A Step-By-Step Guide to Conducting Research for Beginning Researchers
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 190
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 190
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A Step-By-Step Guide to Conducting Research for Beginning Researchers was written especially for students who require foundational information related to research methods. Whether majoring in education, social sciences, psychology, communication, health sciences, music, or another field, research is not just an academic requirement; it is a powerful way to explore questions that matter, make sense of the world, and contribute meaningfully to knowledge and practice. This book introduces the beginning researcher to five re search methods, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, applied, and action research. Features of this book are designed to support the beginning researcher and include an explanation of three basic research methods and two project-based research methods. No prior research experience is required—only a willing ness to ask good questions and follow where the evidence leads
Chapter 1: Introduction to Research Methods
Chapter 2: The Foundations: Paradigms, Worldviews, and Research Questions
Chapter 3: Ethics in Research: Doing It Right and Responsibly
Chapter 4: Literature Review: Finding and Using Existing Knowledge
Chapter 5: Qualitative Research: Exploring Meaning and Experience
Chapter 6: Quantitative Research: Measuring and Testing
Chapter 7: Mixed Methods Research: Combining Research Methods
Chapter 8: Applied Research: Solving Real-World Problems
Chapter 9: Action Research: Implementing an Action Plan
Chapter 10: Qualitative Research Approaches
Chapter 11: Quantitative Research Approaches
Appendix A: Qualitative Research Template
Appendix B: Quantitative Research Template
Appendix C: Mixed Methods Research Template
Appendix D: Applied Research Template
Appendix E: Action Research Template
Appendix F: Individual Scholarly Works Template
Appendix G: Comparative Scholarly Works Template
Dr. Bunnie L. Claxton is the founder and chief executive officer of Dissertation Research Specialist, a company that supports the implementation of doctoral programs in universities around the world. She currently serves as a consultant to universities regarding dissertation research to assist with program development, course development, and faculty training. She also provides support to doctoral candidates through her website www.dissertationspecialist.com. She is an adjunct instructor, subject matter expert, and dissertation chair for multiple universities. She is an international speaker, and she presented her research at Oxford University and Cambridge University in 2025. She was the keynote speaker for the World Conference on Teaching and Education in Berlin, Germany. Formerly, she served as the director of applied doctoral research at Liberty University. Dr. Claxton has been involved in the field of education since 1994, including public school, private school, home school, and higher education. Dr. Claxton served as the superintendent for Liberty University Online Academy, an online K–12 school with over 16,000 students, and she currently serves on the board of directors. She is the author of 20 textbooks and is best known for her Step-by-Step textbook series. A few titles include A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Applied Research, A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Qualitative Research, A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Quantitative Research, A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Literature Review for Doctoral Research, and A Step-by-Step Introduction to Research Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed-Methods, and Applied.
Dr. Robert K. Mott, PhD is a professor at Liberty University. His experience includes 24 years teaching in higher education as well as in freelance work in the field of communication and design. He currently serves as the online chair of the School of Communication & the Arts at Liberty University. Dr. Mott oversees the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Strategic Media and Communication degree programs at Liberty University. Dr. Mott has developed and taught graduate level research courses and chaired numerous dissertation committees. Additionally, he has taught television and video production in studio, field, and remote locations. In his freelance work, Dr. Mott developed content for Fortune 500 companies using TQM strategies and Blackbelt Training for Six Sigma Project management.
