Research Methods Knowledge Base

I used this text in my doctoral studies. This has to be the most accessible text on the subject I have yet to see. The examples are simple, the language lacks complexity, and the logical order of text is commendable. For someone wanting to understand research methods that does not have the supporting background, this is a great primer text. What this text does better than others I've seen is that it does a nice job explaining the multitude of research designs available for researchers. The single weakness that I would attribute to this text is that it doesn't help the researcher pick which statistical tests to use for their particular research very well. With that said, it is obviously not intended to be a statistics book and does not go to the depth needed to complete doctoral level research by itself, but it is an excellent companion text.

Very well organized easy to understand use of statistics for the stated purpose. I am able to go back to any topic and get a good start on how to perform a certain study or refresh my memory on other avenues of inquiry.

Research can sometimes be intimidating. However, with this masterpiece from Professor Trochim, the mystery and arduousness is desolved, step by step. This book is exceptional for social sciences and business research of any magnitude. The Glossary of Terms (pp.345-353) provides an even greater resource both for the beginner and the veteran researcher. Simply put, this book has all the information that one needs in order to design, execute and analyze a professional research work. Nwankama Nwankama

This book is an accurate, informative introduction to social science research methods designed as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses. The approach is general and transdisciplinary, creating a book that can be put to good use in many fields. The emphasis is robust conceptual development and critical thinking. The goal is helping students to develop an understanding of the links between theory and research, the use of empirical data to generate valid conclusions, and the ability to select an appropriate combination of methods in qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. In contrast to the cookbook approach of memorizing research tools that leads to half-digested research tricks and poorly understood concepts, Trochim's approach shows students how to build information into a usable knowledge base for their research work. Most important, he shows how the thoughtful scholar can use the properties of each research method to best effect, making limits as valuable as strengths.Trochim has the commanding breadth of knowledge one expects of a methodologist and professor of policy analysis and management at Cornell University. He is also a skilled pedagogue. This book is written in a direct, conversational style, using clear, understandable language. The easy tone will help students come to grips with a subject that many find intimidating. Trochim's mastery ensures that this book presents its subject matter without cutting corners. This book offers a comprehensive and comprehensible overview of a subject that proves troubling to students in every field. Trochim meets one of Einstein's criteria for scientific elegance, making the subject as simple as possible but not more so.Book review published in Design Research News, Volume 6, Number 5, May 2001