April 26th 2024
Bi-weekly news from Spark: a centre for social research innovation at McMaster University
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Spark Celebrates Community Engagement Day!
On March 28th, Spark proudly participated in the first annual Community-Engaged Research Day, sponsored by the Office of Community Engagement (OCE) and hosted at One James North downtown.
McMaster has a long and deep tradition of community engagement that Spark has been a proud part of. Community-Engaged Research Day was both about celebrating what we’ve done and exploring opportunities and challenges yet to be resolved. The day began with informal networking, where attendees from various sectors—students, faculty, and community partners—met and mingled. The opening remarks by Ameil Joseph, Social Work professor and Academic Director of the OCE, centred the gathering in the ongoing and real struggles experienced in our community and the responsibility of the university to use its power in partnership with those systematically stripped of power and standing.
From there, participants were able to explore the Community-Engaged Research Gallery, which showcased diverse research projects ranging from urban development to public health. There were also several “support here” booths, including the Rapid CER Consultation Booth which was hosted by the Research Shop at OCE and Brighter Spark Applied Research at Spark. Our mission was to answer any question community members or researchers had about how they might explore a research or evaluation question. Talk about putting ourselves on the spot! The presence of CBRCanada and various other booths, including the Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship, offered a plethora of resources, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the day.
The range of community and academic participants then sat down to collaboratively explore how the research ethics process intersects with community-engaged research and what we might advocate for in terms of research ethics approaches that honor the legislation around ethics while not being applied in ways that stunt or harm relationships with communities. A wide range of both small, practical and larger systematic approaches to addressing the tensions experienced were discussed and taken back by OCE to inform work going forward.
The event concluded with the announcement that the 2024 President's Award for Community Engaged Research will now include an award targeted at more nascent partnerships.
The first ever Community-Engaged Research Day was a real success in getting the wide range of people who care about community-engaged research connecting. It was powerful not only as a showcase of what we have done together but also as a fertile ground for planting the seeds of future collaborations. As we continue to build these bridges between academia and community, Spark remains highly committed both to supporting and amplifying exceptional methodology and rigour within a fully engaged, collaboratively built research process, and to leading exceptional community engaged research and evaluation efforts through our Brighter Spark Applied Research consultancy.
We look forward to another year of advancing, conversation by conversation, project by project, community engaged research in Hamilton. Remember, every conversation sparked at this event has the potential to light up a new path of discovery and understanding.
Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this day a resounding success. Let’s keep the momentum going—because together, we can achieve so much more.
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Resources for Researchers
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Research Conversations
We provide up to 4 hours of free support each year to any researcher (students, staff, faculty or community) on every social research topic imaginable. If we can't help you, we'll help you find someone who can.
Request a research conversation here
Qualtrics Licenses
If you are an Faculty of Social Sciences researcher who would like to request access to Qualtrics survey software, please contact us here.
Looking to pool software licences?
Now you can! Fill out this form and we will reach out if we can match you with others looking to pool licences.
Methods Demonstrations
Faculty in Social Sciences may request demonstrations, short trainings, or code-along sessions from Spark staff for Research Methods or Professional Skills courses. We're happy to discuss any needs and have already developed trainings for Literature Review, Interviewing, Survey Development, Focus Groups, Data Visualization. Email us at talk.to.spark@mcmaster.ca to discuss if there's a fit for your course.
CoLab
Research on research innovation (yes, it's very meta) points to a simple truth. Being in the same physical space and able to informally interact significantly increases cross-disciplinary collaboration and discovery. The Spark CoLab aims to be such a space. It is a free, open co-working space for graduate students, research staff and faculty. You can learn more on our website or stop by from 9 am - Noon or 1 pm - 4pm on Tuesday or Thursday for a tour and orientation.
SEAL
Some data is critical to addressing major research questions, but is also profoundly sensitive and must be secured. SEAL is a high security data repository that allows approved researchers worldwide to access highly sensitive data securely. Data owners can use it to engage researchers in using their datasets and researchers can access data that otherwise would not be available to them.
Learn more about SEAL at: https://seal.mcmaster.ca/
Brighter Spark Applied Research
Spark offers custom research and evaluation, as well as highly skilled assistance in implementing virtually any social research method. Our cost-recovery services include methods and software training, custom research, state-of-the-art facilities, and taking on elements of your project to support its completion.
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Help us profile your research, publications, job ads, opportunities, and upcoming events by sending them to: talk.to.spark@mcmaster.ca to be showcased in our following newsletter.
Statistics Canada: Workshops
Statistics Canada is delighted to invite you to our upcoming workshops. Please note: Advanced registration is required. We ask that you please register early, spaces are limited for the workshops.
