About me
I have recently completed a PhD in Sociology at Newcastle University and have expertise in both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and in writing literature reviews. My PhD research focused on "The Perspectives of Iranian Feminists and Women Activists on their Political Identity and Priorities". Data for the project was generated through in-depth interviews and was analysed thematically. This involved identifying key themes across the data, drawing out generalizable insights and connecting these to existing literatures. During my PhD, I underwent extensive training in qualitative data analysis, having completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Research; I successfully applied these skills in my own research and was awarded my PhD with minor corrections in November 2018. My PhD examiners commended on the depth of my analysis, my management of complex data and my ability to write clearly and succinctly. Writing my PhD thesis also involved reviewing various literatures; this allowed me to develop the ability to absorb vast amounts of varied information and to provide a critical overview of these.
In my Master's dissertation, I used a quantitative methodology which included data entry and multivariate analysis of a survey of over 96 participants recruited through a form of snowball sampling. The data was gathered and was analysed using analytic statistics of Pearson correlation coefficient, multiple variable regression analysis, path analysis, factor analysis, and suitability of model. In my dissertation, I encoded variables according to measurement levels of variables and then the data was entered into the computer software in order to analyse statistical data and results in expanded information through software packages of Lisrel and SPSS. Also, as I have a PG Certificate, I passed the module of Quantitative Method and I received distinction (72%) for this module. By achieving distinction for this module, I proved my ability to work with and analyse data using the SPSS software.
I enjoyed working as a project manager at SAMAD LIFESTYLE LTD company. My responsibilities included designing a research project, data collection and data analysis of a survey over 100 participants. The survey aimed to provide a comprehensive report on the participant's opinion about the taste of Iranian food products such as nuts, saffron and pastry. I also worked as a research assistant to assess the perspectives of Persian speakers about Iranian culture conducted by IRIB JAM-E-JAM television network. This survey used snowball sampling and concerned the perspectives of 45 Iranian and non-Iranian, Persian speakers, about Iranian culture including Iranian traditions and poems.
As a large piece of independent research, completing my PhD on schedule and to an impeccably high standard required dedication, effective time management and the ability to set and meet targets. Alongside my PhD, I also worked as a Teaching Assistant at Newcastle University; managing the competing responsibilities of work and studying required flexibility and effective planning and prioritisation of tasks. As a Teaching Assistant, I worked collaboratively with colleagues as part of a team, gaining experience in both leadership and supporting roles. As such, addition to my formal training in both qualitative and quantitative analysis and my experience of compiling literature reviews, I will bring this strong work ethic to the role of Research Analyst.