FAQs

General FAQs

What is Research Accelerator?
Research Accelerator is a self-paced video training programme offered by Academic Consulting that focuses on the skills required to analyse and write-up qualitative and quantitative data. There are currently three main offerings as part of Research Accelerator – a membership, quarterly research retreats and an annual virtual conference. The membership is offered year-round and the annual virtual conference is hosted every December. Dates for quarterly retreats vary from year to year.
Who developed Research Accelerator?
Research Accelerator was developed by Academic Consulting, a a New Zealand based company who have taught research methods and data analysis for over 25 years. If you're interested, you can read more about them on their website.

What exactly do I receive as part of the membership?
You'll receive all the support and resources you need to move your research forward. This includes access to the course library and downloadable PDF resources, with new resources are added to the site each month. You'll also be able to attend the live sessions we host each month – these are a great way to answer any questions you have and connect with other researchers. If you can't make the live sessions, you can submit a question ahead of time or you can ask questions directly on the website.
Can I get specific help for my research project as part of this membership?
We’re more than happy to answer quick questions you have about your research. We can’t provide more detailed assistance however e.g., the best NVivo set-up for your particular project or what statistical tests are appropriate for your research question. You’re more than welcome to book an individual consultation with one of our team if you need specific assistance – the cost of this is NZ$249 per hour. Contact us if you’d like to arrange this.
How many live sessions are offered each month?
Currently, there is one 'Live Group Q&A' per month and 'Shut Up and Research' sessions run daily (primarily in the morning NZT). If there is interest in more frequent live sessions, we'll adjust the number accordingly.

Where do I find the schedule and event details?
These are available on this website. This year's conference will be held on December 4–6.
I don’t live in New Zealand – can I still attend?
Absolutely – we’d love for you to join us! Live sessions are scheduled at times that we hope will suit a variety of time zones. All live sessions will also be recorded and can be watched when it's convenient.
How do I access session content and other materials?
All content will be provided in a single online platform – you’ll receive your login for this when you register. Links and recordings for live sessions, the Research Accelerator video library, training notes and presentations slides will all be on the online platform.
Can I just pay to attend a single session/day?
We’re sorry, but no. Our conference is exceptionally good value for money though!
Do I need to attend all the sessions?
Definitely not! Attend as many or as few sessions as you would like – the programme is designed for various interests and experience levels, so the sessions won’t all be relevant to you.

I’d like my university/organisation to pay for this – can you send me an invoice I can give them?
The best option would be to pay yourself and seek reimbursement. If seeking reimbursement isn't possible then contact us to arrange an invoice – note that we cannot invoice for quarterly payments for the membership.
Can I get a GST receipt/invoice for reimbursement from my employer/organisation?
Absolutely – contact us to arrange this.

What version of NVivo/SPSS/Microsoft Office are the videos presented with?
All Research Accelerator videos are presented using Windows, but our training notes include instructions for Mac versions of the software we teach. NVivo videos are suitable for NVivo 14 or the previous version NVivo R1. Alternative instructions will be provided if you are using NVivo 12. The SPSS sessions are presented with version 27 (with instructions and training notes for version 28 and 29), and Office 365 is used for the sessions that cover Word and Excel.
What is the version number of the most recent version of NVivo?
The most recent version of NVivo is version 14. Confusingly, the previous version does not have a version number, it’s just known as “NVivo” – technically speaking it is NVivo R1 (Release 1) and some organisations are referring to it as NVivo 2020, NVivo 2021 or New NVivo.
How do I know which version of NVivo I have?
On the Mac, the version number shows on the first screen that appears when you launch the software. On Windows, the shortcuts to the software (and the options from the start menu) will appear as either 'NVivo 12', 'NVivo' or 'NVivo 14'.
Where can I purchase SPSS/NVivo?
These can be directly purchased through the software vendors IBM SPSS Software and Lumivero. We recommend checking with your university/employer first as you may be able to access an organisational license.