⭐ EFIKO Original · Free micro-certificate
Research Methods: From Question to Evidence
A practical guide to designing, conducting, and reporting sound research
Start this free courseThis course equips university students and early researchers with the core skills to plan and carry out credible research. Through six focused, mobile-friendly sessions, you will learn to frame researchable questions, review literature efficiently, choose appropriate quantitative and qualitative designs, collect and analyse data ethically, and communicate findings clearly. The course emphasises practical, low-bandwidth activities relevant to African research contexts and everyday academic work.
What you'll learn
- Formulate a clear, focused, and researchable question with matching objectives.
- Distinguish between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches and select an appropriate design.
- Apply ethical principles and sampling strategies when collecting data.
- Analyse and interpret data using basic quantitative and qualitative techniques.
- Evaluate the credibility, validity, and reliability of research findings.
- Communicate research results in a structured, honest, and accessible way.
Course sessions
- Foundations: What Makes Good Research. Research is transparent, systematic inquiry that moves through a repeating cycle and is guided by a paradigm, always aiming to be valid, re…
- Framing Your Research Question. Turn broad topics into focused, researchable questions using PICO and FINER, then align an aim, measurable objectives, and a testable hypot…
- Reviewing the Literature. A strong literature review searches strategically, appraises sources critically, organises them in a matrix, and synthesises them to reveal…
- Research Design and Sampling. Choose a research design (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) that matches your question and resources, then pick a probability or non-pro…
- Data Collection and Research Ethics. Trustworthy evidence comes from reliable, valid instruments used ethically — with informed consent, confidentiality, and integrity — and pr…
- Analysis, Interpretation, and Reporting. Analysis turns data into evidence using descriptive statistics and thematic coding; honest interpretation and the IMRaD structure ensure yo…
Sample lesson: Foundations: What Makes Good Research
Research is a systematic, transparent process of asking a clear question and gathering evidence to answer it. Unlike opinion ("I think fees are too high") or casual inquiry (a quick chat with friends), research follows a documented method others can check and repeat. That transparency is what turns a claim into a find…
Competencies you'll gain
- Formulating focused, feasible, and ethical research questions
- Selecting and justifying appropriate research designs and sampling methods
- Collecting valid and reliable data while upholding research ethics
- Conducting basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis
- Reporting findings clearly using standard academic structures
Frequently asked questions
Is the Research Methods: From Question to Evidence course free?
Yes. Research Methods: From Question to Evidence is a free EFIKO Original micro-certificate course — you can learn it at no cost and earn a verifiable certificate on completion.
Do I get a certificate for Research Methods: From Question to Evidence?
Yes. Pass the final assessment and you earn a verifiable EFIKO certificate with a QR code and public verification link, listing the competencies you achieved.
How long does Research Methods: From Question to Evidence take?
About 6 hours across 6 short sessions, each with a lesson, quiz and flashcards. You can learn at your own pace, even offline.
Who is Research Methods: From Question to Evidence for?
It is designed for university students and early-career researchers, at a intermediate level. No prior experience is assumed.