Summary
Contents
Subject index
Stressing the link between research and theory-building, this concise book shows students how new knowledge is discovered through the process of research. The author presents a model that ties together research processes across the various traditions and shows how different types of research interrelate. The book is sophisticated in its presentation, but provides explanation of higher-level concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. Throughout the book, the author treats research methodologies as universal and logically appropriate ways of answering a wide range of interesting questions, rather than just a set of tools to be applied. The book is an excellent guide for students who will be consumers of research and who need to understand how theory and research interrelate.
Finding and Organizing Information
Finding and Organizing Information
Overview
This chapter covers a range of topics related to the observation and collection of data. It discusses three major sources of “observable” information: (1) firsthand observation; (2) “mediated” information taken from third-party sources such as TV, radio, and print; and (3) data collected through interviews and surveys. The discussion divides each major source of data into qualitative or quantitative types of data collection. The middle portions of the chapter differentiate descriptive projects from those involving causal research. Finally, the discussion concludes with issues of classification and definition.
Introduction
One of the most difficult parts in research is simply getting started. You usually can'tget something from nothing, and the same applies to the start of the research process. Research questions do not simply ...
- Loading...
