Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2nd Edition)

This book brings to mind the (slightly altered) phrase: ‘Why use one word when you can use twenty five?’ Seriously, this book is dense and filled with academic jargon and horrible examples of ‘good, clear writing’ Ironically, one of the first key points of the book is to avoid jargon to help with readability. Maybe this book is good for those experienced in academic writing, but as required reading for an intro to APA course, it makes one’s eyes glaze over.

I thought this book was the exact opposite of "pedantic" and "verbose." In fact, the writing style is easy to read and, at only 200 pages with big text and plenty of tables and references, is not too focused on the details - no book can with that brief page limit. Regardless, this book was my first introduction to research design and it was perfect. The templates for writing qual., quan., and mixed methods papers were basic and simple, but yet thorough. Finally, the student examples were perfect. If you want to write a pretentious and dense paper where words like "pedantic" are used as a replacement for substantive ideas, will be consigned to the dusty academic graveyard (the library basement), and that no one will read, then by all means disregard this book. If you are aiming quality, impact, and readability, however, then this book is ideal.

I've thoroughly enjoyed (and learned from!) this book, even though research design is something I know well. In fact, as I was reading it I kept nodding my head in agreement with Creswell's statments, as many of the issues he raises are the same as those I struggled with during my time as a graduate student (and without such a wonderful resource). Having access to this treasure early in my dissertation phase would have saved me a lot of time and effort. I find that the book is also very helpful in the design of research methodology courses, as the way it is structured illuminates many relationships and ideas that can help students in any collegiate course learn. The people who are giving it low rating seem more offended by its "orientation" than by its effectiveness at guiding one through the research design process and thus have resorted to childish personal attacks on the author. I personally did not have a problem with any of the examples in the book. They did not distract me in the least.

Do not start your readings about qualitative or quantitative resreach somewhere else. This book will tell you what your supervisor did notl. Its a must a must for your research. It gives you a step by step approach on how to conduct and write up your research.

If you are writing a research paper of any kind, this book gives you a step by step approach. Highly recommended

While written for those preparing a dissertation or thesis, the book proves extremely useful for the undergraduate discovering the world of research. Unfamiliar terms are thoroughly explained along with a clear illustration of many potentially obscure methodologies. This book is a "must have" for anyone preparing for a research project.