Books › Practical Research

Practical Research
Planning and Design
First published 1974 · 99998 pages
A reassuring, step-by-step companion that transforms the daunting prospect of academic research into a manageable, structured journey.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting down with a patient, experienced advisor who genuinely wants you to succeed. It strips away the intimidating aura of academic research, replacing it with a steady, pragmatic, and highly structured approach. The prose is refreshingly conversational, guiding you step-by-step through the often-murky waters of methodology, literature reviews, and data analysis. Instead of drowning in jargon, you are offered clear, actionable advice that builds confidence chapter by chapter. The mood is focused and clarifying, transforming the overwhelming anxiety of a blank page into a manageable, logical blueprint. It is an essential, comforting companion for graduate students, novice academics, or anyone tasked with designing a rigorous project from scratch, turning a daunting requirement into an achievable goal.
- Mood
- focused
- structured
- clarifying
- reassuring
- Tone
- conversational
- encouraging
- pragmatic
- instructive
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- intellectual inquiry · methodical planning · problem solving · demystifying academia
- The writing
- Clear, conversational, and highly structured, prioritizing accessibility over academic jargon.
- The arc
- From overwhelmed uncertainty to structured confidence and methodological clarity.
- Who it's for
- Graduate students and novice researchers seeking a friendly, step-by-step guide to navigating their first major research project.
About the book
"For introductory Research Methods courses in any area of study. An engaging, cross-disciplinary guide to research methodology. Practical Research: Planning and Design is a do-it-yourself, how-to manual for planning and conducting research. Suitable for a wide variety of courses in basic research methodology, the book uses a conversational tone, step-by-step instructions, and practical suggestions to guide the reader from the selection of a problem to the preparation of a completed report. The 12th Edition has been updated to include the latest technology-based strategies and online tools. Other key changes include a better balance between quantitative and qualitative methods and the addition of a new chapter on action research" -- From the publisher.
Description from Open Library.
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