Cross- national comments on postgraduate education in research methods

There is considerable international debate about how well we are preparing the next generation of researchers. Questions about the study of research methods arise within this debate, especially regarding how well the doctoral degree prepares emerging researchers (e.g., Henson and Williams, 2006; Shulman, Golde, Bueschel, and Garabedian, 2006; Walker, Golde, Jones, Bueschel, and Hutchings, 2007). British (e.g., Emery and Metcalfe, 2009) and Australian (e.g., Kiley and Liljegren, 1999; Malfroy, 2005) universities are including more courses or workshops in research methods to prepare emerging researchers. In the United Kingdom, preparation in research methods is viewed as crucial for the creation of "world class researchers" in higher education, research institutes and industry (Vitae, 2014).