The Scottish Government

Social Research Association (2002)

Synposis

This document considers ways of commissioning social research projects and offers recommendations about good practice. The guidance is not designed to be a beginners step by step guide to commissioning research, rather it offers some general principles and looks at some of the issues involved in the commissioning process.

For

Anyone commissioning research. The guidance is designed for SRA members, commissioners of research, researchers and associated professional associations.

Scottish Government

Synopsis

Web page provides researchers with information about engaging with the Scottish Government as well as specific guidance for contractors on Scottish Government research projects, including information on Completing an Expression of Interest (EOI) form, Publication of Social Research, Research Tendering Process and Templates for Social Research Reports and Research Findings.

For

Guidance is designed for researchers and contractors wishing to work with the Scottish Government, however analysts in local authorities may find this information a useful point of reference when developing their own guidance.

Local Authorities Research and Intelligence Association (LARIA) /Bryan Hall (2005)

Synopsis

This guide has been produced in response to the demand for good practice guides amongst researchers in LARIA. It considers the specific and general management skills required to manage research in local authorities and is linked to the LARIA/LGA toolkit on 'Creating Effective Research in Local Government'. The guide is split into a number of detailed sections, some examples being the Context of Managing Research in Local Government, Making Research Relevant, Managing Staff and Projects and Good Practice in Managing Research.

For

Any research manager, this guide is designed to aid new research managers, while also providing experienced research managers with some suggestions of advice.

Government Social Research Unit

Synopsis

Guidance developed in collaboration between GSRU and the Office for Government Commerce (OGC) for government social researchers procuring government social research. The document is divided into two sections, the first provides guidance on procurement of social research including a general summary of EU and UK procurement rules and the second section offers a question and answer. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to commissioning and managing social research in government, but is an agreed interpretation of the OGC and EU procurement guidance.

For

Guidance has been developed for government social researchers, however the guidance may be a useful starting point on procurement for any anyone in local authorities commissioning research.

Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

This section explains the concepts of correlation and regression and provides examples of how they can be used. It also considers how to evaluate the effectiveness of a regression model.

For

People who have never studied statistics before and wish to develop an understanding of correlation and regression methods.

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Social Research Association (SRA) and Market Research Society (MRS) (October 2005)

Synopsis

Detailed guidance produced by MRS and SRA on the Data Protection Act 1998 and how it relates to the activities of researchers.

The document provides a summary of key points of the DPA. The subsequent sections are more detailed, discussing the Principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 including its relationship with the Freedom of Information act, and the key data protection implications for each stage of the research project process. Appendixes also provide information on: key principles within the 1998 Act, disclosing personal data, data security, protocols for facilitating the sharing of personal data within the public sector, and frequently asked questions.

For

Anyone working in social research or commissioning social research needing to understand their obligations arising from the Data Protection Act 1998.

Information Commissioners Office

Synopsis

Webpage with some brief information on the Data Protection Act, its requirements and the role of the Information Commissioners Office in promoting good practice and enforcing the act. The page also lists a number of links to ICO guidance for the public and private sector on how to comply with the act, such as good practice notes, codes of practice, legal obligations and guidance on determining what is personal data and determining what information is 'data' for the purposes of the DPA.

For

This guidance is not specific to analysts, however it provides a starting point and background for anyone working in the public sector who needs to consider their obligations under the Data Protection Act.

Fife Council (January 2005)

Synopsis

Know How guides are produced on behalf of Fife Research Co-ordination Group to provide advice and guidance on planning, carrying out, delivering and disseminating research and evaluation in Fife.

This is a very brief guide to how the Data Protection Act (1998) affects research projects.

For

It is designed for public authorities in Fife, however may be a brief source of information for researchers in other public authorities responsible for conducting or commissioning research.

Market Research Society

Synopsis

MRS Webpage listing some short key points regarding data protection and privacy issues, privacy and electronic communications, and also frequently asked questions relating to the Data Protection Act. There is also web links of where to find more guidance on the Data Protection Act and social research, Market Research Processes and the DPA, and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.

For

Anyone considering undertaking or commissioning market research or survey work in particular and requiring information on their obligations in relation to data protection.

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Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

There are two sections which look at depreciation. The first section introduces the concept of depreciation and explains why it is required. The second section looks at several methods of calculating depreciation figures in more detail.

For

Tier 1 is for people who have never studied statistics before and wish to gain an understanding of the basic premise behind depreciation. Tier 2 goes into greater detail about the different approaches that can be used to take account of depreciation.

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Government Social Research Unit/Canadian Health Services Research Foundation (CHSRF)

Synopsis

Short report containing a suggested structure for research reports.

