Description

Research Methods: A Practical Guide for Students and Researchers is a practical guide on how to conduct research systematically and professionally. The book begins by distinguishing between causal and interpretive sciences. It then guides the reader on how to formulate the research question, review the literature, develop the hypothesis or framework, select a suitable research methodology, and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data.

The book uses classic examples as exemplars. It also uses many examples from different disciplines and sectors to demonstrate and showcase the inter-connections and wider applications of research tools.

The book emphasizes integration. It does not merely provide a smorgasbord of research designs, data collection methods, and ways to analyze data. Instead, it shows how one could formulate research strategies given the outcomes the researchers are required or tasked to deliver.

The revised edition includes three new chapters on time series (including spatial models), machine learning, and meta-analysis. In addition, existing chapters have been expanded to include more examples, digital research, and new material.

Contents:

• Preface
• Introduction to Research
• The Research Problem
• Theories, Hypotheses, Models, and Frameworks
• Research Design I: Case Study
• Research Design II: Survey
• Research Design III: Comparative Design
• Research Design IV: Experiment
• Research Design V: Regression
• Methods of Data Collection
• Collection and Processing of Data
• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Quantitative Data Analysis I: Survey Data
• Quantitative Data Analysis II: Experimental Data
• Quantitative Data Analysis III: Regression Data (Part I)
• Quantitative Data Analysis III: Regression Data (Part II)
• Quantitative Data Analysis III: Regression Data (Part III)
• Machine Learning
• Meta-analysis
• Concluding Your Study
• The Research Report
• Appendix
• Index

Readership: Undergraduate and graduate students across all research-based disciplines including architecture, construction, built environment, real estate, engineering, information technology, social sciences, and business.
Key Features:

• Practical advice on how to conduct research professionally
• Integrated approach on the research process, including research design and data analysis
• Use of classic examples to show how experts negotiate research issues in different fields
• Covers basic and advanced topics, including machine learning