May 10th 2024
Bi-weekly news from Spark: a centre for social research innovation at McMaster University
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Unveiling the Qualitative Suite, with a Limited Time Offer
An innovative space designed to elevate qualitative research at McMaster University
The Qualitative Suite at Spark: a centre for social research innovation, has been through a technology refresh and is available this summer for pilot testing for free to Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) faculty, graduate students, and researcher teams.
State-of-the-Art Facilities Tailored for Qualitative Research
The Qualitative Suite is a solution to the many logistical challenges faced by researchers conducting qualitative studies. Equipped with two small rooms that comfortably accommodate up to four participants and a researcher, and a large room fit for twelve seated participants or thirty in more dynamic setups, the suite is versatile. It includes an attached viewing room , making it perfect for larger focus groups or interactive sessions.
Advanced Technology for Seamless Research
Technology is at the heart of the Qualitative Suite. The suite boasts cutting-edge video and audio capture technology, installed by the expert team behind the setups used in popular reality shows like Big Brother Canada. This professional setup ensures that researchers can focus on their interactions without worrying about the technical aspects of recording equipment. All sessions are recorded with high-quality audio and video, with files securely delivered to researchers within 5 business days of their session.
Optional Services to Enhance Your Research Experience
Understanding that qualitative research needs can vary greatly, Spark offers optional services to complement the use of the Qualitative Suite:
- Experienced Facilitators and Interviewers: Our team includes skilled facilitators and interviewers experienced in a variety of qualitative methods, from traditional focus groups to innovative art-based approaches. We work closely with researchers to match them with the right professional support for their study.
- Transcription Services: For an additional fee, Spark can arrange for the transcription of audio and video materials, allowing researchers to focus on analysis and dissemination.
- Data Sharing: We also offer services to provide detailed reports back to participants, aiding in the transparency and collaborative nature of qualitative research.
- Support with arranging for parking permits, catering and signage for your sessions.
Limited Time Offer for FSS Faculty and Researchers
As part of our launch, the Qualitative Suite is available free of charge to FSS faculty and researchers until September 2024. This period is intended to pilot test and refine the operational aspects of the space. We encourage interested parties to take advantage of this opportunity to experience the suite first-hand.
Looking Ahead
Post-September 2024, the Qualitative Suite will be available for rent to researchers and marketing firms both inside and outside McMaster University. This initiative not only enhances the research capabilities at Spark but also opens doors for broader collaborations and partnerships.
We will work with researchers wanting to use the suite to provide appropriate language and cost estimates for grant applications and research ethics protocols. Book Your Space Now
Don’t miss the opportunity to utilize this innovative research facility. For bookings and more information on how the Qualitative Suite can serve your research needs, please reach out to us at talk.to.spark@mcmaster.ca. Visit our website for more details.
At Spark, we are dedicated to providing the resources and environments that researchers need to conduct meaningful, impactful qualitative research. The launch of the Qualitative Suite is a pivotal step towards enhancing the qualitative research landscape at McMaster University and beyond. We look forward to seeing the diverse and innovative studies that will emerge from this dynamic space.
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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.
Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study
The Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study is a collaboration between the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The PATH Study is a household-based, nationally representative, longitudinal cohort study of approximately 46,000 adults and youth (ages 12-17) in the United States. The PATH Study was launched in 2011 to inform the FDA's regulatory activities under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which was signed into law in 2009.
This workshop will utilize hands-on examples to better understand the PATH Study sample design and weighting. Specifically, attendees will gain a better understanding of how to conduct longitudinal analyses to estimate change over time, as well as pseudo-cross-sectional analyses to estimate prevalence. This workshop will focus on understanding and using the PATH Study data files, not on a specific analytic approach. The workshop will combine lecture, discussion, and hands-on exercises.
The workshop will be offered in two formats (in-person or virtual-only). Applicants should apply for the in-person or virtual-only sections based on preference. Each section will be offered on different dates, and the same course content will be covered in both.
Full Workshop details here.
Apply for this Workshop here.
The deadline to apply for the PATH Study Workshop is May 31 2024.
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.
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.
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
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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 Daniel Tingskou on his successful PhD defense! His thesis, "Essays on Population Economics, The Economics of Population Aging and Health Economics," explores crucial topics like physician migration in Canada and the economic impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns. Daniel is now an Economist at the Department of Finance Canada. Learn more about his work on his professional page. Join us in celebrating his achievements and contributions to health economics! Read the full story here.
April has been a standout month for McMaster University's Faculty of Social Sciences, with numerous faculty members featured prominently across various media outlets. Highlights include Peter Graefe’s discussions on political dynamics in Canada, Boris Kralj's analysis on changing work patterns among male doctors, and Nicole Dalmer's insights on public libraries enhancing social connectedness for older adults. Thomas Marois also made headlines with his work on how Public Banks can strengthen democracy in the Global South. Join us in celebrating the impactful contributions of our social sciences faculty in bringing academic perspectives to public discourse. Read more here.
Big kudos to Bradley Ruffle, professor in the Department of Economics, and François Neville, associate professor at the DeGroote School of Business, for their expert commentary on the challenges and effectiveness of consumer boycotts. Featured in a recent article discussing the potential impact of a boycott against Loblaw due to rising grocery prices, both professors shared their insights into why such movements often face significant hurdles. Their analysis provides a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics, shedding light on the complex interplay between corporate actions and consumer reactions. Read the full story here.
Congratulations to the Centre for Advanced Research on Mental Health and Society (ARMS) on an outstanding inaugural year! Under the leadership of Director Marisa Young and Executive Director Diana Singh, ARMS has quickly become a beacon of excellence within the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University. Since its launch in January 2023, ARMS has successfully undertaken eight research projects, hosted five public events, secured several funding opportunities, facilitated two community-engaged research internships, and even started a student journal. Read more here.
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