Below is a selection of resources which might help emerging researchers in their research work. They provide guidelines and practical suggestions on how to analyze qualitative and quantitative data, how to deal with social research, what are the participatory research techniques, how to organize and use focus groups as part of your methodology, and much more. Most of these resources are in an accessible downloadable format.

• Analysis and statement of the problem, Module 4 from the book Designing and conducting health systems research projects: Volume 1, by C. Varkevisser, et al. (IDRC).

• Analyzing qualitative data. E. Taylor-Powell & M. Renner, (2003).

• Analyzing quantitative data. E. Taylor-Powell, (1996).

• Community-based participatory research: A training manual for community-based researchers, S. Shallwani & S. Mohammed, (2007).

• Evaluation publications, University of Wisconsin Extension Department has produced a series of evaluation research booklets that clearly describe different aspects of conducting qualitative and quantitative research.

• Guide to focus groups. Ontario Women’s Health Network (OWHN). (2009). This guide is intended to help you develop and analyze focus groups in your community

• Inclusion research handbook. Ontario Women’s Health Network (OWHN). (2009). This handbook details the history, roots and development of Inclusion Research and provides a how-to-guide on conducting this type of research.

• Keystone Accountability. (2009). Developing a theory of change: A guide to developing a theory of change as a framework for inclusive dialogue, learning and accountability for social impact. (IPAL Guide 2).

• A methodological framework for combining quantitative and qualitative survey methods, N. Marsland, et al. (2000).

• Participatory methods toolkit: A practitioner’s manual, by N. Slocum, (2003). This guide provides detailed instructions for several participatory methods for policy research.

• Research and Policy in Development (RAPID) Tools, free downloadable toolkits that can help researchers inform and influence the policy process.

• Resources for program evaluation and social research methods, by Gene Shackman, Applied Sociologist.

• Robert Chambers’ blog, posts his current thinking on participatory approaches to development and participatory research methods.

• Stakeholder analysis toolbox, EDIAIS, (2001).

• ThesisTools, a website which enables students to create their own online quantitative surveys/questionnaires. The service is free, but the website providers encourage students to share their research findings on the site.

• Tools for knowledge and learning: a guide for development and humanitarian organisations, by B. Ramalingam, (2006).

• The Web Center for social research methods was developed at Cornell University. This website includes a “Knowledge Base” and online tutorials on a wide range of social sciences methods for academic research.

• Who counts? The quiet revolution of participation and numbers. R. Chambers, (2007). IDS Working Paper 296. This guide explains how researchers can gather statistical information using participatory methods.

This blog is published also at Labforculture.org: http://www.labforculture.org/en/groups/open/young-researchers-forum/research-methodologies-and-toolkits/78840