Teaching Transparent Methods of Empirical Research

The UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) is a national peer-led consortium that aims to ensure the UK retains its place as a centre for world-leading research. We do this by investigating the factors that contribute to robust research, promoting training activities, and disseminating best practice. We also work collaboratively with various external stakeholders to ensure coordination of efforts across the sector.

The badge earner has completed the workshop 'Teaching Transparent Methods of Empirical Research' delivered by Project TIER as part of the UKRN Open Research Programme.

Workshop

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

1. Understand core principles of computational reproducibility:
   1. Work with data by writing and executing scripts, not interactively
   2. Establish a well-defined directory structure
   3. Make explicit choices about the working directory
   4. Use relative directory paths to identify file locations
   5. Understand practical implementation of these principles to create a comprehensive, fully documented reproduction package
2. Understand the purposes/benefits of computational reproducibility
   1. Scientific benefits for professional researchers
   2. Pedagogical benefits for undergraduate and graduate students
3. Develop strategies for incorporating reproducibility into quantitative methods instruction
   1. For a wide range of projects–from simple data exercises to complete theses or dissertations
   2. At all levels of the curriculum–from introductory through graduate-level
4. Be prepared to create new curriculum that emphasizes reproducibility

Completion Criteria

Attendees will be expected to complete a short piece of work reflecting in general on what they learned in the workshop, and commenting specifically on the feasibility of creating a revised version of the assignment or lesson plan they chose to use as a point of reference that incorporates principles and practices presented at the workshop.