When my supervisor asked how I plan to tackle my project on ‘Understanding the landscape of Livelihood Opportunities for Neurodivergent individuals in India’, I confidently responded, “I’m going to approach it as a research project.” I aimed to ensure the project’s outreach and add significant value to my role as a Fellow. However, I soon realized I lacked the necessary research skills to complete this ambitious task.
Initially, I didn’t think much about the technicalities involved in conducting research. My enthusiasm overshadowed the realization that I lacked formal training in research methodologies. As I delved deeper into the project, the complexities of conducting thorough and reliable research became apparent. Unlike many research endeavors, which are often guided by experienced mentors, I found myself navigating this journey largely on my own. This gap in my knowledge and experience began to hinder my progress, but my determination to bring the practice of using academic tools and insights to my host organization, EnAble India, kept me motivated.
Recognizing the need for proper research training, I decided to seek additional resources. I discovered the “Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners” course from the National University of Singapore on edX and saw it as the perfect opportunity to bridge my knowledge gap. To make this possible, I applied for a Professional Development Grant as part of the Fellowship, which allowed me to enroll in the course. Fortunately, my application was successful, and I began my journey to gain the necessary skills and insights to carry out my project effectively.
Gaining Essential Insights
The course provided me with invaluable insights, helping me shape my research methodology, perform data analysis, and even write the research paper. I remember how, during college, professors would ask for research questions but never taught us how to formulate them. This course bridged that knowledge gap, guiding me through each aspect of research.
Shaping the Research Methodology
One of the critical areas where the course helped was refining my research methodology. Understanding various research methods, giving a name to the techniques of collecting data and analyzing the data systematically which made my project more structured and robust. The course’s lessons on research design were particularly helpful in planning my approach. Learning about different research designs, and understanding the similarities and differences in them, helped me choose the best approach for my project. I also learned about sampling techniques, which were extremely necessary for my project. As I had interviewed nearly 32 organizations for my project – it was a huge sample size to take up in qualitative research. Thus, the course helped me to narrow down this sample size to 12 by using maximum variation sampling technique.
Performing Data Analysis
Data analysis was another area where the course proved invaluable. The qualitative methods I learned allowed me to handle transcripts effectively, and understand the lived experiences of NGOs with neurodivergent individuals. I prepared detailed transcripts and used QDA Miner Lite software to analyze them. I learnt how to conduct thematic analysis effectively for qualitative data, helping me identify patterns and themes in the interview transcripts. I used framework analysis particularly to analyze the findings of the study.
Writing the Research Paper
Finally, the course offered guidance on writing the research paper, a task that had always seemed daunting. With clear instructions on structuring the paper, presenting data, and crafting compelling narratives, I felt more confident in my ability to communicate my findings effectively. I learned the importance of having a clear research question, which served as the foundation for my paper. The course also emphasized the significance of a well-written literature review, providing context for my research and highlighting its contribution to the existing body of knowledge.
The Broader Impact on My Project
Applying the skills and knowledge I gained from the course had a significant impact on my project. I was able to conduct a thorough and methodical study that yielded valuable insights into the landscape of livelihood opportunities for neurodivergent individuals in India. This, in turn, allowed me to make informed recommendations for EnAble India, which will enable them to develop more effective programs and initiatives for livelihoods of neurodivergent individuals.
The course also helped me appreciate the importance of ethical considerations in research. I learned about obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality. This knowledge was crucial in conducting my study responsibly and ethically.
Personal Growth and Professional Development
Taking this course was a turning point in my research journey. It not only equipped me with essential skills but also instilled a deeper appreciation for the value of thorough, methodical research. This experience has enriched my project and contributed to my professional development, enabling me to contribute more effectively to this fellowship.
I always knew that I was interested in research but now I know that with right knowledge and skills, research can be applied in any project, motivating me to continue the learning process and exploring new paradigms of research. I now feel more confident in my ability to undertake future research projects, knowing I have a solid foundation to build upon. At least if someone asks me, ‘What are your research questions?’, I think I will be able to answer that.
