The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 3rd Edition

by William Trochim, James Donnelly

Thoroughly updated, the third edition of The Research Methods Knowledge Base provides coverage of quantitative methods and enhanced coverage of qualitative methods. It can be used in a variety of disciplines and is ideal for an introductory comprehensive undergraduate or graduate level course. Through its conversational, informal style it makes material that is often challenging for students both accessible and understandable. The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 3e covers everything from the development of a research question to the writing of a final report, describing both practical and technical issues of sampling, measurement, design and analysis.

Genres: Research, Reference, Science, Psychology, Research Methods

361 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Samiha Kamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This textbook was easy to read. It grabs your attention, there are tables and boxes after analysises so that reader can get the main arguments. The summary parts are also well pointed. Hence overall I guess this one will be of good use in conducting researches in the future.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book (which I read an online version of), is fine for what it is, though I wouldn't recommend it just for pleasure reading. I read portions of this book to teach a Writing in the Social Sciences class, as this has good info about researching, gathering data, and analyzing information for social scientists.

[Tareq Muhmood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect journey through methods of research. Even I understood it.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am using this book in graduate school as I write my PhD dissertation. Trochim and Donnelly do a good job of making the process of research and writing academic research papers clearer. The book is written in a slightly conversational style, as if the authors were actually teachers for the class. This is the third and most recent edition, and Atomic Dog publishing also supports a website for the book.

Definitions are set in the margins, making it easier to locate and refer back to them. Each chapter is divided into topics, further helping with fast fact location. The diagrams, charts, and figures are good visual explanations. I have used several of these as references in my papers. The book is divided into Parts: Foundations, Sampling, Observation and Measurement, Design and Structure, and Analysis.

Trochim and Donnelly seem to lean toward qualitative and mixed methods research, rather than traditional quantitative design although they do explain the methodology. Their discussions of validity and reliability are very clear.

Overall, The Research Methods Knowledge Base provides good information for the graduate student. I recommend using several research books rather than only this one which is one view on research methodology.

[Sarah Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this text book in the free online format for a course in my master's program entitled "Methods of Professional Inquiry." This text covers all the topics typically found in an undergraduate or graduate research methods class. Topics it covers include formulating research questions, sampling, measurement, research design, data analysis, and writing research papers.

This text was written in an informal style that made it relatively easy to follow. It also contained examples that helped illustrate the theories it covers. The author is a Cornell University professor who has made the text available in website form as an alternative to commercial texts. It was wonderful to not have to purchase a costly textbook, although adjusting to a hyperlink, online text did take some adjustment. I was nervous about this course since it's been a long time since I covered any sort of research and analysis in a class setting. However, this book is simple enough for beginners/those who need refreshing, and yet detailed enough to cover everything I will need to know as a I prepare to write my master's thesis.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off the book is boring. Secondly, the book is a great reference. I used it during both my undergrad and grad years. Probably will use it again for the next program I force myself to complete. Trochim and Donnelly write as if they are talking to you which is kind of cool considering this is a textbook.

[Zak · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods. Fairly easy to understand, some humor (which is important in this subject matter), and a good layout. This book will help in my future Master's degree program for sure.

[Umar Abdi]

I am still using this book in my graduate school as I write my thesis and i think that this book is the mos suitable source i need in my work procees. Trochim and Donnelly do a good job of making the process of research and writing academic research papers clearer.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best book but good for reference when looking into both quantitive and qualitive research methods more in depthly. I think there are better ones out there though.

[Leo Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book , i'm in love with books ^^.