A Developmental Guide to Research: A Student/Faculty Handbook
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 166
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 166
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This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to developing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting research in the social sciences. It introduces the research process from generating ideas and developing research questions to conducting literature reviews, selecting samples, collecting data, obtaining ethical approval, analyzing results, and communicating findings. Students learn essential research methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, measurement, sampling strategies, statistical analysis, and academic writing practices. Designed for both students and faculty, the handbook emphasizes practical guidance for planning and completing meaningful empirical research.
1 Introduction
Why Do We Conduct Research
Significance in Social Sciences
Chapter 1 Review Questions
Summary
2 Developing a Researchable Idea
Perspective
Chapter objectives
Generating Ideas
Creating Research Questions from Ideas
Distilling Hypotheses from Research Questions
Chapter 2 Review Questions/Exercises
Summary
Key Terms
3 Conducting Literature Searches and Writing Literature Reviews
Perspective
Chapter Objectives
Using Literature for Idea Generation and Theoretical Mastery
Finding Literature: Internet Sources and Library Search Engines
Internet Sources
Library Search Engines
Examining Existing Literature
Practical Guidance
Writing your Literature Review
General Advice
Specific Strategies and Sections
General introduction
Review of the independent variable(s)
Review of the dependent variables
Review of the relationship between variables
Summary
Chapter 3 Review Questions/Exercises
Summary
Key Terms
4 Sampling Methodology
Perspective
Chapter Objectives
Survey Designs
Cross-Sectional Survey Designs
Longitudinal Survey Designs
Trend Studies
Cohort Studies
Rationale of Sampling
Probability Sampling
Simple Random Sampling
Systematic Sampling
stratified Sampling
Cluster Sampling
Non probability Sampling
Convenience Sampling
Purposive Sampling
Snowball Sampling
Quota Sampling
Sample Size Considerations
Formula and Table
Rule of Thumb
Chapter 4 Review Questions/Exercises
Summary
Key Terms
5 Data Collection Tools and Their Use
Perspective
Chapter Objectives
Using Qualitative Methods of Inquiry
Using Indicators, Behaviors, Outcomes, and Events
Indicators
Behaviors
Outcomes and Events
Using Tests and Scales
Scale Properties to Consider
Reliability
Validity
Other Important Properties
Finding Scales to Use
Where to Look
Appropriateness for Use
Practical Guidance
Chapter 5 Review Questions/Exercises
Summary
Key Terms
6 Securing Approval for your Research and the Institutional Review Board
Perspective
Chapter Objectives
Institutional Review Boards and Other Bodies
Characteristics
Structure
Function
Purposes and Priorities
Important Considerations
Protection of Research Participants
Rights of Participants
Information
Dignity
Freedom from Harms
Self-determination
Ownership
Protection of Data
Requirements
Practical Advice
Training in Protection of Research Participants
Key Elements of IRB Applications
General Study and Researcher Information
Study Objectives
Description of Participants
Methods or Procedures
Assessment of Risk
Protections
Promises
Appendices
Informed Consent Forms
Practical Advise
Chapter 6 Review Questions/Exercises
Summary
Key Terms
7 Data Analysis
Perspectives
Chapter Objectives
Dependent and Independent Variables
Dealing with Missing Data
Inferential Data Analytics Techniques
Chi-square Test for Independence
Bivariate Correlation
Multiple Linear Regression
Logistic Regression
Independent samples t-test
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
Statistical Significance and Effect Size
Chapter 7 Review Questions/Exercises
Summary
Key Terms
8 Presenting the Results of the Empirical Studies
Perspective
Styles and Structure of a Research Paper (basic components)
Title Page
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
References
Practical Advise
Peer and Conference Presentation
Publication in Journals
Concluding Remarks
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
References
Index
Dr. Jose Coll is Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Western Oregon University. He brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, academic administration, and student-centered innovation. Prior to joining Western Oregon University, Coll served as Dean of the School of Social Work and Interim Dean of the College of Education at Portland State University, with previous faculty and administrative roles at Texas State University, the University of Southern California, and Saint Leo University. A former noncommissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Saint Leo University, a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from the University of South Florida. His research focuses on worldview development and veteran transition.