From an expert team in the research methods field, RESEARCH METHODS: THE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE BASE, 2nd Edition, is written specifically for users who are new to research methods. The book streamlines and clarifies explanations of fundamental, yet difficult, concepts in a familiar, engaging style. Readers learn about the relationship between theory and practice, which helps them become better researchers and better consumers of research.
- Designed to be accessible to students who are new to research methods, the book's informal writing style reflects the authors' deliberate attempt to make often-daunting material more approachable for many readers.
- This brief text is easily covered in a semester or quarter. Geared to a broad readership in applied social research, it can be used in any standard research methods courses in a wide range of fields.
- A new chapter on ethics in research includes a detailed history as well as discussion of the key principles and practices that all researchers need to know.
- A new appendix features a sample paper that is consistent with current standards of analysis and reporting, including the APA 6th Edition and the recently announced requirements of the American Psychological Society (Cumming, 2013). These include standards and requirements regarding Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews, statistical power, CONSORT-type flow diagrams, effect sizes, and confidence intervals.
- This edition has been reorganized and streamlined so that content is more tightly knit and flows seamlessly from "broad" to "specific" topics.
Part I: FOUNDATIONS.
1. Introduction.
2. Ethics
3. Qualitative Approaches to Research.
Part II: SAMPLING.
4. Sampling.
Part III: MEASUREMENT.
5. Introduction to Measurement.
6. Scales, Tests, and Indexes.
7. Survey Research.
Part IV: DESIGN.
8. Introduction to Design.
9. Experimental Design.
10. Quasi-Experimental Design.
Part V: ANALYSIS AND REPORTING.
11. Introduction to Data Analysis: Foundations of Data Analysis. Conclusion Validity
12. Inferential Analysis.
13. Communicating Research.
Appendix.
William M. Trochim
William M. Trochim (Ph.D., Northwestern University) is a Professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University and a Professor of Public Health in the Department of Healthcare Policy and Research at the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC). He is the Director of the Cornell Office for Research on Evaluation and Director of Evaluation for Extension and Outreach at Cornell, and the Director of Evaluation for the WCMC's Clinical and Translational Science Center. He has taught both undergraduate and graduate required courses in applied social research methods since joining the faculty at Cornell in 1980. Trochim's research interests include the theory and practice of research, conceptualization methods, strategic and operational planning methods, performance management and measurement, and change management. His current research is primarily in the areas of translational research, research-practice integration, evidence-based practice, and evaluation policy.
James P. Donnelly
James P. Donnelly, SUNY-Buffalo Dr. Donnelly is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology at the University at Buffalo. He completed his undergraduate degree at Allegheny College, his masters at Claremont Graduate University and his doctorate at the University at Buffalo. He teaches courses related to research methods and health psychology at the graduate level. Previously a psychologist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, his research and clinical interests are in quality of life issues related to chronic and life limiting illness. He is also affiliated with the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Buffalo. He lives in Clarence, New York with his wife Kerry and sons Seamus and Paddy.
