Learn some of the most effective ways to stay updated and relevant in the fast-changing world of research, and how to apply them to your own projects and guidance.

I very much recommend doing a little "behind the scenes" experimentation when you find new tools or techniques of interest. I recommend this because ultimately, you just don't know how well something will work in your application until you try it for yourself. I've had many cases where something new that I felt very "meh" about, turned out to be awesome when I tried it! And the opposite can happen, too! You just don't know until you get your hands dirty using it.

What are the most effective ways to keep up with research methods and technologies?

As a researcher or a research supervisor in higher education, you need to keep up with the latest developments in your field and the tools and techniques that can enhance your work. However, with the rapid pace of change and the abundance of information available, it can be challenging to find the time and the resources to stay updated and relevant. In this article, we will share some of the most effective ways to keep up with research methods and technologies, and how to apply them to your own projects and guidance.

1 Follow key journals and sources

One of the simplest ways to keep up with research methods and technologies is to follow the key journals and sources that publish relevant and high-quality articles in your discipline. You can use online platforms, databases, and alerts to access and filter the most recent and influential publications, and to stay informed of the emerging trends and debates. You can also use citation tools and metrics to identify and track the most cited and impactful authors and papers, and to see how they use and evaluate different methods and technologies.

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Oluwatoyin Olaniyan

Student at University of Salford
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This has helped me a lot while searching out methodologies from literature. One gets a myriad of methods and ideas, but eventually figures out the most efficient method.

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2 Join online communities and networks

Another way to keep up with research methods and technologies is to join online communities and networks that connect you with other researchers and experts in your field. You can use social media, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and forums to share your insights, ask questions, get feedback, and learn from others' experiences and perspectives. You can also use these platforms to discover new opportunities, collaborations, and events that can enrich your professional development and exposure.

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Daniel Kwaku Ntiamoah Addai

Cyber Incident Response and Forensics | Cyber Fraud Investigations | Security Intelligence | Researcher | Content Writer | Policy Advocate
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Online communities work for me . Either in a form of an online chat forum , news or info subscriptions and others. I am a heavy user of open source materials and tools for my research and online community platforms come in very handy.

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3 Attend workshops and courses

A third way to keep up with research methods and technologies is to attend workshops and courses that offer practical and hands-on training and guidance. You can find online or offline workshops and courses that suit your needs, interests, and budget, and that cover a range of topics, such as data analysis, software, ethics, design, and communication. You can also use these opportunities to network with other participants and instructors, and to gain new skills and credentials that can enhance your research quality and productivity.

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4 Experiment with new tools and techniques

A fourth way to keep up with research methods and technologies is to experiment with new tools and techniques that can improve your research process and outcomes. You can use online or offline resources, such as tutorials, manuals, demos, and reviews, to learn how to use and apply different tools and techniques, such as software, hardware, apps, and platforms. You can also use these resources to compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of different options, and to evaluate their suitability and effectiveness for your research goals and context.

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Matthew Parlato

Formulations/CMC Scientist; Product Development Scientist; Innovater
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I very much recommend doing a little "behind the scenes" experimentation when you find new tools or techniques of interest. I recommend this because ultimately, you just don't know how well something will work in your application until you try it for yourself. I've had many cases where something new that I felt very "meh" about, turned out to be awesome when I tried it! And the opposite can happen, too! You just don't know until you get your hands dirty using it.

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Oluwatoyin Olaniyan

Student at University of Salford
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Actually, I agree with behind the scenes experimenting. It actually helps a researcher hit the actual spot. Sometimes, step by step replication of a procedure may not produce your best results. You may have to introduce some tweaks such as an increment or reduction in (temperature, pressure, reagents etc) to your experiments for optimum results.

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5 Seek feedback and mentoring

A fifth way to keep up with research methods and technologies is to seek feedback and mentoring from your peers, colleagues, supervisors, or mentors. You can use formal or informal channels, such as meetings, emails, surveys, or chats, to solicit and receive constructive and honest feedback and mentoring on your research methods and technologies. You can also use these channels to offer and exchange feedback and mentoring with others, and to foster a culture of learning and improvement.

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6 Reflect on your practice and progress

A sixth way to keep up with research methods and technologies is to reflect on your practice and progress, and to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. You can use tools, such as journals, portfolios, logs, or diaries, to document and review your research methods and technologies, and to assess their impact and relevance. You can also use these tools to set and monitor your goals, plans, and actions, and to celebrate your achievements and learn from your mistakes.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most effective ways to keep up with research methods and technologies?

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1 Follow key journals and sources

2 Join online communities and networks

3 Attend workshops and courses

4 Experiment with new tools and techniques

5 Seek feedback and mentoring

6 Reflect on your practice and progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Higher Education

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What are the most effective ways to keep up with research methods and technologies?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Follow key journals and sources

2 Join online communities and networks

3 Attend workshops and courses

4 Experiment with new tools and techniques

5 Seek feedback and mentoring

6 Reflect on your practice and progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Higher Education

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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