Refining a Workshop Intervention for Scientists on Inference and Scientific Methodology

Background: Researchers often lack in-depth training in philosophy of science and epistemology. These subjects can help to foster a critical appraisal of research methodologies and inferential practices. Consequently, we created a workshop on inference and scientific methodology for researchers, which we ran twice with researchers at University of Bristol.
Aims: We aimed to learn (1) whether attendees find the workshop beneficial, and (2) how to improve the workshop.
Methods: We conducted two studies, using questionnaires before and after the workshops to answer our research aims. We ran the workshop once (N = 7 participants), refined it with feedback, and then ran it again (N = 5).
Results: Both studies suggested that the workshop can benefit researchers. Beginning with a visualisation of individual research practices, it can build an understanding of different types of inference and how they are used in practice. This can facilitate critical thought about research practices and the inferences made therein.
Conclusions: The workshop appears beneficial to pursue further. We suggest additional implementation and testing, collecting data on attendees’ attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours. These should be assessed both immediately and several months after the workshop.