Resources
Resources for Research
Take a moment to delve into our short, informative video to get a vivid overview of the resources that await you. At Spark, we’re all about fueling your journey to research excellence with the right resources. Come, unlock the wealth of knowledge we have in store for you.
Toolkits
Below we’ve curated a collection of some of the best resources available, at Spark, McMaster, or on the web, that provide introductions to social research methods.
We’ve assembled these into seven ‘Toolkits’ for different methods, types, and stages of the research cycle.
Help us strengthen these toolkits! Are we missing a method (no doubt we are), do you have an issue or feedback about any of the resources? To enhance this offering with your insights, fill out this form ->
Basic Qualitative Toolkit Explore Toolkit
All the basics from how to think about collecting data with different groups, the perspective you as the researcher bring, and the decisions that shape data collection experiences to resources on interviews, focus groups, surveys and observation, plus resources for analysis.
Basic Quantitative Toolkit Explore Toolkit
Focused on introductory resources for exploring mathematical foundations of statistics, basic data analysis in software, and introduction to a range of statistical methods from t-tests through regression methods.
Empowerment, Equity, and Community Engagement Explore Toolkit
Beyond the basics of Qualitative Research is a world of approaches and methods built around instituting a fundamental shift in the relationships underlying research. Resources in this toolkit highlight both practices and creative options for engaging in co-creation of research.
Advanced Quantitative Toolkit Explore Toolkit
Picking up from the basic regression section in the Basic Quantitative Toolkit, this dives into the range of both frequentist and Bayesian methods commonly used in the social sciences including some trickier areas of analysis like survey analysis and time series.
Addressing Complexity and Systems Thinking Explore Toolkit
Both in Qualitative and Quantitative traditions, there is a recognition that some systems of interest are not consistent, linear, or well-behaved. Here are resources for understanding complex and dynamic issues or systems.
Research Quality Explore Toolkit
Focused on enhancing the quality of research, this toolkit offers resources on research design, methodological rigor, and best practices for ensuring validity and reliability.
Knowledge Mobilization Explore Toolkit
Effectively translating and disseminating findings is a whole separate skill set from analysis. Resources here provide strategies and tools for engaging with stakeholders, building data stories and maximizing research impact.
Software Resources
Software Pooling View Form
One of the ways Spark can help you optimize your resources and streamline your research journey is by pooling software licenses. By consolidating costs, we aim to make cutting-edge software more accessible, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your research. Ready to explore this cost-effective approach? Fill out this form to get started!
Qualtrics Licenses Request Qualtrics Access
At Spark, we’re proud to oversee the management of the Qualtrics licenses for the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS). These licenses are exclusively available to researchers affiliated with FSS, making a robust, world-class tool accessible. Ready to leverage the power of Qualtrics for your research? Fill out this form to get started!