What I’ve learnt through research
I have an analytical mind, I work in patterns. It’s probably why I enjoy research so much. Aggregating information (whether it be numerical or words) helps me understand things better. My detail-oriented approach might not suit everyone, but going on the journey of “what the data shows me” allows me to tell a story. In my humble opinion, the statistical analysis (quantitative) or theoretical lens (qualitative) one uses plays a big role in how the information is modelled and the story that emerges. Isn’t it powerful? That the type of analysis or theory one uses determines the output.
Research has taught me:
To be patient and meet information with curiosity. It won’t always turn out the way you want (to the dismay or NGOs or organisations I’ve worked with) but that’s what makes it authentic.
That there will be many days when I will want to tear my hair out from frustration (yes mum, I know I already have quite little hair!).
To be annoyed by my inability to draft a stellar report in time. But making sense of data is not easy. You have to be in the mind frame to want to sit with it and weed through it all.
My writing style won’t suit everyone.
There will be good days and bad days.
“The data speaks for itself”.
To be balanced in your write-up.
Redrafting is the norm (as is crying while doing it).
It’s ok to google something or start a short course to improve your understanding of analysis.
Overall, research is great. It’s a creative outlet of sorts.