This workshop will introduce PhD researchers to deductive investigatory philosophy and epistemology, before outlining a number of simple empirical methods of inquiry. The three hour session will initially cover research philosophy, and issues such as research paradigms versus research traditions, the role of theory development, and then focus on simple empirical methods such as correlation analysis, descriptive statistics, OLS regression models and binary outcome models (Probit and Logit). Participants will also be given the opportunity to explore article topics and issues that may be derived from their own thesis, whilst considering how these may fit with potential journal audiences.

By the end of the session, students will be able to:

• Explain how deductive philosophy applies to the knowledge creation within their own doctoral research
• Explain the contrast between various descriptive statistics in describing the underlying empirical dataset
• Explain the contexts where correlation analysis is applied and is useful
• Discuss the differences between Logit/Probit models and OLS regression models

This online workshop has been organised by the Sustainable Growth, Management and Economic Productivity (SMP) Pathway and is open to all SMP Pathway ESRC and non-ESRC funded PhD and MA Social Research students within the WRDTP’s seven partner universities.