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Announcements, events, and other news from Spark

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September 26th 2024

Bi-weekly news from Spark: a centre for social research innovation at McMaster University

Centre News

Enhancing Research with NVivo – A New Opportunity

Qualitative data analysis is essential in many fields, and NVivo is one of the leading tools for researchers working with diverse data formats like text, audio, and video. Its ability to organize, code, and analyze complex datasets makes it invaluable for uncovering patterns and insights. Recognizing its importance, Spark and the Sherman Centre are gauging interest in a coordinated purchase of NVivo licenses, aiming to make this powerful tool more accessible and affordable for McMaster researchers.

Your input is crucial—whether you’re a current user or are interested in integrating NVivo into your research, completing the NVivo Interest Survey could help expand access to this vital resource. With increased availability, researchers across disciplines will be better equipped to handle data-heavy projects, collaborate more effectively, and drive their studies forward.

The survey closes on September 30, so don’t miss this chance to shape how research is supported at McMaster!

Resources for Researchers

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 [email-masked] 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.

For a full list of Brighter Spark Applied Research's services, visit here.

Spark Collaborations

Help us profile your research, publications, job ads, opportunities, and upcoming events by sending them to: [email-masked] to be showcased in our following newsletter.

Call for Papers: Canadian Journal of Communication (CJC)

Special Issue of the Canadian Journal of Communication (CJC) - Reimagining Canadian Communication Thought invites scholars to reflect on and reimagine the concept of "Canadian Communication Thought" nearly 25 years after the publication of Robert Babe's foundational work. The issue seeks to challenge and expand the traditional canon by incorporating diverse voices and contemporary perspectives. Contributions are welcomed in two formats: full-length research articles (7000-8000 words) and shorter interventions (2500-3000 words).

Key Dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: September 30th, 2024

Final Draft Contributions Due: March 15th, 2025

Issue Publication: Summer 2026

Cost: No fee for submission

Relevant for: Scholars in media, communication, technology studies, and those interested in Canadian intellectual history, particularly from diverse and marginalized communities.

For more information read here.

A Conversation with Gurratan Singh: The Value of Social Sciences & Humanities in Public Service

Join McMaster alumnus, Gurratan Singh, for a guest lecture on the importance of social sciences and humanities in public service.

Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Time: 1:30 PM, EST

Location: L.R. Wilson Hall or Zoom

This insightful conversation, supported by Wilson College and the Department of Religious Studies, is open to all.

Register Here

Call for Participants: Statistics Canada Workshops

Statistics Canada is offering two valuable workshops designed to enhance your understanding of statistical methods and economic frameworks. These workshops are ideal for beginners or those seeking a refresher.

Workshop: Introduction to Basic Statistics

This 8-hour workshop, spread over two days, covers essential statistical measures and hypothesis testing methods, making it perfect for those new to statistics or in need of a refresher. Participants will learn about Descriptive and Inferential statistics, measures such as margin of error, and Z-tests and Chi-Square methods.

Cost: $325 per learner

Target Audience: Ideal for beginners; may be too basic for advanced users.

Registration: Available in both English and French from October to November. Register Here

Workshop: Statistics Canada's Supply-Use Framework

This workshop provides an overview of Statistics Canada's Supply and Use Tables, including GDP calculations and economic impact models. It's geared towards those interested in understanding macroeconomic concepts and how they are applied.

Cost: $550 per learner

Target Audience: Ideal for those with a basic understanding of macroeconomics; may be too basic for advanced users.

Registration: Available in both English and French in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal from September to November. Register Here

Kudos

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: [email-masked].

Congratulations to Hendrik Poinar and Nathan Andrews on their prestigious recognition by the Royal Society of Canada! Poinar, a renowned expert in paleogenomics, and Andrews, a leading voice in global political economy and natural resource extraction, have made remarkable contributions to their fields. Their work underscores McMaster’s commitment to impactful research and innovation. Poinar and Andrews will be honoured at the RSC’s annual Celebration of Excellence and Engagement this November. Read more about their achievements here.

A special shoutout to Gregory Flynn, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, for his insightful analysis on the heightened polarization and political violence in the U.S., explored in his article on the recent assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Flynn sheds light on how the politics of grievance, extreme polarization, and cults of personality are reshaping electoral dynamics and threats to democracy in both the U.S. and Canada. Read more about his analysis here.

A heartfelt congratulations to Rifa Khoja, a fourth-year Social Work student, for her transformative participation in the Two Row Paddle. Embarking on a 10-day, 100 km paddle along the Grand River, Rifa gained profound insights into Indigenous histories and cultures while reflecting on her own identity and the impacts of colonization. Her journey, both physically and emotionally challenging, underscores the value of community, personal growth, and cultural reflection. Read more about her experience here.

A huge congratulations to the first cohort of Social Sciences Co-op students for successfully completing their work terms this summer! These students from Economics, Political Science, and Work & Labour Studies have shared their impactful experiences across a range of industries, from government roles to corporate environments. Their dedication and passion for learning outside the classroom have laid a strong foundation for their future careers. Read more about their exciting journeys here.

Finally, congratulations to Colin Mang, Assistant Professor of Economics, for his insightful analysis on the intricate relationship between interest rates, inflation, and housing in Canada. His research breaks down how recent changes in the Bank of Canada’s benchmark rate, mortgage renewals, and the housing crisis are impacting Canadian families. Colin’s work sheds light on the ongoing housing challenges and the economic factors shaping them. Read more here.

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