Practical Research: Planning and Design

For introductory courses Research Methods in any area of study-from Anthropology to Zoology Engaging, cross-disciplinary, practical. Practical Research: Planning and Design is a do-it-yourself, understand-it-yourself manual for planning and conducting research. Suitable for a wide variety of courses in basic research methodology, the text guides the reader, step-by-step, from the selection of a problem, through the process of conducting authentic research, to the preparation of a completed report, with practical suggestions throughout. The authors emphasize the idea that quality research demands planning and design, and they provide what is needed for readers to be able to execute their own research projects effectively and professionally. From reviews of the book: "[Practical Research] is written in a very user-friendly style for novice researchers. It gives a good overview of research methodology in a very concise manner. I like the extended examples." - Brian Belland, Utah State University "The primary strengths ...are the authors' capacity to provide a succinct overview to research in its broadest sense, while offering enough depth to both engage the reader and provoke an interest in further study. For this reason, Practical Research: Planning and Design represents a seminal introduction to the subject of research and remains a helpful reference tool along the way for novice and experienced researchers alike." - Robert Hayden, Michigan State University This title is also available packaged with the Enhanced Pearson eText. To order the Enhanced Pearson eText packaged with a bound book, use ISBN 0134013506. Invigorate learning with the Enhanced Pearson eText The Enhanced Pearson eText provides a rich, interactive learning environment designed to improve student mastery of content with interactive learning exercises and assessments. The Enhanced Pearson eText is also available with a loose-leaf version or without a print version. Instructors, visit pearsonhighered.com/etextbooks to register for your digital examination copy. Students, register for or purchase your eText at pearsonhighered.com/etextbooks.Brief Contents PART I THE FUNDAMENTALS Chapter 1 THE NATURE AND TOOLS OF RESEARCH PART II FOCUSING YOUR RESEARCH EFFORTS Chapter 2 THE PROBLEM: THE HEART OF THE RESEARCH PROCESS Chapter 3 REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE Chapter 4 PLANNING YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT Chapter 5 WRITING THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL PART III QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Chapter 6 DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH Chapter 7 EXPERIMENTAL, QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL, AND EX POST FACTO DESIGNS Chapter 8 ANALYZING QUANTITATIVE DATA PART IV QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Chapter 9 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS Chapter 10 HISTORICAL RESEARCH Chapter 11 ANALYZING QUALITATIVE DATA PART V MIXED-METHODS RESEARCH Chapter 12 MIXED-METHODS DESIGNS PART VI RESEARCH REPORTS Chapter 13 PLANNING AND PREPARING A FINAL RESEARCH REPORT APPENDICES Appendix A USING A SPREADSHEET: MICROSOFT EXCEL Appendix B USING SPSS