Designing a Research Study and Writing a Research Proposal: A Practical Guide

Conducting a research study can be a daunting task, but designing the study and writing a research proposal can be even more challenging. In fact, it often takes more time than actually conducting the study itself! However, with the right guidance, you can save time and frustration while producing a high-quality research proposal.

This practical guide, written by Jennifer Brown Urban PhD and Bradley Matheus van Eeden-Moorefield, will walk you through every step of the process. From selecting a research topic to developing a research question, designing the study, and choosing the best strategies for sampling and measurement, this book covers it all.

Selecting a Research Topic: A Crucial First Step

Honing in on a research topic is a critical first step in the research design process. This guide will help you identify a topic that is relevant, feasible, and meaningful to your study.

Developing a Research Question and Designing the Study

Once you have a research topic, the next step is to develop a research question and design the study. This guide will provide you with the tools and resources you need to develop a well-crafted research question and design a study that is methodologically sound.

Sampling and Measurement Strategies

The guide will also cover the importance of sampling and measurement strategies in research design. You’ll learn how to choose the best strategies for your study, including how to select a sample, collect and analyze data, and ensure data quality.

The book is filled with figures, tables, and exhibits that offer a wealth of examples and tools to help you practice and apply the concepts to your own study. Additionally, the activities and worksheets can be used alone or in a study group to further reinforce your understanding of the material.

A Balanced Approach to Research Design

What sets this guide apart is its balanced approach to research design. While many books focus on either qualitative or quantitative studies, this book presents a comprehensive discussion of the relative strengths and limitations of each approach. You’ll learn how to handle validity in both qualitative and quantitative studies and understand the differences between the two.

No research study is perfect, and the best studies often result in more questions than answers. This guide will help you deepen your understanding of study limitations and provide you with the tools and resources you need to build upon them in future research.

With this practical guide, you’ll be well on your way to designing a high-quality research study and writing a compelling research proposal.

Product Details:

ASIN: 1433827085

Publisher: American Psychological Association; Concise edition (August 14, 2017)

Language: English

Paperback: 139 pages

ISBN-10: 9781433827082

ISBN-13: 978-1433827082