Scoping Study of Quantitative Methods Capacity Building Needs in Scotland:

Survey of Staff teaching Quantitative Methods

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) have jointly funded this scoping study to identify the particular capacity building needs for quantitative teaching and research in Scotland.  The findings of the study will be used to develop a strategy to improve the supply of quantitatively trained social science researchers.

The study is being undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team based at the University of Edinburgh and involves a survey of all social science departments within Scottish Universities. 

This questionnaire is designed for members of staff of social science departments who have experience of using quantitative methods in research or teaching and aims to get a detailed perspective of current quantitative teaching and research and views on how research methods capacity could be improved. 

We would be grateful if you would complete this questionnaire as soon as possible, so that your views can be incorporated into our report to the Funding Council.

If you have any queries about the study, including problems completing or returning the questionnaire, do not hesitate to contact Susan McVie at the University of Edinburgh by email (smcvie@ed.ac.uk) or by telephone (0131 651 3782).

Your co-operation in helping us by completing this survey is greatly appreciated.

With many thanks for your help,

The StudyTeam:

Ms Susan McVie (Edinburgh),

Professor Tony Coxon (Edinburgh),

Mr Philip Hawkins (Sigma Consultancy),

Ms Jackie Palmer (Edinburgh),

Ms Robin Rice (Edinburgh).