Developed by award winning researchers from Deakin University and Griffith University, this microcredential gives a broad introduction to the diverse types of research an undergraduate student, postgraduate student, or professional researcher needs to know before attempting any research project.
Learn how to critically approach any research problem
Whether you currently produce quality, professional-standard research in your workplace or academic context or you’re just starting out on your career in research, you’ll discover invaluable techniques that will help you effectively plan, design, and improve your research strategy, whatever your area of interest.
You’ll learn academic research skills to improve your ability to conduct effective research, examining the practical research methods and techniques required.
Analyse the value of different types of evidence
The first step when undertaking professional and academic research is understanding what research already exists in your desired area to uncover the value your research will provide.  This relies on crucial skills of synthesising what is already known about a topic.
Using Deakin library online databases to research (literature and data) and critical analysis practices of different online resources (eg free pre-prints. vs peer reviewed paid resources), you’ll gain critical skills that will help validate the viability of your proposed research.
Improve your decision making skills using balanced evidence
Misinformation is becoming an increasing issue for leaders when making informed decisions.
In this microcredential, you’ll develop the skills to critically assess research using evidence-based decision making. Using the examples, you’ll unpack synthesising evidence that says different things from different evidence types and arguments on both sides.
Examine the ethical considerations needed before undertaking research
You’ll learn how to critically gather and evaluate conflicting information, and bring your initial research together in the form of a literature review.
With this knowledge, you’ll be able to highlight the importance of evaluative skills in designing your future research investigations whether in academic or work contexts.  
You’ll finish this microcredential with the skills to accurately define a research problem and will prepare you to further your understanding with the microcredential Designing for Research Implementation.
How will Preparing for Research improve my career opportunities?
Whether working in industry or academia, ensuring you have the skills to conduct ethical research to a high-standard will allow you to deliver data-driven insights, backed up by comprehensive evidence.
Will I earn a research credential?
This microcredential is developed to a masters level standard. It equates to half a point of academic credit, equal to half a unit of postgraduate study. If completed alongside Designing for Research Implementation, you’ll receive one full credit at Deakin University.
How will I be assessed?
Towards the end of this microcredential, you’ll apply your newly acquired knowledge by completing a research brief to present to senior management either within an academic or industry context.
