Table of Contents

Research: A Way of Thinking
The Research Process: A Quick Glance
STEP I: FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM
Reviewing the Literature
Formulating a Research Problem
Identifying Variables
Constructing Hypotheses
STEP II: CONCEPTUALISING A RESEARCH DESIGN
The Research Design
Selecting a Study Design
STEP III: CONSTRUCTING AN INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION
Selecting a Method of Data Collection
Collecting Data Using Attitudinal Scales
Establishing the Validity and Reliability of a Research Instrument
STEP IV: SELECTING A SAMPLE
Selecting a Sample
STEP V: WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Writing a Research Proposal
STEP VI: COLLECTING DATA
Considering Ethical Issues in Data Collection
STEP VII: PROCESSING AND DISPLAYING DATA
Processing Data
Displaying Data
STEP VIII: WRITING A RESEARCH REPORT
Writing a Research Report

About the Author

Dr Ranjit Kumar taught at Curtin University of Technology and the University of Western Australia for 30 years. He is currently a freelance research and evaluation consultant in Western Australia.

Reviews

This edition contains essential information for beginning researchers and it is presented in a clear and coherent way which engages  the reader. The reader is carefully supported through references to research, questions posed and very well thought through examples. This is a publication which is a pleasure to read cover to cover, although it can be dipped into as necessary. Careful and appropriate support is provided to enable a beginning researcher to start research with an appropriate level of confidence.
*Dr Liane Purnell*

This is a very good book for people who are unfamiliar with the research process. It steps the student through the rationale of doing research in the social sciences and the step by step approach to building up the research capability that masters or early doctoral students will need.  It does not cover some areas of the foundations of research, for example the philosophy behind conducting this type of research and, therefore this would have to be supplemented by other texts.  However, I have added this to our reading list and would recommend it particularly to those who have been out of academia for a while and have not conducted empirical research in the past.
*Inspection Copy Feedback*

Excellent book, explains research methodology really well, clear and easy to follow. I will be using this book on a number of programmes to develop students understanding of research methodology.
*Mark Barnett*