For

Any-one new to report writing who is unclear how to present key finding and structure their reports.

Scottish Government

Synopsis

Guidance for Scottish Government contractors on how to write up research outputs for the Scottish Government, available as either a 7 page pdf or through links to individual sections. Guidance looks at key stages in writing up the research project, house style, the format of different research outputs (research reports and research findings) and templates.

For

Contractors undertaking social research for the Scottish Government. However, may be a useful reference for anyone in local authorities thinking about dissemination and reporting or producing their own contractor guidance.

Scottish Government (December 2008).

Synopsis

Links to brief guidance notes developed by the Scottish Government designed to assist in the collection of equalities data.

Guidance notes focus on Age, Ethnic Group, Gender and Religion/belief and give advice on recommended questions to use, and how to analyse and disseminate the data.

For

Anyone planning, conducting, analysing or disseminating research requiring guidance on equalities considerations.

Scottish Government Health Analytical Services Division

(September 2008)

Synopsis

This is the first report on long-term monitoring of health inequalities, produced by the Scottish Government in response to recommendations made by a Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities. It presents detailed definitions for each of the proposed indicators of inequalities in health outcomes (as agreed by the Task Force), and current trends to set a baseline for long-term monitoring at Scotland level.

For

This will be of interest to people working in the field of public health and to those who may be setting targets in this area. However, it is noted in the report that the indicators and measures were recommended for monitoring health inequalities at Scotland level and may not be appropriate for use at a local level so it is important to be aware of this.

Scottish Public Health Observatory (ScotPHO)

Synopsis

This document describes and explains some key methods used to measure health inequalities. It outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each, and contains a useful Excel spreadsheet which provides a practical illustration of the concepts being discussed.

For

The document focuses on health inequalities but may also be useful reading for someone working on different inequalities issues. Despite giving practical demonstrations of the examples, this document may be more useful to someone who has some experience of working with data.

Synopsis

The four guidance documents above give detailed advice on the logistics and ethics of conducting research. The papers focus on issues such as consent, safety, and legalities.

For

Anyone planning or conducting research with the key groups mentioned and unsure about their obligations.

Government Social Research: Professional Guidance

Synopsis

Full guidance and a one page summary providing guidance on ethics for all government departments to use when commissioning, managing and conducting social research.

For

The guidance is designed for government social research, but may be useful to anyone planning, commissioning, managing or conducting research.

Social Research Association (December 2003)

Synopsis

SRA's detailed ethical guidelines and information on best practice, outlining the principles of the SRA's ethical code, ethical difficulties and dilemmas in ethical decision making, practical advice and guidance, and also links to other web pages and references.

For

The guidance is intended for SRA members, however may be helpful for anyone at any stage of the research process requiring detailed information on ethics.

Scottish Educational Research Association (SERA) March 2005

Synopsis

Ethical guidelines for educational researchers covering a number of ethical issues including: consent, rights of children, vulnerable young people and vulnerable adults, avoidance of harm, incentives, confidentiality, data protection, disclosure and other responsibilities.

For

Guidelines are intended as a set of standards to guide the research of members of SERA, but could also be of some use to anyone involved in carrying out research in educational settings.

Social Research Association (2004)

Synopsis

4 page code of practice produced by the RESPECT project funded by the European Commission's Information Society Technologies (IST) Programme, which aims to form the basis of a voluntary code of practice for researchers carrying out socio-economic research in Europe and draws from existing professional and ethical codes of practice and the EU's present legal requirements.

The code discusses and offers advice under its three main principles: upholding scientific standards, compliance with the law and avoidance of social and personal harm.

For

Anyone at any stage of the research process.

Scottish Educational Research Association-Scottish Executive Education Department- Research in Schools Working Group (January 2007)

Synopsis

This document does not specifically focus on ethics. It combines a discussion of principles of good practice, including some of the key issues and responsibilities to consider when conducting research in schools and provides some 'starting points.' Individual sections briefly discuss: purpose of research, ethical considerations, research types, research and teacher development, school research communities and also provides checklists of some of the issues specific to different groups involved in school's research (e.g. head teachers, parents, education authorities)

For

Anyone planning or undertaking research in schools.

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UK Evaluation Society

Synopsis

An overview of evaluation from the point of those evaluating, those commissioning the evaluation, those being evaluated and completing self- evaluation. There is little explicit guidance, but does give clear overarching principles on evaluation.

For

Those needing an overview of evaluation prior to embarking on an evaluation project. No previous experience of skills are necessary to understand the report.

