Table of Contents

Taking the Leap into the Research World
Setting Up and Getting Started
Developing Your Research Question
Undertaking Credible and Ethical Research
Crafting a Research Proposal
Reviewing Literature
Designing a Research Plan
Understanding Methodologies: Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Approaches
Understanding Methodologies: Evaluative, Action-Oriented and Emancipatory Strategies
Seeking ′Respondents′
Primary Data: Surveys, Interviews and Observation
Secondary Data: Documents, Datasets and Online Data
Analysing Quantitative Data
Analysing Qualitative Data
The Challenge of Writing Up

About the Author

Zina O’Leary is an internationally recognized leader in research methodologies and has a keen interest in the application of research to evidence-based decision-making. Zina is an Adjunct Professor at the Joseph R. Biden Jr, School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware as well as a Senior ­Fellow at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government where she coordinates research and project units for their Executive Masters and Executive Education Programmes. Zina also has an extensive history as a consultant to both government and the private sector and was the research coordinator for the Centre for Environmental Health Development at the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. She is the author of Researching Real World Problems, The Social Science Jargon Buster, Workplace Research and three books in Sage’s Little Quick Fix Series: Research Questions; Research Proposals; and Presenting Your Research.

 

Reviews

One of the best guides on planning and implementing research! O′Leary′s book will be an essential part of my future courses to make sure that students really grasp the different phases of a (small) research project.
*Martin Senn*

This book is very accessible and provides a useful overview of the range of research approaches. It adopts a very practical approach to undertaking research, providing students with clear guidance at each stage of the process.
*Michelle Butler*

An excellent introduction for undergraduate students looking to delve into the world of research. This book will help guide them through the process of planning research, collecting and analysing data, as well as writing the whole thing up. It is an essential guide that really is essential.
*Tom Clark*

This latest work from Zina O’Leary continues and extends her valuable contribution to the research methodology literature.  The book is clear, logically laid out and comprehensive, covering everything research students require.  Once again, the writing is inviting and accessible.  The result is a book which will be of great use to research students, and to those who teach them.  Zina O’Leary’s experience in working with research students shines through.   
*Keith Punch*