Research Foundations

What research is, how to ask a question worth answering, which method fits it, how evidence can fool you, how to stay honest, and how to plan your first project.

18 video lessons · about 41 min · free to study

1. Watch · module 1What research is3 lessons

   • What research is3 min
   • Basic, applied and development work2 min
   • The scientific method2 min
   • Practice quiz: What research is · practice, optional4 min
2. Watch · module 2Asking a good question3 lessons

   • From a topic to a question2 min
   • The FINER test2 min
   • Hypotheses and variables2 min
   • Practice quiz: Asking a good question · practice, optional4 min
3. Watch · module 3Types of research3 lessons

   • Quantitative and qualitative research2 min
   • Experiments and observational studies2 min
   • Choosing a method2 min
   • Practice quiz: Types of research · practice, optional4 min
4. Watch · module 4Evidence and doubt3 lessons

   • Correlation is not causation2 min
   • Bias: how evidence fools us2 min
   • The reproducibility crisis2 min
   • Practice quiz: Evidence and doubt · practice, optional4 min
5. Watch · module 5Integrity and ethics3 lessons

   • Research misconduct2 min
   • Research with people and their data2 min
   • Using AI tools honestly2 min
   • Practice quiz: Integrity and ethics · practice, optional4 min
6. Watch · module 6Planning a project3 lessons

   • Scope and timeline2 min
   • Finding a mentor2 min
   • Writing a one-page proposal2 min
   • Practice quiz: Planning a project · practice, optional4 min
7. Graded · step 1Hands-on project

   Your one-page research proposal. Checked by a reviewer.

8. Graded · step 2Graded test

   20 questions · 30 minutes · 70% to pass · sign in to take it

9. FinishYour certificate

   For members. Joining is free and takes about 3 minutes.