resource for any researcher who wants to conduct multidisciplinary research.
Helps readers understand the process of designing a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research study. It provides a thorough overview of the research process, from developing a research question to collecting and analyzing data.
Provides a practical guide to research methods for engineers. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection, and analysis. It is an essential resource for any engineer who wants to conduct research.
Classic in the field of educational research. It provides a comprehensive overview of the research process, from planning through reporting. It is written in a clear and concise style, and it is packed with practical advice.
Practical guide to writing for publication in engineering and technology. It covers everything from choosing a topic to formatting your manuscript. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to publish their research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research process, from planning through reporting. It is written specifically for engineering students, and it includes many examples and exercises from the field of engineering.
Save
Introduces the core elements of research from planning through reporting. It teaches the basic steps of the research process as well as the most commonly used techniques in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8b3ni1/multidisciplinary
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Effort
4 to 6 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
Delft University of Technology
Instructors
Marcus Specht
Gillian Saunders-Smits
Jacqueline Wong
Martine Schophuizen
Session
May 7, 2024
- March 5, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Explores research in different domains, targeting multidisciplinary researchers
Taught by experienced, multidisciplinary researchers in education, engineering, and research methodologies
Features guest lecturers who are experts in the field of research methodologies
Provides guidance on creating a project plan for research, giving learners a head start in their research projects
Learners will interact with leading experts in the field and learn best practices
Course requires engagement and active participation for a successful learning experience
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