How to Use Census Data
Description: Conducted every five years, the Census of Population is the most comprehensive source of data on the demographic, social and economic characteristics of Canadians. The Census workshop is designed for those new to working with Census data or those who want to further develop their abilities in regards to working with Census concepts, methodology, geography and analysis. The workshop material will explore the depth and breadth of data available and enhance participants’ ability to use the 2021 Census resources effectively.
During this workshop, you will:
- Review methodology and questionnaire content
- Explore Census Geographies
- Understand Census concepts and variables
- Learn how to use Census Program website tools
- Learn how to find and use Census data on the Statistics Canada website
This online workshop will be delivered over a two-day period.
Intended Target Audience: This is an introductory workshop; it may be too basic for advanced data users.
Registration Information: English and French workshop dates are available from May to July. For more information and to register for a session, please go to this link.
Cost: $325 per learner
Turning Statistics into Stories
Description: Stories resonate with audiences while numbers alone may overwhelm. Join us for an introductory workshop that will help you to communicate the messages emerging from your data in a more effective manner. During this workshop, you will focus on your target audience, use statistics to present your story and put numbers into a context to help your audience understand your messages. Along the way you will learn some useful tips on how to use tables and graphs to illustrate your story.
Emphasis is placed on the following considerations:
- What is a Data Story?
- Constructing a Data Story – Audience and Context
- Elements of a Data Story
- Packaging the Data Story - Putting the Elements Together
- Bringing it all Together
Throughout the workshop these considerations are practiced and applied using examples from Statistics Canada.
Intended Target Audience: This is an introductory workshop; it may be too basic for advanced data users.
Registration Information: English and French workshop dates are available from June to July. For more information and to register for a session, please go to this link.
Cost: $325 per learner
Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship
Survival Analysis with R
In this beginner-level session, learners will explore the fundamentals of survival analysis using the R statistical software. The session will cover the basics of survival analysis, including data preparation, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox proportional hazard models, and parametric hazard models.
Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Time: 4:30pm - 6:10pm
Location: Online
Register Here.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Grant Applications: Updated Dates
The June 15 deadline for Partnership Engage Grants has been moved forward to May 22. This is a one-time change for the 2024-25 cycle. Going forward, the standard application deadlines will be in place.
https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/partnership_engage_grants-subventions_d_engagement_partenarial-eng.aspx
The August 1 deadline for Connection Grants has moved forward to June 20. This is a one-time change for the 2024-25 cycle. Going forward, the standard application deadlines will be in place.
https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/connection_grants-subventions_connexion-eng.aspx
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Let's celebrate the achievements of colleagues, friends, and those doing important social research with the potential to spark a brighter world. We welcome recommendations for kudos features (including for yourself)! Please send any features you would like us to mention by emailing us at: talk.to.spark@mcmaster.ca.
Congratulations to Alex Sam, who has brilliantly completed his thesis defense this month! Alex's research, which focuses on microeconomic theory, information economics, and privacy economics, has culminated in his impactful thesis titled, “Essays in Information and Privacy Economics.” His work includes significant studies such as "Cheap Talk with Private Signal Structure" and "Consumer Privacy Disclosure in Competitive Markets," contributing valuable insights into the economics of information and privacy. Read the full story here.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Assistant Professor Colin Mang, who was featured in CHCH's 6pm news spotlight this past Wednesday. Colin provided his expert analysis on the Bank of Canada’s decision to maintain its key interest rates at 5% for the sixth consecutive time—a critical decision impacting inflation and the broader economic landscape. Colin’s insights help elucidate complex economic conditions affecting many of us, particularly those involved in the housing market, as demand continues to outstrip supply. Read more here.
We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Dr. Renae Watchman from the Indigenous Studies Department. Dr. Watchman's latest book, ‘Restoring Relations Through Stories: From Dinétah to Denendeh’, is set to be released on May 15th. This significant publication explores the powerful role of storytelling in healing and connecting communities across diverse geographies. Dr. Watchman’s work continues to inspire and educate, bridging cultural narratives that resonate deeply within and beyond the academic community. For those eager to dive into her compelling insights, advanced copies are available here.
Kudos to Dr. Nicole Dalmer for her enlightening op-ed featured in The Hamilton Spectator, discussing the pivotal role of public libraries in fostering social connectedness among older adults. Her research, involving interviews with 51 older Ontarians, highlights the library's role as a lifelong 'third place' for learning and community engagement. Dr. Dalmer's insights are particularly relevant as they address the challenges of social isolation, which has become increasingly pressing during the pandemic. You can read her full article here.
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