Research Methods For Students Academics And Professionals

Research is such an important subject for information professionals that there will always be a need for effective guides to it. Research skills are a prerequisite for those who want to work successfully in information environments, an essential set of tools which enable information workers to become information professionals. This book focuses on producing critical consumers of research. It also goes some way towards producing researchers in the fields of information management and systems.The first edition of this book was enthusiastically received by researchers, students and information professionals in Australia and beyond. Reviews of the first edition considered it a “a worthwhile addition to any information professional’s or research student’s reference shelf (Archives & Manuscripts). This new edition has an additional chapter on ethics, to address the importance of the ethical implications of research. It also has (as did the first edition) two unique characteristics: it is Australian-focused, distinctive among research texts for information professionals; and it has a multi-disciplinary focus, with its authors being drawn from information management (librarianship, archives and recordkeeping) and information systems. The numerous examples throughout the book are drawn from these multiple disciplines. The first edition of this book was road-tested with students from several disciplines who are studying in several universities. Its Introduction noted that "In research terms, the content have been refereed and found to be authoritative!" To this can be added the many satisfied users of the first edition.

Research Methods: Information, Systems, and Contexts, Second Edition, presents up-to-date guidance on how to teach research methods to graduate students and professionals working in information management, information science, librarianship, archives, and records and information systems. It provides a coherent and precise account of current research themes and structures, giving students guidance, appreciation of the scope of research paradigms, and the consequences of specific courses of action. Each of these valuable sections will help users determine the relevance of particular approaches to their own questions. The book presents academics who teach research and information professionals who carry out research with new resources and guidance on lesser-known research paradigms. Provides up-to-date knowledge of research methods and their applications Provides a coherent and precise account of current research themes and structures through chapters written by authors who are experts in their fields Helps students and researchers understand the range of quantitative and qualitative approaches available for research, as well as how to make practical use of them Provides many illustrations from projects in which authors have been involved, to enhance understanding Emphasises the nexus between formulation of research question and choice of research methodology Enables new researchers to understand the implications of their planning decisions

This book provides an overview of approaches to assist researchers and practitioners to explore ways of undertaking research in the information literacy field. The first chapter provides an introductory overview of research by Dr Kirsty Williamson (author of Research Methods for Students, Academics and Professionals: Information Management and Systems) and this sets the scene for the rest of the chapters where each author explores the key aspects of a specific method and explains how it may be applied in practice. The methods covered include those representing qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. Both a chapter on the topical evidence-based practice approach, and another critiquing it, are also included. The final chapter points the way towards potential new directions for the burgeoning field.Renowned information literacy researcher Dr Christine Bruce affirms the usefulness of the book: New researchers and early career professionals will appreciate the clarity of the introductions provided' to each of the methods covered.

Research doesn’t exist in a bubble but co-exists with a multitude of other tasks and commitments, yet there is more need for people to save time than ever before. Brilliantly attuned to the demands placed on researchers, this book considers how students, academics and professionals alike can save time and stress without compromising the quality of their research or its outcomes. This third edition: - is fully revised with new chapters on research and evaluation ethics, creative methods of collecting data and how research can make a positive difference; - includes illustrative case studies throughout the book, and each chapter concludes with exercises, discussion questions and a debate topic; - is accompanied by a fully updated companion website. This supportive book is designed for any student or practitioner who wants to know how to do research on top of their main job, and still have a life.

This accessible new dictionary provides clear and authoritative definitions of terms, approaches, and techniques in the area of business research methods. It covers research philosophies including research design and qualitative and quantitative methods, types of data and data collection techniques, and organizing and reporting research finding. It is an invaluable resource for students, academics, and professionals learning about research methods as part of a business degree, and undertaking research in many fields including sociology, psychology, and marketing.

New researchers, whether on the academic or corporate level, confront challenges when pursuing any kind of research project due to a lack of proper knowledge in the field of research methodology. In general, the challenges evolve from starting a research project, choosing a niche topic, selecting appropriate tools and techniques, organizing paper publications, and presenting the findings. In view of such difficulties, this book will help new scholars gain command of the contemporary practices for conducting research. Chronologically, the book defines the various types of research, including classifications, describes the five simple steps for carrying out research along with explanations, and discusses the tools and techniques used to carry out a research project in a systematic manner. Consequently, it distinguishes between different publications (such as conference or journal paper, book chapter, and book). In addition, it sheds light on writing practices and presents valuable tips for researchers, new to the field, to avoid common mistakes. This volume brings clarity with comprehensive insight to the phenomenon of research methodology based on contemporary approaches. For academic scholars, this book finds solutions for many unsolved issues which may arise while carrying out research. It also presents additional insights into the nuances of research methods on a professional level for practitioners. Furthermore, for students, this book aids in understanding the direction to follow in the exploration of research design.