About The Book

A Practical Guide to Research Methods
Catherine Dawson

This book provides a comprehensive guide to the best research methods, including qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The book also offers advice on how to conduct market research analysis and writing a report...

About the Author

Catherine Dawson - Dr Catherine Dawson has worked as a researcher since the mid-1980s and has taught on research methods courses at university. She has also written extensively for academic journals on a wide range of subjects including research methodology. She is based in Weymouth, Dorset.

A Practical Guide to Research Methods

 


  1. Preface
  2. How To Define Your Project Asking Questions; Thinking About Your Project; Understanding The Five ‘ws’; Summarising Your Research; Summary; Useful Websites;
  3. How To Decide Upon Amethodology Recognising Qualitative And Quantitativeresearch; Understanding The Methodological Debate; Choosing A Methodology; Summary; Further Reading;
  4. How To Choose Your Research Methods Using Interviews; Conducting Focus Groups; Using Questionnaires; Undertaking Participant Observation; Summary; Further Reading;
  5. How To Conduct Background Research Conducting Primary And Secondary Research; Using Websites; Using Interlibrary Loans; Keeping Records; Summary; Further Reading;
  6. How To Choose Your Participants Understanding Sampling Techniques; Choosing Your Sample Size; Summary; Further Reading;
  7. How To Prepare A Research Proposal The Contents Of A Proposal; What Makes A Good Proposal?; Reasons Why Research Proposals Fail; Summary; Further Reading;
  8. How To Conduct Interviews Methods Of Recording; Developing An Interview Schedule; Establishing Rapport; Asking Questions And Probing For Information; Completing The Interview; Summary; Further Reading;
  9. How To Conduct Focus Groups The Role Of The Moderator; Recording Equipment; Choosing Avenue; Recruiting Your Participants; Summary; Further Reading;
  10. How To Construct Questionnaires Deciding Which Questionnaire To Use; Wording And Structure Of Questions; Length And Ordering Of Questions; Piloting The Questionnaire; Obtaining A High Response; Summary; Further Reading;
  11. How To Carry Out Participant Observation Gaining Access; Acting Ethically; Collecting And Analysing Information; Withdrawing From The Field; Summary; Further Reading;
  12. How To Analyse Your Data Deciding Which Approach To Use; Analysing Qualitative Data; Analysing Quantitative Data; Measuring Data; Summary; Further Reading;
  13. How To Report Your Findings Writing Reports; Structuring Reports; Writing Journal Articles; Producing Oral Presentations; Summary; Further Reading;
  14. How To Be An Ethical Researcher Treating Participants With Respect; Recognising Overt And Covert Research; Producing A Code Of Ethics; Summary; Further Reading;