Introduction to Research Methods: A Practical Guide for Anyone Undertaking a Research Project

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This practical, down-to-earth guide is for researchers, students, community groups, charities or employees-in fact anyone who needs to put together research projects quickly and effectively. It contains everything from developing your idea into a proposal, through to analyzing data and reporting results. Whether you have to undertake a project as part of your coursework, or as part of your employment, or simply because you are fascinated by something you have observed and want to find out more, this book offers you advice on how to turn your ideas into a workable project. Specifically it will show you how to: Chose your research methods Chose your participants Prepare a research proposal Conduct interviews and focus groups Construct questionnaires Analyse your data Report your findings Be an ethical researcher. Table of Contents How to Define Your Project Asking questions Thinking about your project Understanding the five ‘Ws’ Summarising your research Summary Useful websites How to Decide Upon a Methodology Recognising qualitative and quantitative research Understanding the methodological debate Choosing a methodology Summary Further reading How to Choose Your Research Methods Using interviews Conducting focus groups Using questionnaires Undertaking participant observation Choosing your methods Summary Further reading How to Conduct Background Research Conducting primary and secondary research Using websites Using interlibrary loans Keeping records Summary Further reading How to Choose Your Participants Understanding sampling techniques Choosing your sample size Summary Further reading How to Prepare research Proposals Understanding the format The contents of a proposal What makes a good proposal? Reasons why research proposals fail Summary Further reading How to Conduct Interviews Methods of recording Developing an interview schedule Establishing rapport Asking questions and probing for information Completing the interview Summary Further reading How to Conduct Focus Groups The role of the moderator Recording equipment Choosing a venue Recruiting your participants Summary Further reading How to Construct Questionnaires Deciding which questionnaire to use Wording and structure of questions Length and ordering of questions Piloting the questionnaire Obtaining a high response Summary Further reading How to Carry out Participant Observations Places of study Gaining access Acting ethically Collecting and analysing information Withdrawing from the field Summary Further reading How to Analyse Your Data Deciding which approach to use Analysing qualitative data Analysing quantitative data Measuring data Summary Further reading How to Report Your Findings Writing reports Structuring reports Writing journal articles Producing oral presentations Summary Further reading How to be an Ethical Researcher Treating participants with respect Recognising overt and covert research Producing a code of ethics Summary Further reading Useful addresses.