Evidence & Synthesis
From a pile of findings to a defensible claim.
An advanced research course on synthesis: combining qualitative and quantitative evidence, managing uncertainty, and producing reports that change decisions rather than decorating them.
4.2h
Study time
12
Lessons
4
Modules
4.7
Rating
118 reviews
Enrolment
Enrol to open Evidence & Synthesis in the learning workspace, track progress and take the assessments.
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Subjects covered
5 topics
Knowledge map
What you will be able to do
- Combine qualitative and quantitative evidence without pretending they are the same
- State findings with appropriate confidence
- Structure a report so the finding cannot be missed
- Handle stakeholders who wanted a different answer
Curriculum
4 modules · 12 lessons
- 01What Each Method Can and Cannot SayHow synthesis works in practice, once the deadline is real.24m
- 02Triangulation Without Hand-wavingThe working method for mixed methods, reduced to what actually matters.26m
- 03Weighting Conflicting FindingsThe judgement calls behind uncertainty, and what each of them costs.22m
- 01Confidence as a VocabularyA close look at reporting and the failures it is meant to prevent.22m
- 02Reporting What You Did Not FindMaking stakeholders explicit enough that somebody else could repeat it.20m
- 03Sample, Scope and CaveatWhere synthesis usually goes wrong, and how to notice it early.18m
- 01Finding First, Method LaterMaking mixed methods explicit enough that somebody else could repeat it.22m
- 02One Page That Does the WorkA close look at uncertainty and the failures it is meant to prevent.20m
- 03Evidence AppendicesHow reporting works in practice, once the deadline is real.16m
- 01Pre-briefing the Difficult ResultA close look at stakeholders and the failures it is meant to prevent.22m
- 02Holding a Finding Under PressureMaking synthesis explicit enough that somebody else could repeat it.24m
- 03Following the Decision, Not the StudyWhere mixed methods usually goes wrong, and how to notice it early.18m
Assessment
Written assignments assessed against the brief, with short retryable quizzes between modules.
Quizzes
No quizzes in this course — assessment is by written submission and exercise.
Assignments
No assessed assignments — each lesson closes with an unassessed exercise.
What students say
- 4 out of 5Chidi Nwosu — Consultant
Well paced. Nothing padded, and the instructor answers discussion threads properly rather than pointing you back at the material.
- 4 out of 5Elena Marchetti — Editor
The examples are drawn from ordinary situations rather than glamorous ones, which made them far easier to apply on Monday morning.
- 5 out of 5Jonas Weiss — Design lead
Not a beginner course despite the label, and better for it. Expect to reread the middle module.
Fictional reviews — demonstration content only
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