Description: Written specifically for students with no previous experience of research and research methodology, the third edition of Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners integrates various quantitative and qualitative methodologies into eight practice-based steps, providing lots of examples throughout to link theory with practice. The writing style is simple and clear and the author presents this complex subject in a straightforward way that empowers readers to tackle research with confidence.
This new edition has taken the bold step of breaking down the wall between quantitative and qualitative methods and provides methodologies for both modes of enquiry side-by-side in the eight-step process. The book has been revised and updated to include extended coverage of qualitative research methods in addition to existing comprehensive coverage of quantitative methods. There are also brand new learning features such as reflective questions throughout the text to help students consolidate their knowledge.
The book contains practical and easy-to follow guidance on:
- Formulating a research problem
- Reviewing the literature
- choosing a study design
- writing a research proposal
- collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data
- Selecting a sample
- Ethical considerations in research
- Displaying analysed data
- Writing a research report
- Research and practice evaluation
The book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the social sciences embarking on qualitative or quantitative research projects.
Table of Contents: Preface
Research : A Way of Thinking
The Research Process : A Quick Glance
I: FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
Reviewing the literature
Formulating a Research Problem
Identifying Variables
Constructing Hypotheses
II: CONCEPTUALISING A RESEARCH DESIGN
The Research Design
Selecting a Study Design
III: CONSTRUCTING AN INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION
Selecting a Method of Data Collection
Collecting Data Using Attitudinal Scales
Establishing the Validity and Reliability of a Research Instrument
IV: SELECTING A SAMPLE
Selecting a Sample
V: WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
How to Write a Research Propoal
VI: COLLECTING DATA
Considering Ethical Issues in Data Collection
VII: PROCESSING AND DISPLAYING DATA
Processing Data
Displaying Data
VIII: WRITING A RESEARCH REPORT
Writing a Research Report
Research Methodology and Practive Evaluation
Appendix: Developing a Research Project: A Set of Exercises for Beginners
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
