By Kebba AF Touray
The Research Department of the National Assembly has commenced a three-day training for its staff on Data Collection, Analysis, and Referencing.
The effective functioning of the legislature depends heavily on evidence-based decision making, underpinned by comprehensive and accurate research.
Research officials play a crucial role in providing the necessary information by collecting, analyzing, and presenting data structured and reference information.
According to the organisers, the training aims to enhance the skills of the NA Research Officers in data collection, analyzing, and referencing.
Mr. Alhagie Dumbuya, the Director of Library and Research, said: “The three-day training will focus on improving participant’s capacity to gather accurate data, analyze efficiently and correctly reference their work using citations, footnotes, endnotes, and reference lists.”
He said that this will ensure that their research outputs are credible and meet the highest academic and professional standards.
Mr Dumbuya also explained that the overall goal of the training is to strengthen the research capacity of the research unit of the legislature, by equipping the staff with the necessary skills for data collection, analysis, and referencing.
“The specific objectives of the training are to improve the ability of Research Officers to collect relevant data using different methodologies. It is to equip participants with data analysis techniques, enabling them to interpret data correctly.”
He also said that the training also aims to introduce participants to academic and professional referencing standards (including citation, footnoting, end noting and creating references), and ensure research officers can produce well referenced reports and documents that adhere to internationally recognized standards.
It is expected that by the end of the training, the participants will be able to understand and apply various data collection methods appropriate for their research needs, and they will also be able to conduct both quantitative and qualitative analysis effectively using relevant software.
He went on to say: “It will also enable the officers to correctly cite sources, use footnotes, and create a well-structured reference list within international standards.”
Declaring the training officially open, the Deputy Clerk for Legal and Procedural Matter, Khalipha MM Mbye, commended the Research Department for the outstanding work they continue to render to the legislature and the relevant information they provide to the Lawmakers.
He urged the participants to take full advantage of the training, stressing that research is the foundation for decision-making in institutions such as the parliament.