Dr. Greg M. Benson is an accomplished educator, researcher, and academic leader with over two decades of experience in teaching, leadership, and curriculum develop ment. He currently serves as Dean of the School of Education at Southern Wesleyan University, where he provides visionary leadership in program innovation, faculty development, and accreditation alignment. Additionally, Dr. Benson serves as an adjunct professor and dissertation methodologist for several universities, where he has mentored and chaired more than 400 doctoral dissertations, guiding emerging scholars in the areas of leadership, education, and applied research. A prolific author and speaker, Dr. Benson’s scholarship bridges the fields of leadership, education, and organizational effectiveness. His recent publications include multiple book chapters with IGI Global and contributions to The Power of Creative Thinking: Identifying and Solving Problems in Business, Education, and Society (KIE Conference, 2025). His research has been featured in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education, and he is the Editor-in-Chief of Employee Retention and Loyalty in the Modern Workplace (IGI Publishing, 2025). Dr. Benson’s professional mission centers on mentoring doctoral students, advancing evidence-based leadership practices, and helping educators design and conduct high-quality, project-based research that leads to meaningful change. Through his work, he continues to inspire scholars and practitioners to approach educational research as both an academic pursuit and a vehicle for transformative impact.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Conducting Research for Beginning Researchers was written especially for students who require foundational information related to research methods. Whether majoring in education, social sciences, psychology, communication, health sciences, music, or another field, research is not just an academic requirement; it is a powerful way to explore questions that matter, make sense of the world, and contribute meaningfully to knowledge and practice. This book introduces the beginning researcher to five re search methods, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, applied, and action research. Features of this book are designed to support the beginning researcher and include an explanation of three basic research methods and two project-based research methods. No prior research experience is required—only a willing ness to ask good questions and follow where the evidence leads
Chapter 1: Introduction to Research Methods
Chapter 2: The Foundations: Paradigms, Worldviews, and Research Questions
Chapter 3: Ethics in Research: Doing It Right and Responsibly
Chapter 4: Literature Review: Finding and Using Existing Knowledge
Chapter 5: Qualitative Research: Exploring Meaning and Experience
Chapter 6: Quantitative Research: Measuring and Testing
Chapter 7: Mixed Methods Research: Combining Research Methods
Chapter 8: Applied Research: Solving Real-World Problems
Chapter 9: Action Research: Implementing an Action Plan
Chapter 10: Qualitative Research Approaches
Chapter 11: Quantitative Research Approaches
Appendix A: Qualitative Research Template
Appendix B: Quantitative Research Template
Appendix C: Mixed Methods Research Template
Appendix D: Applied Research Template
Appendix E: Action Research Template
Appendix F: Individual Scholarly Works Template
Appendix G: Comparative Scholarly Works Template
Dr. Bunnie L. Claxton is the founder and chief executive officer of Dissertation Research Specialist, a company that supports the implementation of doctoral programs in universities around the world. She currently serves as a consultant to universities regarding dissertation research to assist with program development, course development, and faculty training. She also provides support to doctoral candidates through her website www.dissertationspecialist.com. She is an adjunct instructor, subject matter expert, and dissertation chair for multiple universities. She is an international speaker, and she presented her research at Oxford University and Cambridge University in 2025. She was the keynote speaker for the World Conference on Teaching and Education in Berlin, Germany. Formerly, she served as the director of applied doctoral research at Liberty University. Dr. Claxton has been involved in the field of education since 1994, including public school, private school, home school, and higher education. Dr. Claxton served as the superintendent for Liberty University Online Academy, an online K–12 school with over 16,000 students, and she currently serves on the board of directors. She is the author of 20 textbooks and is best known for her Step-by-Step textbook series. A few titles include A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Applied Research, A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Qualitative Research, A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Quantitative Research, A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Literature Review for Doctoral Research, and A Step-by-Step Introduction to Research Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed-Methods, and Applied.
Dr. Robert K. Mott, PhD is a professor at Liberty University. His experience includes 24 years teaching in higher education as well as in freelance work in the field of communication and design. He currently serves as the online chair of the School of Communication & the Arts at Liberty University. Dr. Mott oversees the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Strategic Media and Communication degree programs at Liberty University. Dr. Mott has developed and taught graduate level research courses and chaired numerous dissertation committees. Additionally, he has taught television and video production in studio, field, and remote locations. In his freelance work, Dr. Mott developed content for Fortune 500 companies using TQM strategies and Blackbelt Training for Six Sigma Project management.
Dr. Greg M. Benson is an accomplished educator, researcher, and academic leader with over two decades of experience in teaching, leadership, and curriculum develop ment. He currently serves as Dean of the School of Education at Southern Wesleyan University, where he provides visionary leadership in program innovation, faculty development, and accreditation alignment. Additionally, Dr. Benson serves as an adjunct professor and dissertation methodologist for several universities, where he has mentored and chaired more than 400 doctoral dissertations, guiding emerging scholars in the areas of leadership, education, and applied research. A prolific author and speaker, Dr. Benson’s scholarship bridges the fields of leadership, education, and organizational effectiveness. His recent publications include multiple book chapters with IGI Global and contributions to The Power of Creative Thinking: Identifying and Solving Problems in Business, Education, and Society (KIE Conference, 2025). His research has been featured in the Journal of Physical Therapy Education, and he is the Editor-in-Chief of Employee Retention and Loyalty in the Modern Workplace (IGI Publishing, 2025). Dr. Benson’s professional mission centers on mentoring doctoral students, advancing evidence-based leadership practices, and helping educators design and conduct high-quality, project-based research that leads to meaningful change. Through his work, he continues to inspire scholars and practitioners to approach educational research as both an academic pursuit and a vehicle for transformative impact.