This morning, the Humanities Research Centre hosted a highly informative workshop at Al-Ma'rifa Hall, titled "First Steps in Research". Aimed at both undergraduate and postgraduate students, the session provided a thorough introduction to the research process, equipping participants with the essential skills to embark on their academic journeys.

Laura Barrera, a  visiting researcher at the Centre from Spain, led the workshop, sharing her expertise on the key components of research. Participants were introduced to a variety of research approaches, with the researcher offering guidance on how to refine ideas, select appropriate topics, and formulate research questions that align with academic objectives. She also discussed the basics of research, emphasising the importance of objectivity and narrowing the scope of a project to ensure focus and feasibility.

The session delved into the distinction between descriptive and exploratory research, highlighting their unique purposes and applications. Barrera stressed the significance of research design, addressing both quantitative and qualitative methods and their respective roles in gathering data. She also emphasised the value of piloting a research project before fully committing, to ensure its viability and effectiveness.

Contextual information was another key area of focus, with Barrera explaining how understanding the broader context of a research topic can influence the direction of a study. Participants were guided on adapting their ideas to ensure they were not only relevant to their interests but also aligned with course requirements, time constraints, available resources, and ethical considerations, such as avoiding highly sensitive or ethically questionable topics.

Barrera also provided a brief overview of hypotheses, discussing their role in guiding research and shaping the direction of inquiries. A key distinction was made between sources and resources, clarifying their definitions and importance in the research process. Tools and techniques for gathering information from various resources were explored, with practical advice on how to choose the most appropriate methods.

Ethical considerations were woven throughout the session, reminding students of the importance of conducting research responsibly and maintaining integrity in their work. Barrera also touched on citation styles, outlining the significance of proper citation and referencing in academic writing.

The workshop was an opportunity to deepen students' understanding of research, developing critical thinking skills and the tools necessary for academic success.