One reason understanding research design for non-researchers is important is because it helps us become better at discerning what does and doesn't constitute *real* research. It is a matter of information literacy. Many people assume that if someone on the internet is stating something confidently and passionately enough, that they must be right. Understanding what true research actually takes (time commitment, credibility, minimizing bias, etc.) helps us better separate the truth from misrepresentations.

Opens eyes to real vs. fake news: Learn to spot reliable info and ignore the noise. Boosts job skills: Understanding research basics sets you apart in any career. Sharpens critical thinking: Get better at questioning and understanding data. Fosters innovation: Discover how to test new ideas methodically. Personal growth: Gain tools to explore personal interests deeply and accurately.

Opens eyes to real vs. fake news: Learn to spot reliable info and ignore the noise. Boosts job skills: Understanding research basics sets you apart in any career. Sharpens critical thinking: Get better at questioning and understanding data. Fosters innovation: Discover how to test new ideas methodically. Personal growth: Gain tools to explore personal interests deeply and accurately.

There are several research design courses available in higher education institutions. Identifying the best research design course for a non-research major means determining the discipline appropriate for research design training. Examine the course objectives once a few courses are narrowed down based on discipline. If the course objectives align with the non-researcher's goals, the course identified may be a good fit. Conversely, if the course objectives do not align with the non-researcher's goals, the course may not be beneficial.

When picking a research course for non-research students, go for one that relates topics to real-life examples. Choose courses that involve interactive parts like hands-on projects, which help make the content easier to grasp. Ensure the course teaches both qualitative and quantitative methods, catering to different interests. Look for courses with good support, such as helpful teachers and peer discussions. If you're often busy, consider a course that allows you to learn at your own pace. Make sure the course regularly checks your progress and gives feedback. Lastly, choose a course that boosts your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, skills that are useful in any job.

Connect research skills to career benefits, demonstrating relevance across various fields. Tackle issues students care about by applying research concepts to real-life problems. Use simple language, avoiding technical jargon, to make learning accessible. Engage curiosity through questions that encourage students to seek their own answers. Incorporate hands-on activities to make learning interactive and practical. Relate lessons to current events, showing research’s impact in real time. Celebrate each achievement to build confidence, and use visuals like infographics for clearer understanding. Promote peer discussions to enhance learning through collaboration.

Start with why: Explain why research matters in daily life—like choosing products based on reviews. Use relatable examples: Compare research methods to everyday decisions, such as planning a trip. Hands-on practice: Encourage mini-projects where students design surveys or experiments on topics they love. Visual aids: Use simple infographics to break down complex steps. Peer learning: Have students explain concepts to each other to reinforce understanding. Keep it light: Use humor and stories to make the material engaging and less intimidating.

Start with real-life problems: Use everyday issues that students relate to as research topics. Simplify concepts: Break down research methods into easy-to-understand steps. Interactive sessions: Encourage hands-on activities like creating surveys or experiments. Visual aids: Use diagrams and charts to explain research stages. Feedback loops: Allow peer reviews to foster collaborative learning and improvement. Celebrate progress: Highlight small wins to keep motivation high. Keep it practical: Connect tasks to potential real-world applications to spark interest.

Start by shedding othering terms like "non-research". Say what these programs are, not what they are not. Professional programs perhaps? Then, make the case for the relevance of research in all disciplines and programs. This might be about the skills; for example digital literacy and information literacy are core competencies for practically any role. It might be relationships; one reason working with faculty on research or conducting original research are high impact practices are the relationships students build, finding mentors who can give advice and serve as role models. The impact of a research project might be another way to make the case for broader relevance.

In a research class, the final output is either a research proposal or a complete research project. I believe that it is important to scaffold student learning with the concepts by incorporating various articles on their literature search that can be used for future discussions.