Diving into Research Excellence:
Cohort 5 of Research Methodology & Capacity Building Workshop of Humanities & Social Sciences Faculty at LUMS Sets Sail
From Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to Turbat, Balochistan, LUMS welcomes Cohort 5 scholars as they begin their exciting and transformative journey
The First Day
The first day of the Research Methodology & Capacity Building Workshop of Humanities & Social Sciences Faculty – Cohort 5 has kicked off with great excitement and anticipation. From over 480 applicants, only 18 distinguished participants were selected, representing scholars from across Pakistan, including those from remote and conflict-affected areas. The participants, eager to enhance their research skills, have embarked on this transformative journey, which promises to significantly impact both their academic and professional futures.
The day began with a warm welcome address by Dr. Furrukh Khan, Hub Lead Pakistan, Dr. Shabbir Ahsen, Alternate Hub Lead, and Dr. Ali Khan, Dean of MGHSS, LUMS. This set the stage for a day filled with insightful and enriching sessions designed to equip the participants with advanced research methodologies.
The Day’s Sessions …
Session 1: Logic, Falsifiability, and The Scientific Method
Session Lead: Dr. Shabbir Ahsen
Reading: Gary M. Hardegree: Symbolic Logic
In this session, Dr. Shabbir Ahsen, an Associate Professor at LUMS with expertise in philosophy and logic, led the participants through the fundamentals of logic and its critical role in scientific inquiry. The session explored the concept of falsifiability, a cornerstone of scientific theory, encouraging participants to apply rigorous logical frameworks to their research processes.
Session 2: How to Write a Research Proposal
Session Lead: Dr. Yunas Samad
Reading 1: Research Proposal Format
Reading 2: David Pederson: Integrating Social Sciences and Humanities in Interdisciplinary Research
Led by Dr. Yunas Samad, an eminent scholar of South Asian studies with an extensive background in interdisciplinary research, this session focused on crafting effective research proposals. Participants were guided through practical tips and examples on how to structure proposals, integrating social sciences and humanities for more robust, impactful research.
Session 3: Beyond the Question: Mastering Qualitative Interviews
Session Lead: Dr. Tayyaba Tamim
Reading: Palmgren C. McGrath: Twelve Tips for Conducting Qualitative Research Interviews
Dr. Tayyaba Tamim, Associate Professor and Dean of School of Education at LUMS, with a distinguished academic career in education and qualitative research methods, led the final session of the day. She delved into the art of conducting qualitative interviews, emphasizing techniques to go beyond surface-level questioning and extract deeper insights from interviewees, a crucial skill for humanities and social science researchers.
As the first day concluded, participants left with a wealth of knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to apply these insights to their future research endeavors. The workshop promises to be a transformative experience for all involved.