Research Methods Toolkit, 2022

The Research Methods Toolkit is an online, open-access resource designed to support researchers, community groups, students, practitioners, and lived-experience researchers to design and carry out high-quality social science and mental health research. The Toolkit responds to persistent barriers to research participation by demystifying research design, methods, data collection, analysis, ethics, and dissemination. It provides a comprehensive suite of accessible modules, guides, and multimedia resources that explain key methodological concepts in qualitative and quantitative research, alongside participatory and creative approaches.

The project is grounded in principles of co-production, centring the knowledge and expertise of people with lived experience of mental distress and marginalisation alongside academic researchers. This ethos shapes both the structure and content of the Toolkit, embedding collaboration and inclusive knowledge creation throughout the research cycle – from identifying research topics and formulating questions to selecting methods, analysing data, and sharing findings.

The development of the Toolkit was informed by a structured needs assessment survey conducted with selected mental health organisations across the UK. A total of 54 respondents participated from selected mental health organisations across the UK. They provided detailed insight into their organisational contexts, existing knowledge and skills in data collection and analysis, prior experiences of research methods training, and preferences for the content, format, and accessibility of a research methods toolkit. Findings from the survey directly shaped the scope, level, and presentation of the Toolkit resources. Following the creation of initial content, a focus group discussion was held with potential users, including people with lived experience, community organisations working in mental health, students, and researchers, to refine content and ensure relevance, clarity, and usability.

The overarching aim of the project is to make research methods accessible, meaningful, and usable for a broad and diverse audience, particularly those traditionally excluded from formal research training. By expanding methodological literacy, the Toolkit empowers communities to engage critically with data, generate evidence that reflects their priorities, and contribute to research, policy, and practice. Resources include practical how-to guides, podcasts, videos, and infographics tailored to varying levels of experience and learning needs.