Research Methods
Learn to ask good questions, find reliable answers, and communicate what you discover — skills for every field of study.
8 modules covering the full research cycle — from forming a question to writing a report. No prior research experience needed.
📋 Before You Start
No prior research experience needed. This course starts from scratch and builds to a complete research proposal.
Helpful: Basic writing skills and genuine curiosity about how we know what we know.
Who this is for: College students in social sciences, education, psychology, nursing, and business — or anyone who wants to think more critically about information and evidence.
What is Research?
Understand what separates research from opinion, explore types of research, and learn the research cycle that guides every study.
Start Module →Asking Good Research Questions
Apply the FINER criteria to build research questions that are focused, researchable, and meaningful. Learn about hypotheses and variables.
Start Module →Research Design
Choose between experimental and non-experimental designs. Understand validity, threats to your study, and when to use each design.
Start Module →Finding & Evaluating Sources
Use Google Scholar, PubMed, and library databases. Apply the CRAAP test. Understand peer review. Write APA citations correctly.
Start Module →Collecting Data
Design surveys, conduct interviews, use observation, and access existing datasets. Learn sampling methods and how to avoid bias.
Start Module →Analyzing Your Data
Explore quantitative and qualitative analysis. Understand descriptive stats, thematic coding, and common analytical mistakes to avoid.
Start Module →Research Ethics
Learn from historical abuses, understand the Belmont Report, informed consent, IRBs, confidentiality, and research integrity including AI use.
Start Module →Writing & Communicating Research
Master the IMRaD structure, write for different audiences, use hedging language correctly, and complete a capstone mini research proposal.
Start Module →What you’ll be able to do
After completing all 8 modules, you will have real skills that apply in every academic field.
Formulate a research question
Turn any topic into a clear, focused, testable question using the FINER criteria.
Choose the right design
Match your research question to the appropriate study design — and explain why.
Find and evaluate sources
Use scholarly databases, apply the CRAAP test, and distinguish peer-reviewed from popular sources.
Collect data ethically
Design a survey, plan an interview, and avoid common sampling and bias mistakes.
Analyze and interpret findings
Apply basic quantitative and qualitative analysis and avoid common analytical errors.
Write a research report
Structure a paper using IMRaD, cite sources in APA 7th, and communicate findings clearly.
Every module follows the same structure
Consistent format means less cognitive load and more actual learning.
Before You Start
Prerequisites and time estimate
The Big Idea
Core concept in plain language
Deep Dive
Full content with subheadings
Real Example
A worked, real-world example
Your Turn
Pen-and-paper exercise
Brain Break
2-minute reflection prompt
Key Takeaways
3–5 bullets to remember
What makes this course different
ND-Friendly Design
Short bursts, color-coded sections, real-world examples, and no jargon without a clear explanation.
Real Worked Examples
Every concept is grounded in a real study, real data, or a real research scenario — not made-up abstractions.
Capstone at the End
Module 8 ends with a complete mini research proposal template you can actually submit for a class.
Works for Every Major
Built for social sciences, nursing, education, business — examples span multiple disciplines throughout.
How to use this course
- Each module takes about 45 minutes if you do the exercises. Spread it over multiple sessions if you need to.
- Exercises use pen and paper or a Google Doc — no special software required.
- Module 8 includes a capstone mini research proposal you can keep and build on.
- Progress is tracked in your browser using localStorage — no account needed.
- Modules build on each other, but you can revisit any section independently.