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RESEARCH METHODS »

A Practical Guide to Research Methods

 

[ Buy this book ] W elcome to the third edition of this book which has been fully updated and revised to include information about technological advances in research methods, useful websites, updated contact details of relevant organisations and a comprehensive list of research councils for postgradu... [ Read More ]

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.

 
 
 

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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;