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Research Methodology A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

• Ranjit Kumar - University of Western Australia, Australia
• Description

Designed with students, for students and now shortlisted for the British Book Design and Production Awards 2019!

Eight steps, two pathways, one book.  The Fifth Edition of the bestseller  Research Methodology  has reimagined, redesigned, and fully renovated how a textbook can help students achieve success in their methods course or research project.

Eight steps:  Foolproof for any beginner researcher, the book breaks the process of designing and doing a research project into achievable stages. It delivers students from research problem to their written research report at the pace they need, with clear explanations, DIY tasks and study skills support.  In a new  landscape format  it presents figures, models and visualizations elegantly, so they don't break over a page, making even complex concepts easier to understand.

Two pathways:  With an innovative, beautiful design, regular progress checkpoints have been built into the book and its online resources. As students proceed through the 8 steps, each chapter provides regular opportunities for students to check understanding or give themselves a challenge. Each pathway then gives them the resources they need.

• Confused? Stop, practise with quizzes and flashcards, or use a video to look at a concept a different way.
• Up for a challenge? Access a wealth of additional material including research articles, readings, case studies, activities, bibliography tools and inspiration to pursue your curiosity, impress your lecturer, and nail your assignments.

With this one book,  every student gets what they need to succeed. It is the perfect essential text for students and beginner researchers across the social sciences.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

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Good book for beginner

This is an excellent resource on research methodology and very accessible for the students I teach.

This is an excellent book BUT this edition is HIDEOUS.

It is a weird shape and won't fit well on our library shelves. One of my students mentioned she keeps her's on the floor.

The text is at times pink on pink or blue on blue and the contrast is terrible - that's an accessibility issue.

On a more subjective note, the fonts and the neons look like someone was trying to be cool and trendy and it smacks of 'hello fellow kids'. Fire the graphic designer.

I have suggested that my students buy 4th eds used if possible as it looks like a grow-up book for adults, and will fit on a bookshelf, and is actually LEGIBLE especially if they have any eye issues, colour blindness or specific learning difficulties

Standard classic text - appropriate for any level of study. Excellent overview of concepts and terminology.

A colourful and easy to use text book which I think the students will enjoy.

Fantastic research book. Very easy to read, well laid out and informative

An extremely detailed yet accessible introduction to conducting and evaluating research in a variety of subjects. This is a really helpful resource for students and is presented in an engaging manner.

I am no longer the course leader for this module but this is the best book on the market It is so well structured and very informative in an easier to read format than many other books on this topic

Great overview of research in a user friendly presentation, love the bright colours and unusual landscape layout.

Love this book. Very useful to dip in an out of and is bright and engaging. Clearly defined chapters with a good range of practical activities and exercises to reinforce learning. Student friendly and the bonus of online resources.

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Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Student resources, welcome to the companion website.

Welcome to the companion website for Research Methodology, 4 th Edition,  by Ranjit Kumar . The resources on the site have been specifically designed to support your study.

On this website you will find:

• Video and Multimedia
• Recommended Readings
• Web Resources
• Tables and Figures from the Book

Instructors can log in to access:

• PowerPoint® Slides
• Instructor’s Manual

About the book:

Research Methodology: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners has been written specifically for those with no previous experience of research or research methodology. Written in a logical and accessible style and providing helpful techniques and examples, it breaks the process of designing and doing a research project into eight manageable operational steps. The book guides you through your project from beginning to end by offering practical advice on:

• formulating a research question
• ethical considerations
• carrying out a literature review
• choosing a research design
• selecting a sample
• collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data
• writing a research report.

The book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the social sciences embarking on quantitative or qualitative research projects.

Available with  Perusall —an eBook that makes it easier to prepare for class Perusall  is an award-winning eBook platform featuring social annotation tools that allow students and instructors to collaboratively mark up and discuss their SAGE textbook. Backed by research and supported by technological innovations developed at Harvard University, this process of learning through collaborative annotation keeps your students engaged and makes teaching easier and more effective.  Learn more .

Acknowledgments

The author and SAGE would like to thank the reviewers of the new edition for their time, help and feedback.

Javed Vassilis Khan, Senior Lecturer, NHTV University  Jonathan Lord, Lecturer, University of Salford  Liane Purnell, Senior Lecturer, Newman University Luke Sloan, Lecturer in Quantitative Methods, Cardiff University Margaret Hanson, Senior Lecture in Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University  Paul Willard, Lecturer in Event Management, La Trobe University (Bendigo campus)

A very special thanks to Stephanie Fleischer, Senior Lecturer in Research Methods from the  University of Brighton for creating the companion website resources accompanying the new edition of Research Methodology: A Step-by-step guide for Beginners .

