Research Methodology Institute

Training in Social Science Research Methodology

OSSREA recognises the need for upgrading the research skills of its members so as to build the teaching and research capacity of the institutions in Eastern and Southern African countries where it has its chapters. To this end, OSSREA’s Research Methodology Institute has started offering short-term training in social science research methodology. The training focuses on emerging thinking in social science research, ethical issues in social science research, mainstreaming gender and environmental issues, developing research proposals, choosing study approaches and designs, planning and managing social science research and writing a research report. 

Major Objective

The major objective of the training program is to upgrade the research skills of its members so as to build the teaching and research capacity of the institutions in Eastern and Southern African countries. 

Specific objectives

•       Expose researchers to skills specific to particular methodologies, e.g. quantitative and qualitative approaches;

•       Expose researchers to analytical skills needed to evaluate policies; analyse and assess research orientations, strategies and diffusion; evaluate programmes and projects;

•       Expose researchers to computer skills in research;

•       Expose researchers to training in methods relevant to issues such as environment and development, and gender sensitive research. 

The Role of OSSREA

•       OSSREA disseminates the announcement for applications through its website, newsletter, posters and brochures. The posters and brochures are distributed through the liaison officers of OSSREA located in various universities in eastern and southern Africa. 

•       A jury will examine the applications and select successful candidates. Priority is given to applicants based in educational and research institutions. OSSREA usually covers the cost of training for such successful candidates. Other eligible candidates can be asked to find sponsors and pay for the training cost. The training cost ranges from 1500-2000 USD.  The resource persons for the training are recruited by OSSREA.  

•       To date OSSREA has been hosted five training programmes in Addis Ababa and one training program each in Nairobi, Kenya and Cape Town South Africa.  

•       The training is mainly based on the three social science research methodology modules developed by OSSREA. The modules deal with issues in social science research, qualitative research process and quantitative research process. 

•       OSSREA prepares and gives certificates of attendance to the trainees at the end of the training. The duration of the training is usually about 2 weeks. 

•       The training is organised annually. The announcements for the sixth training have been distributed and the training is expected to take place in October 2005. 

Contact Person and Address:   

           Enemanachew Yimamu, Senior Research Coordinator
           Email: enemanachew@ossrea.net
           Fax 251-11-1223921
           Tel 251-11-1239484
           P. O. Box 31971, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia