The International Center for Refugee and Migration Studies (ICRMS) at BUITEMS, organized a three-day research training event titled “Mastering Research Skills: Writing, Referencing Tools, and Ethical Conduct.” This workshop was held on the 11th, 12th, and 15th of July and aimed to enhance the research skills of 70 participants, including ESRA researchers and undergraduate students from both Afghan refugee and host communities.
Dr. Ghina Saleem covered the Introduction to Social Sciences Research Design and Planning. Participants gained an understanding of the scope and significance of social sciences research, learned to design a research study, and developed a solid research plan. This included defining research purposes, key disciplines, developing research questions and hypotheses, conducting literature reviews, and choosing appropriate research designs through interactive discussions, Q&A sessions, case study analyses, and group exercises. Dr. Aminullah focused on Data Collection Methods, providing proficiency in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods through mock interviews, survey design workshops, and sampling technique practices. Dr. Aziz guided participants on Data Analysis Techniques, teaching skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis using tools like NVivo and SPSS, with activities including coding exercises, statistical analysis, and data interpretation tasks.
Ms. Bushra Huq and Ms. Laila Baloch introduced and demonstrated advanced features of Microsoft Word and Google Docs, emphasizing the tools’ basics, benefits, and use cases through hands-on practice and formatting exercises. Dr. Manzoor Brohi taught Writing and Presenting Research, focusing on structuring research papers, writing abstracts, introductions and conclusions, and preparing presentations and posters, with peer review and presentation practice sessions. Dr. Aurangzaib Alizai addressed Ethical Considerations and Research Integrity, covering ethical guidelines, informed consent, confidentiality, avoiding plagiarism, and maintaining research integrity through case studies and informed consent form creation. Finally, Ms. Bushra Huq and Ms. Laila Baloch conducted Computer Skills Training on Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote for reference management, teaching participants to import and organize references, integrate tools with word processors, and create citations and bibliographies through practical exercises and Q&A sessions.
