Section outline

  • Course Overview

    This course equips you with the essential tools to conduct reliable, error-free research from start to finish. You’ll learn how to plan effectively, avoid common pitfalls in data collection and analysis, and present your findings with clarity. Whether you're a student, researcher, or professional, this course will enhance your confidence in delivering accurate and impactful insights. Join now to elevate your research skills and stand out in your field! 

    Learning Outcomes

    This course will help you to:

    1. Develop clear and focused research questions tailored to your goals
    2. Identify and implement appropriate research methods for reliable data collection and analysis 
    3. Avoid common pitfalls in data analysis and interpretation to ensure accuracy 
    4. Enhance data visualization and presentation skills for impactful research communication 
    5. Recognize and address errors that could compromise research findings 

    • Course Instructor: Dr. Alessandra Vigilante

      • Dr. Alessandra Vigilante

        Dr. Alessandra Vigilante is a Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics at the Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine with a focus on genotype-phenotype interactions and data integration. Alessandra obtained her PhD in Bioinformatics in Naples (2008-2011) before moving to the UK to join the Nicholas Luscombe group first at the EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute as a visiting student (2011-2012) and then as a postdoctoral fellow at UCL (2012-2017). Ale is actively involved in a great network of collaborations to develop multidisciplinary approaches to research efforts, working with faculty members within King’s and other research institutes. Her areas of interest include the implementation of novel computational methods for various bespoke analyses to gain biological insights.

        View Bio for Dr. Alessandra Vigilante

      • Pre-Course Self Assessment

        Before you dive into this course, spend a few moments reflecting on your familiarity with the topic and your current level of skills confidence. 

        You will then re-visit the same questions in our Post-Course Self Assessment and reflect on how the course has helped you develop in confidence and grow your skills. 

        • Module One: Why Plan Your Research

          This module will help you to:

          1. Recognize the importance of planning to ensure successful research outcomes 
          2. Develop clear, focused research questions aligned with your objectives 
          3. Identify suitable methods to address diverse research questions effectively 

        • Module Two: Finding and avoiding Mistakes in Data Collection

          This module will help you to:

          1. Recognize the importance of planning ahead to collect data that produce reliable outcomes 
          2. Identify and address common challenges and mistakes in data collection 

        • Module Three: Finding and Avoiding Mistakes in Data Analysis

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify common mistakes in data analysis 
          2. Apply strategies to find and avoid mistakes in data analysis 
          3. Recognize the impact of mistakes in data analysis on research findings 

        • Module Four: Finding and Avoiding Mistakes in Data Interpretation

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify and rectify common mistakes in data interpretation 
          2. Enhance skills in effective data visualization and presentation 

        • References and Glossary of Key Terms

          In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.

        • Post-Course Self Assessment

          Now you’ve completed the course, spend a few moments reflecting on where your familiarity with the topics and your confidence skills levels are at now. 

          Has the course helped you develop new skills and grow your confidence?

          You'll need to complete the Post-Course Self Assessment in order to download your certificate. If you didn't do the Pre-Course Self Assessment before starting the course, please go to the top of the page and reflect on your familiarity with the topic and your level of skills confidence before you started the course.

          • Completion: Certificate

            Completing all modules (plus the pre and post-course assessments) will unlock the course certificate, which you can then download here. Your course certificate will only be made available once you have completed all these sections.

            If you have difficulty accessing your certificate, please contact the Sage support team at: onlinesupport@sagepub.co.uk. You can also check out this FAQ page which may be helpful.

            • Give Feedback About This Course

              Did you enjoy the course? Please take two minutes to share your feedback. We use learner feedback in future course updates and developments to provide an excellent learning experience.

            • Accessibility

              We have high standards of accessibility on Sage Campus and as of May/June 2024 all activities within this course are keyboard and screen reader compatible. For more details on accessibility standards, please see the Sage Campus Accessibility Guide.

              For those using assistive technology, please note that within this course:

              • Tab components: JAWS and NVDA behave slightly differently. For NVDA to keep reading, it is best to exit focus mode and go back to browse mode. 
              • Matching: JAWS does not read out question label on dropdown focus.