Government Social Research

Synopsis

The basis of this is not how to evaluate, but how to assess the evaluation. The full report is very detailed, but gives good background and reasoning behind the inclusion of elements of the framework, however the framework alone is most useful in assessing an evaluation. The questions it asks in how well an evaluation has been carried out should lead to a greater understanding in how to carry out a well structured evaluation.

For

Those with a general understanding of what is required in an evaluation, this gives in addition a check-list of what should be carried out.

Synopsis

The Green Book describes techniques and issues to be considered when carrying out assessment of the social costs and benefits of new policies, projects and programmes. There is also guidance on how to prepare business cases for economic assessment, supplementary guidance on specific issues and departmental guidance for applying the principles in specific instances.

For

This guidance is aimed at central government analysts but is equally relevant and useful to any one involved in evidence based policy.

Government Social Research

Synopsis

Analytical guidance on the use of social experiments to determine policy impact. It discusses randomised control trials pros and cons, then discusses the use of quasi-experimental designs for policy impact evaluation.

For

Policy evaluators and analysts who undertake, commission or use evaluation. It focuses mainly on evaluating government policies, but could still provide some useful and straightforward technical guidance.

Government Social Research

Synopsis

A detailed description of the methods that might be used in evaluation along with the principles involved in each method, some case studies and implications it has for research, evaluation and policy.

For

Those about to embark on evaluation to be aware of what is required, and what the consequences might, or should be.

Government Social Research

Synopsis

An excellent introduction to policy evaluation. Highlights why evaluation is needed, what it is and the role that it plays.

For

Those needing a background on evaluation - no previous skills or experience necessary.

Government Social Research

Synopsis

The report is long (nearly 50 pages) and much of it covers the history and politics of pilot studies in government. There is little direct guidance on how to conduct pilots but the section on pilot methodologies (p.16) may provide food for thought.

For

Anyone involved in developing evidence based policies or programmes. No previous experience or skills is necessary to understand the report.

Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

This section looks at factor analysis and at how different variables can be combined into one useful summary measure.

For

People who wish to learn the basic ideas involved in factor analysis.

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Scottish Government

Synopsis

Information about both pieces of legislation, their policy background and how to access information held by the Scottish Government. There is also a web link to guidance material which provides a list of training materials for Scottish public authorities and also internal guidance for SG staff.

For

Anyone requiring background information on the acts or the duties of the SG and public authorities under FOI, the guidance is not specific to research.

Fife Council (January 2005)

Synopsis

Know How guides are produced on behalf of Fife Research Co-ordination Group to provide advice and guidance on planning, carrying out, delivering and disseminating research and evaluation in Fife.

This short guide provides some information on the FOI act and its implications for research and evaluation in public authorities.

For

It is designed for public authorities in Fife, however may be a brief source of information for researchers in other public authorities.

StatSoft, Inc. (2007)

Synopsis

This electronic textbook aims to provide training in the understanding and applications of statistics. It contains explanations of a very wide range of methods and techniques, from basic introductions to key statistical concepts to more complex ideas like discriminant analysis and distribution fitting. It also contains an overview of elementary concepts, a glossary of statistical terms as well as references for further study.

For

Anyone carrying out statistical analysis and wanting information on how certain applications of statistics can be undertaken. Also useful for anyone not sure of which techniques and methods can be used for certain types analysis. The variety of material means that this resource will be useful for users with different levels of expertise.

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Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

This section looks at missing and empty data and how to deal with it.

For

People who have never studied statistics before and wish to gain an understanding of imputation. Especially useful if you are going to conduct a survey and want to find out how to deal with missing data.

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Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

There are two sections which look at index numbers. The first introduces the concept of index numbers and explains why they can often be a very useful way of working with data, especially when comparing values with a baseline time period.

For

Tier 1 is for people who have never studied statistics before and wish to gain an understanding of the basic ideas involved in index numbers. Tier 2 is considerably more advanced and goes into greater detail about the calculations involved in using index numbers.

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Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

This section provides a brief introduction to the idea of statistical modelling and outlines some examples of situations where modelling is currently used.

For

People who have never studied statistics before and wish to get an overview of why it is useful to use models in statistics.

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Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO) (August 2008)

Synopsis

This document provides a very useful overview of target-setting and covers things like selecting a baseline, setting SMART targets and different ways of expressing targets. It contains useful examples of good and bad practice.

For

This will be useful for people who need to set targets for their organisation/role. For people who are new to this field of work, the document complements the next item in the Analytical Library called 'The Good Indicators Guide' which it may be best to read first.

Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO)

Synopsis

This is a useful document which considers developing and using indicators to measure performance. It comprehensively covers things like how indicators should be structured, how to get people on board and how to deal with variation. It also contains sections on Frequently Asked Questions and common myths associated with indicators, as well as a useful appendix giving more detail on what a good indicator should look like.

