Research Methods for Everyday Life - Book Report/Review Example

Research Methods for Everyday Life Section 1 1.1 Main keywords used in the search are as follows: 1. Research design 2. Qualitative methods 3. Quantitative methods 4. Creswell 1.2 Limiters or alternate terms used 1. and 2. by 1.3 Database used for finding books 1. Google books was the site where books were searched 1.4 ISBN numbers of the books are as follows: 1. Research Methods for Everyday Life: blending qualitative and quantitative approaches. ISBN: 978-0-470-34353-I 2. Qualitative-quantitative research methodology: exploring interactive continuum. ISBN: 0-8093-2150-5 3. Blending qualitative & quantitative methods in theses and dissertations. ISBN: 0-7619-3932-6, 0-7619-3931-8 4. Qualitative research design: an interactive approach. ISBN: 0-7619-2607-0, 0-7619-2608-9 5. Qualitative research: a guide to design and implementation. ISBN: 978-0-470-28354-7 6. Quantitative research methods for professionals. ISBN: 0205359132, 9780205359134 7. Quantitative research methods in the social sciences. ISBN: 0195114655, 9780195114652 8. Quantitative research for the behavioral sciences. ISBN: 0471616834, 9780471616832 9. Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. ISBN: 978-1-4129-7517-9 10. Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. ISBN: 141296556X, 9781412965569 1.5 Next search would be based on To find the books on qualitative, quantitative and mixed research designs, limiter like ‘and’ would be used. The limiters greatly facilitate comprehensive search using major key words like qualitative, quantitative, mixed, research design. When specific books are required, giving specified book name would get the desired result. For technical information, membership to academic sites would be preferred as they have huge database of books and journal articles of academic ratings on technical areas and member would give access to those books. 1.6 List of books searched in APA format Clark, Vicki L. Plano and Creswell, John W. (2010). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. California: Sage Publication. Creswell, John W. (2009). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. California: Sage Publication. Maxim, Paul S. (1999). Quantitative research methods in the social sciences. London: Oxford University Press. Maxwell, Joseph Alex. (2005). Qualitative research design: an interactive approach. (2nd ed.) . California: Sage Publications Merriam, Sharan B. (2009). Qualitative research: a guide to design and implementation. San Fransisco: Jossey Bass. Newman, Isadore & Benz, Carolyn R. (1998). Qualitative-quantitative research methodology: exploring interactive continuum. US: Southern Illinois University Press. Thomas, Robert Murray. (2003). Blending qualitative & quantitative methods in theses and dissertations. London: Sage Publications Co. Reaves, Celia Carter. (1992). Quantitative research for the behavioral sciences. US: Wiley Publications. VanderStoep, Scott W., & Johnston, Deirdre D. (2009). Research methods for everyday life: blending qualitative and quantitative approaches. San Francisco: John Wiley and Sons. Vogt, W. Paul. (2007). Quantitative research methods for professionals. US: Pearson/ Allyn and Bacon. Section 2 Scholarly book review of ‘Research methods for everyday life: blending qualitative and quantitative approaches’ by VanderStoep, Scott W., & Johnston, Deirdre D. (2009). The book, ‘Research methods for everyday life: blending qualitative and quantitative approaches’ co-authored by Scott W. VanderStoep and Deirdre D. Johnston is comprehensive in its discussion of research methods for carrying out studies on various issues related to social science, scientific hypotheses, psychometric analysis etc. Research is intrinsic part of developing society that inspires scholars to investigate and give validity to hypotheses that promote welfare of society at large. The book therefore, is very relevant for students and research scholars as it gives a deep insight into the various aspects of research. It informs succinctly how and which research methodology would be best suited for conducting research study on areas of concerned so as to get the optimal research result. The two major research methodologies; qualitative, and quantitative are discussed in detail within the eleven chapters of the book. The first two chapters discuss the meaning and relevance of research studies within the broader context of expanding knowledge base for the wider benefit of human life. First chapter gives layout out of research process, research proposal, research ethics etc. At the same time, it also informs about how the key words are used within the research studies and how SPSS is used for statistical analysis of research data. The second chapter proceeds with the details of developing research strategy. It also discusses the techniques of selecting sample for conducting research that would make significant difference. Chapters 3, 4, 5 and 6 describe in detail the quantitative research method. The chapters have covered wide ranging research issues and factors that give credence to quantitative research objectives. The measurement and data collection technique, using various types of variables helps scholars to develop appropriate research design. The chapters establish the necessity for experimental validity of sample used and the need to quantify data so that it can be applied to larger number of people. Indeed, the major objective of quantitative research helps validate theories that seek to determine the truth of the same. The authors emphasize that key objectives of the research are primarily to maximize the advantages and minimize disadvantages of proposed hypothetical theory. Validity and reliability of data become major factors of research that give credibility to the research findings. The chapters 7, 8, 9 and 10 shows the issues and subjects where qualitative research methodologies are more suitable and expounds on its various modalities that make it very important tool to analyze and predict trends. The authors have examined the wide scope of qualitative research and give practical examples to verify the claims of qualitative research hypothesis. The two research methodologies; quantitative and qualitative are compared in chapter 7 and areas of research are discussed where the blending of two methods optimize the validity of research findings. This is extremely crucial for scholars who find it difficult to decide about the design of their research methodology. The critique of quantitative research gives vital inklings to the use of correct research methods which is critical to a reliable and valid research finding. The rest of the chapters show how qualitative research helps to analyze the changes that occur in our social lives and effectively evaluates the factors that affect our decisions. They claim that it is especially relevant for issues that are significantly impacted by human emotions and feelings. It is especially true in the case of determining trends in consumer behavior or evaluating public leaning to a political ideology or a burning political issue. Authors emphasize that qualitative research is broadly based on grounded theory that are validated through qualitative analysis. The qualitative analysis of data is mainly used to generate theories which reflect the realities of life or aspects of human behavior which has significant impact on the event or issue. The relevance of various qualitative methods like ethnography, phenomenology, case study, textual analysis and applied research are shown through real life examples. They also emphasize the increasing need for action and evaluation research in the fast changing dynamics of social structure and social construction of human interaction. The rapidly changing paradigms of globalization have necessitated analysis of human behavior so that linkages could be formed to improve and improvise the outcome of social interaction amongst diverse populace. It can thus be concluded that the book is highly relevant for students and scholars who wish to pursue research on issues which would be able to give new insight into the issue or issues. The appropriate research approach therefore becomes critical to reach to relatively accurate outcome for the given research question or aim. The in-depth analysis of two research methodologies provides students and scholars with crucial information that helps them to make decisions regarding research design and the way to conduct the research with success. (words: 1276) Reference Google books. 25 June, 2011. VanderStoep, Scott W., & Johnston, Deirdre D. (2009). Research methods for everyday life: blending qualitative and quantitative approaches. San Francisco: John Wiley and Sons. Read More