RDF Domain A: Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities

Domain A: Knowledge and Intellectual Abilities

Domain A of Researcher Development Framework. Knowledge and intellectual abilities - The knowledge, intellectural abilities and techniques to do research. Subdomains: Knowledge base (A1), Cognitive abilities (A2), and Creativity (A3).The first domain of the RDF consists of knowledge base (A1), cognitive abilities (A2), and creativity (A3).

Together, these sub-domains help to identify core knowledge, intellectual abilities, and techniques that will assist you in your postgraduate research and beyond.

Vitae have highlighted particular skills within the sub-domains that may be relevant including: subject knowledge and information seeking (A1); critical thinking and problem solving (A2); argument construction and innovation (A3).

To learn more about the RDF domains, visit the Vitae website.

GRADskills offers a suite of workshops that are tailored specifically to postgraduate students and are organised according to each domain of the RDF.

In addition to these workshops, as a postgraduate you are entitled to participate in the Professional Skills Curriculum (PSC) which is a programme of workshops designed to build students’ employability skills. Particular skills within the RDF will be addressed in the PSC workshops.

Knowledge Base (A1)

Within Knowledge Base (A1), the RDF highlights five key skills: Subject knowledge

  1. Research methods: theoretical knowledge
  2. Research methods: practical application
  3. Information seeking
  4. Information literacy and management

For subject specific guidance with your postgraduate research, visit the University Library’s subject guidance page.

If you are looking to develop in this area, you may consider some of the following workshops:

Academic writing:

  • How to be your own best editor
  • Is my writing ‘academic’ enough?
  • The writing process: getting started
  • Writing a literature review
  • Writing well: coherence, structure and argumentation

Bibliographic software:

  • Endnote & Endnote Web: an introduction

Introduction to Statistics:

  • Part One – All About Data
  • Part Two – Probability and Statistical Distributions
  • Part Three – Hypothesis Tests
  • Part Four – Regression and Linear Models

Presenting data:

  • Posters and Graphical Abstracts: How to present your science visually

Thesis submission:

  • E-thesis Submission: What you need to know

A full list of workshops can be found in the GRADskills programme in PDMS.

Cognitive Abilities (A2)

Within Cognitive Abilities (A2), the RDF highlights five key skills: Analysing

  1. Synthesising
  2. Critical thinking
  3. Evaluating
  4. Problem solving

If you are looking to develop in this area, you may consider some of the following workshops:

Critical thinking:

  • Rapid, critical, and strategic reading

Introduction to Statistics:

  • Part One – All About Data
  • Part Two – Probability and Statistical Distributions
  • Part Three – Hypothesis Tests
  • Part Four – Regression and Linear Models

A full list of workshops can be found in the GRADskills programme in PDMS.

Creativity (A3)

To learn more about the other domains:

  • Domain A: Knowledge and intellectual abilities
  • Domain B: Personal effectiveness
  • Domain C: Research knowledge and organisation
  • Domain D: Engagement, influence and impact

Return to GRADskills’ RDF homepage

Contact us

St Leonard's College
The Old Burgh School,
Abbey Walk
St Andrews
KY16 9LB

[email protected]

Phone:+44 (0)1334 46 2003

Upcoming events

Commemoration of St Leonard
Sunday 3 November 2024, 6.00pm to 7.00pm
St Leonard’s Chapel, followed by a reception at the Old Burgh School 7.00pm -8.00pm

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Wednesday 6 November 2024, 2.30pm to 4.00pm
Arts Lecture Theatre, Arts Building

Creative Student Workshops
Wednesday 13 November 2024, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Free, booking required
Wardlaw Museum

Bell Pettigrew sessions
Thursday 14 November 2024, 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Bell Pettigrew Museum

South Asian Festival
Saturday 16 November 2024, 2.30pm to 9.30pm
Laidlaw Music Centre

South Asian Festival
Saturday 19 November 2024, 2.30pm to 9.30pm
Free
Laidlaw Music Centre

Music in the Museum
Sunday 24 November 2024, 3.30pm to 4.15pm
Wardlaw Museum

Creative Student Workshops
Wednesday 27 November 2024, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Free, booking required
Wardlaw Museum