On April 27, 2018, visiting scholars Huawei Han and Yake Wang offered a training workshop on How to Conduct Research to the research team of the China Center for Social Policy at Columbia School of Social Work. The half-day training workshop focused on concrete elements of the research process, including formulation of research questions, conducting literature review, identification of the most appropriate data source and methodology, interpretation of results, writing techniques, and publication strategies. Professor Qin Gao, Director of the China Center, hosted and moderated the workshop.
Dr. Yake Wang, Professor at the School of Insurance and Economics, University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China, drew upon her recent research on China’s pension system to highlight essential research components and strategies. She emphasized the importance of a coherent research trajectory both in one’s career development and funding applications. She urged the team members to gain a comprehensive understanding of relevant theories and cutting-edge empirical research in one’s field of study. She specifically reminded the trainees to read the works of leading scholars in order to “stand on the shoulders of giants.” Dr. Wang also emphasized the importance of having a keen understanding of real-world developments in policy practices which can inform both formulation of research questions and drawing meaningful implications.
Dr. Huawei Han, Associate Professor at the School of Social Development and Public Policy in Beijing Normal University, used one of his recent publications on targeting performance and elite capture in China’s rural Dibao program as an example to discuss research challenges and strategies. He encouraged the team members to undertake important, innovative research to advance the knowledge base. Dr. Han highlighted the central role of a clear and solid conceptual framework in guiding the research questions, data analysis, and writing process. He also reviewed the main approaches to addressing endogeneity in social policy research and reminded the trainees to be thorough and honest in dealing with limitations in data and methodology.
During the Q and A, both professors mentioned the importance of writing a concise, clear, and convincing introduction section for any research paper. Other questions raised by the participants included the validity of research questions, dealing with missing data, interpretation of contradictory results, and how best to draw policy implications. Dr. Gao joined the two professors to offer her insights on how to write well, time management, and dealing with the review and resubmission process of articles.
Participants of this training workshop were deeply appreciative of the opportunity for receiving such hands-on, in-depth guidance from the professors. All were inspired and invigorated to pursue future projects that can advance the field of social policy and enhance social justice and human well-being through rigorous research endeavors.