Disclaimer:

This website may contain links to both internal and external websites. All links included were active at the time the website was launched. SAGE does not operate these external websites and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. SAGE cannot take responsibility for the changing content or nature of linked sites, as these sites are outside of our control and subject to change without our knowledge. If you do find an inactive link to an external website, please try to locate that website by using a search engine. SAGE will endeavour to update inactive or broken links when possible.

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• © 2023

Research Methodology in Bioscience and Biotechnology

Research Mindset • Best Practices • Integrity • Publications • Societal Impact

• Kian Mau Goh 0

Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia

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Provides an overview of good research practices and mindsets

Shortens the learning curve for beginners in science writing and presentation

Underline the importance of research integrity and ethics despite the KPI pressure

1523 Accesses

1 Altmetric

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Table of contents (8 chapters)

Front matter, science and philosophy.

Kian Mau Goh

Student’s Proposal, Dissertation, or Thesis

Research integrity and publication ethics, good research practices, publication 101, improving writing and presentation skills, lessons learned from nature’s reports, success can be learned, back matter.

This monograph offers a comprehensive guide to good research practices and mindsets, covering a wide range of topics across 8  chapters. Readers will find numerous themes and strategies that can help them develop their research skills and achieve their objectives, from effective proposal writing to stress management and upskilling. This book explains the purpose, process, tips, and mistakes of writing proposals, theses, articles, and reviews in clear and straightforward language, allowing readers to develop good research plans. By applying the advice and insights offered in this book, students and researchers can improve the quality of their work, cultivate research integrity, and develop good publication plans, write well, and reduce rejection rates. Research outputs will be more likely to be of high quality if students and researchers are encouraged to cultivate these pieces of advice. The focus of the book is not solely on the outcomes of research. Rather, it also delves into mindset, habits, adaptability, time management, stress management, recent tools for upskilling, planning, and execution. Throughout the book, the author seeks to instill a growth mindset in the readers, encouraging them to develop positive research habits and behaviors. KPIs, particularly publications, shall not be used as a reason to erode research integrity and ethnicity; therefore, plagiarism, self-citation, falsifying data, exaggerating findings, authorship in publications, the use of AI tools, CRediT, and COPE are discussed. This book contains interviews with high-profile researchers, top management at institutions, policy advisers, etc., whose opinions and advice the readers will find valuable. Overall, this all-in-one guide is an essential resource for postgraduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and academics who are struggling to find a survival strategy in the rapidly changing research environment. The book assists readers in developing right mindset, planning their research and publications, and in achieving their predetermined objectives.

• Research methodology
• Journal publication
• Research proposal
• Thesis writing
• Good research practice
• Research integrity

Kian Mau Goh obtained his Bachelor's degree in Chemical-Bioprocess Engineering from the esteemed engineering faculty in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 2002. After graduation, he gained invaluable experience as a research scientist at A*STAR/National University of Singapore for two years before returning to UTM to complete his PhD in Protein Engineering in 2007. His team focuses on extremophiles, primarily thermophiles and halophiles, and his research interests include protein engineering, enzymology, metataxonomics, and metagenomics, as well as microbial comparative genomics and transcriptomics.

Book Title : Research Methodology in Bioscience and Biotechnology

Book Subtitle : Research Mindset • Best Practices • Integrity • Publications • Societal Impact

Authors : Kian Mau Goh

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2812-5

Publisher : Springer Singapore

eBook Packages : Biomedical and Life Sciences , Biomedical and Life Sciences (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023

Hardcover ISBN : 978-981-99-2811-8 Published: 29 July 2023

Softcover ISBN : 978-981-99-2814-9 Due: 12 August 2024

eBook ISBN : 978-981-99-2812-5 Published: 28 July 2023

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : XXIII, 241

Number of Illustrations : 1 b/w illustrations

Topics : Plant Sciences , Biological Techniques , Biotechnology

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What is Research Methodology? Definition, Types, and Examples

Research methodology 1,2 is a structured and scientific approach used to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative or qualitative data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. A research methodology is like a plan for carrying out research and helps keep researchers on track by limiting the scope of the research. Several aspects must be considered before selecting an appropriate research methodology, such as research limitations and ethical concerns that may affect your research.

The research methodology section in a scientific paper describes the different methodological choices made, such as the data collection and analysis methods, and why these choices were selected. The reasons should explain why the methods chosen are the most appropriate to answer the research question. A good research methodology also helps ensure the reliability and validity of the research findings. There are three types of research methodology—quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method, which can be chosen based on the research objectives.