For

Despite the fact that the document focuses on health-related indicators, it will be useful for anyone who already works with indicators or is going to be developing new ones. It is clearly written so will be useful for everyone, regardless of their prior experience in target-setting and/or health.

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Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

This section explains the concepts of correlation and regression and provides examples of how they can be used. It also considers how to evaluate the effectiveness of a regression model.

For

People who have never studied statistics before and wish to develop an understanding of correlation and regression methods.

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NHS Health Scotland

Synopsis

Sections of the NICE guidance are helpful, some are probably too specific to the Health sector. Despite this, it takes you on a step by step guide through how to carry out a review.

For

Those looking to review a service/situation. Skills are required as although it tells you what to do, it does not tell you how to do it.

Government Social Research

Synopsis

A thorough reference document on how to collate information that is already out there on a given subject. Gives a variety of choices that are available depending on timescales listing the pros and cons of each. Details who should be involved in the process.

For

Would need some background knowledge, but would generally be able to set you on the way to carrying out an evidence assessment.

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Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

There are two sections which look at statistical disclosure control. These discuss why it is necessary to ensure that individuals cannot be identified from publicly available data and how to go about protecting it.

For

Tier 1 is for people who have never studied statistics before and wish to gain an understanding of the general ideas involved in statistical disclosure control. Tier 2 is more advanced and goes into greater detail about the different approaches that can be taken to protecting data and things to look out for.

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Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO)

Synopsis

This document discusses the uses that can be made of statistical process control methods and illustrates this in the context of public health. It contains several examples and includes a glossary which provides useful contextual information.

For

This will be useful for anyone interested in statistical process control, regardless of whether they work in the health sector, as lots of general information is also included. The material is clearly set out hence will be useful for people of all statistical expertise levels.

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Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

This section briefly explains the ideas behind the concept of statistical significance which considers how likely it is that certain observations occur by chance.

For

People who have never studied statistics before and are interested in learning some basic statistical concepts.

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Scottish Government

Synopsis

This website provides information about major statistical surveys in Scotland and the different groups who coordinate and manage them. The website links to each of the surveys and provides information about harmonisation of survey questions and the Long Term Strategy for Population Surveys in Scotland.

For

Anyone wishing to find out more about Scottish Population Surveys. The section on survey harmonisation and the standard socio-economic core questions will be particularly useful to someone developing a new survey.

Fife council (2005)

Synopsis

Know How guides are produced on behalf of Fife Research Co-ordination Group to provide advice and guidance on planning, carrying out, delivering and disseminating research and evaluation in Fife. This is a succinct summary of things to think about when developing a survey. It covers things like the advantages/disadvantages of different types of surveys, different ways of asking questions and things to consider when piloting surveys. It contains useful illustrative examples.

For

It is designed for public authorities in Fife, however may be a useful introductory/overview source of information for other people in other public authorities responsible for conducting or commissioning research.

Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

There are two sections which look at sampling. These outline why its necessary to take a sample and describe the different methods of sampling that can be adopted.

For

Tier 1 is useful for people who have never studied statistics before and are interested in learning about the basic elements of sampling. Tier 2 is aimed at those who wish to look at some examples in slightly more detail and considers each of the techniques in greater depth.

Napier University (2004)

Synopsis

This online resource teaches people how to use various statistical software packages (SAS, SPSS, R and STATA) to analyse survey data. It makes use of real examples from the Scottish Household Survey and Family Resources Survey and also contains a theory section covering sampling techniques, experimental design aspects and ways of checking data before starting analysis.

For

This resource will be extremely useful for people who are going to analyse survey data due to practical nature of the guidance.

Government Social Research Unit (2007)

Synopsis

The Magenta Book is organised around a number of questions frequently asked about policy evaluation and analysis. This chapter provides extremely useful information about data collection and how to go about it. It presents a variety of different methods, both qualitative and quantitative, and outlines their advantages and disadvantages. It provides the reader with many useful things to consider when embarking on a data collection exercise.

For

Policy evaluators, analysts, and people who use and commission policy evaluation. Especially useful for people who are about to design and develop a data collection process.

Synopsis

The Magenta Book is organised around a number of questions frequently asked about policy evaluation and analysis. This chapter provides useful guidance about how to select an appropriate sample for a survey and explains in detail concepts like clustering, stratification, standard errors and weighting.

Scottish Government

Synopsis

The Methodology Glossary is a useful quick reference guide for people who may not be familiar with statistical methodologies.

This section considers what time series are and the different types that occur. It also looks at the components of time series and how they impact on the pattern of the data.

For

People who have never studied statistics before and wish to develop an understanding of time series data.

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