On August 21, 2011 Dr. Mala Padurang conducted a workshop for fifteen advanced youth fellows on Research Methodology. The major objectives of this workshop were to introduce youth fellows to a range of research methodologies, train them in framing a research hypothesis and enable them to formulate relevant research questions.

The facilitator began the workshop with an interesting group activity. She asked participants to divide into smaller groups and discuss the current anti-corruption movement by Anna Hazare.  Dr. Mala then asked each group to formulate a research topic on the movement, selecting an aspect and target group that appealed to them.

Several interesting prospective research studies were ideated, including how youth relate to this movement, perceptions of rickshaw drivers in Govandi, a comparative analysis of all three versions of the Lokpal bill etc. Each group then presented their ideas and the facilitator enabled them to use these topics to frame relevant research questions and a hypothesis.

Dr. Mala also critiqued proposed research projects, elaborating on how they would influence and limit what methodologies can  be used to collect data. She gave feedback on the appropriateness of selected methodologies, sample size, area, target group etc. for each group’s respective research projects.

The facilitator then introduced the merits and demerits of various research methodologies including focused group discussions, surveys and interviews. Participants were then invited to sit in their respective research groups and outline their study’s aims and objectives as well as the group’s resources.