What is research methodology ?

A research methodology describes the techniques and procedures used to identify and analyze information regarding a specific research topic. It is a process by which researchers design their study so that they can achieve their objectives using the selected research instruments. It includes all the important aspects of research, including research design, data collection methods, data analysis methods, and the overall framework within which the research is conducted. While these points can help you understand what is research methodology, you also need to know why it is important to pick the right methodology.

Why is research methodology important?

Having a good research methodology in place has the following advantages: 3

• Helps other researchers who may want to replicate your research; the explanations will be of benefit to them.
• You can easily answer any questions about your research if they arise at a later stage.
• A research methodology provides a framework and guidelines for researchers to clearly define research questions, hypotheses, and objectives.
• It helps researchers identify the most appropriate research design, sampling technique, and data collection and analysis methods.
• A sound research methodology helps researchers ensure that their findings are valid and reliable and free from biases and errors.
• It also helps ensure that ethical guidelines are followed while conducting research.
• A good research methodology helps researchers in planning their research efficiently, by ensuring optimum usage of their time and resources.

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Types of research methodology.

There are three types of research methodology based on the type of research and the data required. 1

• Quantitative research methodology focuses on measuring and testing numerical data. This approach is good for reaching a large number of people in a short amount of time. This type of research helps in testing the causal relationships between variables, making predictions, and generalizing results to wider populations.
• Qualitative research methodology examines the opinions, behaviors, and experiences of people. It collects and analyzes words and textual data. This research methodology requires fewer participants but is still more time consuming because the time spent per participant is quite large. This method is used in exploratory research where the research problem being investigated is not clearly defined.
• Mixed-method research methodology uses the characteristics of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in the same study. This method allows researchers to validate their findings, verify if the results observed using both methods are complementary, and explain any unexpected results obtained from one method by using the other method.

What are the types of sampling designs in research methodology?

Sampling 4 is an important part of a research methodology and involves selecting a representative sample of the population to conduct the study, making statistical inferences about them, and estimating the characteristics of the whole population based on these inferences. There are two types of sampling designs in research methodology—probability and nonprobability.

• Probability sampling

In this type of sampling design, a sample is chosen from a larger population using some form of random selection, that is, every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. The different types of probability sampling are:

• Systematic —sample members are chosen at regular intervals. It requires selecting a starting point for the sample and sample size determination that can be repeated at regular intervals. This type of sampling method has a predefined range; hence, it is the least time consuming.
• Stratified —researchers divide the population into smaller groups that don’t overlap but represent the entire population. While sampling, these groups can be organized, and then a sample can be drawn from each group separately.
• Cluster —the population is divided into clusters based on demographic parameters like age, sex, location, etc.
• Convenience —selects participants who are most easily accessible to researchers due to geographical proximity, availability at a particular time, etc.
• Purposive —participants are selected at the researcher’s discretion. Researchers consider the purpose of the study and the understanding of the target audience.
• Snowball —already selected participants use their social networks to refer the researcher to other potential participants.
• Quota —while designing the study, the researchers decide how many people with which characteristics to include as participants. The characteristics help in choosing people most likely to provide insights into the subject.

What are data collection methods?

During research, data are collected using various methods depending on the research methodology being followed and the research methods being undertaken. Both qualitative and quantitative research have different data collection methods, as listed below.

Qualitative research 5

• One-on-one interviews: Helps the interviewers understand a respondent’s subjective opinion and experience pertaining to a specific topic or event
• Document study/literature review/record keeping: Researchers’ review of already existing written materials such as archives, annual reports, research articles, guidelines, policy documents, etc.
• Focus groups: Constructive discussions that usually include a small sample of about 6-10 people and a moderator, to understand the participants’ opinion on a given topic.
• Qualitative observation : Researchers collect data using their five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing).

Quantitative research 6

• Sampling: The most common type is probability sampling.
• Interviews: Commonly telephonic or done in-person.
• Observations: Structured observations are most commonly used in quantitative research. In this method, researchers make observations about specific behaviors of individuals in a structured setting.
• Document review: Reviewing existing research or documents to collect evidence for supporting the research.
• Surveys and questionnaires. Surveys can be administered both online and offline depending on the requirement and sample size.

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What are data analysis methods.

The data collected using the various methods for qualitative and quantitative research need to be analyzed to generate meaningful conclusions. These data analysis methods 7 also differ between quantitative and qualitative research.

