Research methodology : a step-by-step guide for beginners

This practical book is designed for anyone who is planning to undertake a research project in the social sciences for the first time. Organised around eight operational steps, it explains difficult procedures step-by-step. This text has been written specifically for those with no previous experience of research or research methodology. Written in a logical and accessible style and providing helpful techniques and examples, it breaks the process of designing and doing a research project into eight manageable operational steps. The book guides you through your project from beginning to end by offering practical advice 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 book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the social sciences embarking on quantitative or qualitative research projects Research: A Way of ThinkingThe Research Process: A Quick GlanceSTEP I: FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEMReviewing the LiteratureFormulating a Research ProblemIdentifying VariablesConstructing HypothesesSTEP II: CONCEPTUALISING A RESEARCH DESIGNThe Research DesignSelecting a Study DesignSTEP III: CONSTRUCTING AN INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTIONSelecting a Method of Data CollectionCollecting Data Using Attitudinal ScalesEstablishing the Validity and Reliability of a Research InstrumentSTEP IV: SELECTING A SAMPLESelecting a SampleSTEP V: WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSALWriting a Research ProposalSTEP VI: COLLECTING DATAConsidering Ethical Issues in Data CollectionSTEP VII: PROCESSING AND DISPLAYING DATAProcessing DataDisplaying DataSTEP VIII: WRITING A RESEARCH REPORTWriting a Research Report