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. Written specifically for students with no previous experience of research and research methodology, 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. 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. Cover 1 Contents 8 Figures 16 Tables 19 Preface 20 1. Research: A Way of Thinking 24 2. The Research Process: A Quick Glance 40 STEP I Formulating a Research Problem 52 3. Reviewing the Literature 54 4. Formulating a Research Problem 66 5. Identifying Variables 84 6. Constructing Hypotheses 104 STEP II Conceptualising a Research Design 114 7. The Research Design 116 8. Selecting a Study Design 126 STEP III Constructing an Instrument for Data Collection 158 9. Selecting a Method of Data Collection 160 10. Collecting Data Using Attitudinal Scales 190 11. Establishing the Validity and Reliability of a Research Instrument 200 STEP IV Selecting a Sample 212 12. Selecting a Sample 214 STEP V Writing a Research Proposal 238 13. How to Write a Research Proposal 240 STEP VI Collecting Data 262 14. Considering Ethical Issues in Data Collection 264 STEP VII Processing and Displaying Data 274 15. Processing Data 276 16. Displaying Data 314 STEP VIII Writing a Research Report 334 17. Writing a Research Report 336 18. Research Methodologyand Practice Evaluation 346 APPENDIX Developing a research project:a set of exercises for beginners 378 Glossary 400 Bibliography 426 Index 432 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 breaks the process the process of designing and doing a research project into eight manageable steps and provides lots of examples throughout to link theory to the practice of doing research. The book contains straightforward, practical guidance on: - Formulating a research question - Ethical considerations - Carrying out a literature review - Choosing a research design - Selecting a sample - Collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data - Writing a research report. The third edition has been revised and updated to include extended coverage of qualitative research methods in addition to the 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 is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the social sciences embarking on qualitative or quantitative research projects