Quantitative research involves a deductive method for data analysis where hypotheses are developed at the beginning of the research and precise measurement is required. The methods include statistical analysis applications to analyze numerical data and are grouped into two categories—descriptive and inferential.

Descriptive analysis is used to describe the basic features of different types of data to present it in a way that ensures the patterns become meaningful. The different types of descriptive analysis methods are:

• Measures of frequency (count, percent, frequency)
• Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
• Measures of dispersion or variation (range, variance, standard deviation)
• Measure of position (percentile ranks, quartile ranks)

Inferential analysis is used to make predictions about a larger population based on the analysis of the data collected from a smaller population. This analysis is used to study the relationships between different variables. Some commonly used inferential data analysis methods are:

• Correlation: To understand the relationship between two or more variables.
• Cross-tabulation: Analyze the relationship between multiple variables.
• Regression analysis: Study the impact of independent variables on the dependent variable.
• Frequency tables: To understand the frequency of data.
• Analysis of variance: To test the degree to which two or more variables differ in an experiment.

Qualitative research involves an inductive method for data analysis where hypotheses are developed after data collection. The methods include:

• Content analysis: For analyzing documented information from text and images by determining the presence of certain words or concepts in texts.
• Narrative analysis: For analyzing content obtained from sources such as interviews, field observations, and surveys. The stories and opinions shared by people are used to answer research questions.
• Discourse analysis: For analyzing interactions with people considering the social context, that is, the lifestyle and environment, under which the interaction occurs.
• Grounded theory: Involves hypothesis creation by data collection and analysis to explain why a phenomenon occurred.
• Thematic analysis: To identify important themes or patterns in data and use these to address an issue.

How to choose a research methodology?

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a research methodology: 8

• Research objectives, aims, and questions —these would help structure the research design.
• Review existing literature to identify any gaps in knowledge.
• Check the statistical requirements —if data-driven or statistical results are needed then quantitative research is the best. If the research questions can be answered based on people’s opinions and perceptions, then qualitative research is most suitable.
• Sample size —sample size can often determine the feasibility of a research methodology. For a large sample, less effort- and time-intensive methods are appropriate.
• Constraints —constraints of time, geography, and resources can help define the appropriate methodology.

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How to write a research methodology .

A research methodology should include the following components: 3,9

• Research design —should be selected based on the research question and the data required. Common research designs include experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, descriptive, and exploratory.
• Research method —this can be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method.
• Reason for selecting a specific methodology —explain why this methodology is the most suitable to answer your research problem.
• Research instruments —explain the research instruments you plan to use, mainly referring to the data collection methods such as interviews, surveys, etc. Here as well, a reason should be mentioned for selecting the particular instrument.
• Sampling —this involves selecting a representative subset of the population being studied.
• Data collection —involves gathering data using several data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, etc.
• Data analysis —describe the data analysis methods you will use once you’ve collected the data.
• Research limitations —mention any limitations you foresee while conducting your research.
• Validity and reliability —validity helps identify the accuracy and truthfulness of the findings; reliability refers to the consistency and stability of the results over time and across different conditions.
• Ethical considerations —research should be conducted ethically. The considerations include obtaining consent from participants, maintaining confidentiality, and addressing conflicts of interest.

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The methods section is a critical part of the research papers, allowing researchers to use this to understand your findings and replicate your work when pursuing their own research. However, it is usually also the most difficult section to write. This is where Paperpal can help you overcome the writer’s block and create the first draft in minutes with Paperpal Copilot, its secure generative AI feature suite.  

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• Check and verify text : Make sure the generated text showcases your methods correctly, has all the right citations, and is original and authentic. .   

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the key components of research methodology?

A1. A good research methodology has the following key components:

• Research design
• Data collection procedures
• Data analysis methods
• Ethical considerations

Q2. Why is ethical consideration important in research methodology?

A2. Ethical consideration is important in research methodology to ensure the readers of the reliability and validity of the study. Researchers must clearly mention the ethical norms and standards followed during the conduct of the research and also mention if the research has been cleared by any institutional board. The following 10 points are the important principles related to ethical considerations: 10

• Participants should not be subjected to harm.
• Respect for the dignity of participants should be prioritized.
• Full consent should be obtained from participants before the study.
• Participants’ privacy should be ensured.
• Confidentiality of the research data should be ensured.
• Anonymity of individuals and organizations participating in the research should be maintained.
• The aims and objectives of the research should not be exaggerated.
• Affiliations, sources of funding, and any possible conflicts of interest should be declared.
• Communication in relation to the research should be honest and transparent.
• Misleading information and biased representation of primary data findings should be avoided.

