Introduction to Research Methods

Dr. Bora Pajo is a methodologist at Franklin University, Doctoral Studies, in Columbus, Ohio. She teaches methodology courses for doctoral students and is heavily engaged with the dissertation process, especially research design. She is dedicated to teaching and writing about research processes in the hopes to transmit her enthusiasm of conducting scientific research to students. She was awarded the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education Excellence Award in 2021, Bailey Teaching Award for Summer 2021 at Franklin University, and Deans Award Recognizing Excellence (DARE) in 2022 from Franklin University.

Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 • The Purpose of Research
Chapter Outline
Scientific Research and Its Purpose
Theories of Knowledge
A Quick Look at Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Ethical Research
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 2 • Formulating a Research Question
Chapter Outline
Choosing a Research Topic
Operationalization of Constructs
Types of Variables
Types of Hypotheses
Visualizing a Research Question
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 3 • Researching and Writing the Literature Review
Chapter Outline
Defining a Literature Review
Exploring the Literature
Understanding and Organizing the Literature
Thinking Critically
Hypotheses
Systematic Reviews of Literature
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 4 • Quantitative Designs
Chapter Outline
Categorizations of Research Studies
Cross-Sectional Versus Longitudinal Studies
Causality in Research
Experimental Designs
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 5 • Measurement Errors, Reliability, Validity
Chapter Outline
Measurement Errors
Reliability
Validity
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 6 • Sampling
Chapter Outline
Defining Sampling
Probability and Non-Probability Sampling
Types of Non-Probability Sampling
Types of Probability Sampling
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 7 • Data Collection for Quantitative Research
Chapter Outline
Experimental Research
Quasi-Experimental Research
Preparing and Collecting Data Through Questionnaires
Methods of Data Collection
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 8 • Secondary Data
Chapter Outline
Benefits of Using Secondary Data
Major Sources of Secondary Data
Disadvantages of Secondary Data
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 9 • Entering and Organizing Quantitative Data
Chapter Outline
The Purpose of Entering and Organizing Quantitative Data
Preparing for Data Entry
Organizing and Inputting Variables
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 10 • Analyzing Quantitative Data
Chapter Outline
Analyzing Quantitative Data
Univariate Analysis
Graphical Representation of Data
Measures of Central Tendency
Bivariate Analysis
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 11 • Qualitative Designs and Data Collection: Understanding What Behavior Means in Context
Chapter Outline
An Introduction to Qualitative Research Designs
Ways of Collecting Qualitative Data
Unobtrusive Methods and Additional Sources of Qualitative Data
Mixed Methods
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
About the Chapter Contributor
Chapter 12 • Entering, Coding, and Analyzing Qualitative Data
Chapter Outline
Enter, Clean, and Organize Qualitative Data
Coding Qualitative Data
Analyzing Qualitative Data
Summary
Key Terms
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 13 • Results and Discussion
Chapter Outline
Reporting Results
Results in Quantitative Studies
Results in Qualitative Studies
Visually Presenting Results
Discussion
Recommendations
Summary
Key Term
Taking a Step Further
Chapter 14 • Presenting Your Research
Chapter Outline
Presenting Your Findings to an Audience
Applying to Conferences
Publishing an Article
Summary
Taking a Step Further
References
Name Index
Subject Index
About the Author