Q3. What is the difference between methodology and method?

A3. Research methodology is different from a research method, although both terms are often confused. Research methods are the tools used to gather data, while the research methodology provides a framework for how research is planned, conducted, and analyzed. The latter guides researchers in making decisions about the most appropriate methods for their research. Research methods refer to the specific techniques, procedures, and tools used by researchers to collect, analyze, and interpret data, for instance surveys, questionnaires, interviews, etc.

Research methodology is, thus, an integral part of a research study. It helps ensure that you stay on track to meet your research objectives and answer your research questions using the most appropriate data collection and analysis tools based on your research design.

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• Research methodologies. Pfeiffer Library website. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://library.tiffin.edu/researchmethodologies/whatareresearchmethodologies
• Types of research methodology. Eduvoice website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://eduvoice.in/types-research-methodology/
• The basics of research methodology: A key to quality research. Voxco. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://www.voxco.com/blog/what-is-research-methodology/
• Sampling methods: Types with examples. QuestionPro website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/types-of-sampling-for-social-research/
• What is qualitative research? Methods, types, approaches, examples. Researcher.Life blog. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-qualitative-research-methods-types-examples/
• What is quantitative research? Definition, methods, types, and examples. Researcher.Life blog. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-quantitative-research-types-and-examples/
• Data analysis in research: Types & methods. QuestionPro website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/data-analysis-in-research/#Data_analysis_in_qualitative_research
• Factors to consider while choosing the right research methodology. PhD Monster website. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://www.phdmonster.com/factors-to-consider-while-choosing-the-right-research-methodology/
• What is research methodology? Research and writing guides. Accessed August 14, 2023. https://paperpile.com/g/what-is-research-methodology/
• Ethical considerations. Business research methodology website. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://research-methodology.net/research-methodology/ethical-considerations/

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• Research Handbooks & Guides
• Finding a Researchable Question
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• Writing and Revision
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• Presenting & Publishing Your Work

Harvard Library abounds with resources to inform your research methodology, no matter the field of study. The following list includes some of the most popular publications across a range of disciplines. To find others, try searching  HOLLIS  for your topic and the subject term  research methodology.

• Analytical Techniques in Biosciences: From Basics to Applications Edited by Chukwuebuka Egbuna, this text presents comprehensive and up-to-date information on the various analytical techniques obtainable in bioscience research laboratories across the world.  
• Analyzing and Interpreting Qualitative Research: After the Interview Covering all the steps in the process of analyzing, interpreting, and presenting findings in qualitative research, authors Charles Vanover, Paul Mihas, and Johnny Saldaña utilize a consistent chapter structure that provides novice and seasoned researchers with pragmatic, "how-to" strategies. Each chapter introduces the method; uses one of the authors' own research projects as a case study of the method described; shows how the specific analytic method can be used in other types of studies; and concludes with questions and activities to prompt class discussion or personal study.
• Library Support for Qualitative Research A guide built by Harvard Librarians for qualitative researchers. It recommends helpful resources and provides opportunities to seek out assistance and support from members of the library's Qualitative Research Support Group.
• Qualitative Dissertation Methodology: A Guide for Research Design and Methods This book by Nathan Durdella breaks down producing the dissertation methods chapter into smaller pieces and goes through each portion of the methodology process step by step. With a warm and supportive tone, he walks students through the process from the very start, from choosing chairs and developing qualitative support networks to outlining the qualitative chapter and delving into the writing.
• Research Methods for the Biosciences Debbie Holmes demystifies the process of research and describes all the factors that enable effective investigation. These include planning your experiment; data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting; and legal, ethical, and health & safety considerations
• SAGE researchmethods SAGE Research Methods is a tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. Users can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and other areas of research.  PRO TIP:  Mine this tool thoroughly whenever you're uncertain about the best methodological approach. A "methods map" facilitates finding content.
• Social Science Methodology: A Unified Framework This one-volume introduction to social science methodology by John Gerring is relevant to the disciplines of anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology and sociology. It includes a thorough treatment of essential elements such as conceptualization, measurement, causality and research design. Written for students, long-time practitioners and methodologists,  it covers both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• A Tale of Two Cultures : Qualitative and Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences Some in the social sciences argue that the same logic applies to both qualitative and quantitative methods. In this text, Gary Goertz and James Mahoney demonstrate that these two paradigms constitute different cultures, each internally coherent yet marked by contrasting norms, practices, and toolkits. They identify and discuss major differences between these two traditions that touch nearly every aspect of social science research, including design, goals, causal effects and models, concepts and measurement, data analysis, and case selection.
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