Doing Your Research Project: a Guide for First-Time Researchers PDF Download

Author: Kristin Briney
Publisher: Pelagic Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 178427013X
Category : Computers
Languages : en
Pages : 312

View

Book Description
A comprehensive guide to everything scientists need to know about data management, this book is essential for researchers who need to learn how to organize, document and take care of their own data. Researchers in all disciplines are faced with the challenge of managing the growing amounts of digital data that are the foundation of their research. Kristin Briney offers practical advice and clearly explains policies and principles, in an accessible and in-depth text that will allow researchers to understand and achieve the goal of better research data management. Data Management for Researchers includes sections on: * The data problem – an introduction to the growing importance and challenges of using digital data in research. Covers both the inherent problems with managing digital information, as well as how the research landscape is changing to give more value to research datasets and code. * The data lifecycle – a framework for data’s place within the research process and how data’s role is changing. Greater emphasis on data sharing and data reuse will not only change the way we conduct research but also how we manage research data. * Planning for data management – covers the many aspects of data management and how to put them together in a data management plan. This section also includes sample data management plans. * Documenting your data – an often overlooked part of the data management process, but one that is critical to good management; data without documentation are frequently unusable. * Organizing your data – explains how to keep your data in order using organizational systems and file naming conventions. This section also covers using a database to organize and analyze content. * Improving data analysis – covers managing information through the analysis process. This section starts by comparing the management of raw and analyzed data and then describes ways to make analysis easier, such as spreadsheet best practices. It also examines practices for research code, including version control systems. * Managing secure and private data – many researchers are dealing with data that require extra security. This section outlines what data falls into this category and some of the policies that apply, before addressing the best practices for keeping data secure. * Short-term storage – deals with the practical matters of storage and backup and covers the many options available. This section also goes through the best practices to insure that data are not lost. * Preserving and archiving your data – digital data can have a long life if properly cared for. This section covers managing data in the long term including choosing good file formats and media, as well as determining who will manage the data after the end of the project. * Sharing/publishing your data – addresses how to make data sharing across research groups easier, as well as how and why to publicly share data. This section covers intellectual property and licenses for datasets, before ending with the altmetrics that measure the impact of publicly shared data. * Reusing data – as more data are shared, it becomes possible to use outside data in your research. This chapter discusses strategies for finding datasets and lays out how to cite data once you have found it. This book is designed for active scientific researchers but it is useful for anyone who wants to get more from their data: academics, educators, professionals or anyone who teaches data management, sharing and preservation. "An excellent practical treatise on the art and practice of data management, this book is essential to any researcher, regardless of subject or discipline." —Robert Buntrock, Chemical Information Bulletin

Author: Ian Menter
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446210073
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 281

View

Book Description
This book is a guide to research methods for practitioner research. Written in friendly and accessible language, it includes numerous practical examples based on the authors′ own experiences in the field, to support readers. The authors provide information and guidance on developing research skills such as gathering and analysing information and data, reporting findings and research design. They offer critical perspectives to help users reflect on research approaches and to scrutinise key issues in devising research questions. This book is for undergraduate and postgraduate students, teachers and practitioners in practitioner research development and leadership programmes. The team of authors are all within the School of Education at the University of Glasgow and have significant experience of working with practitioner researchers in education.

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Academic writing
Languages : en
Pages : 190

View

Book Description
Choosing & Using Sources presents a process for academic research and writing, from formulating your research question to selecting good information and using it effectively in your research assignments. Additional chapters cover understanding types of sources, searching for information, and avoiding plagiarism. Each chapter includes self-quizzes and activities to reinforce core concepts and help you apply them. There are also appendices for quick reference on search tools, copyright basics, and fair use.

Author: Judith Bell
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335243398
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 363

View

Book Description
*Interested in purchasing Doing Your Research Project as a SmartBook? Visit https://connect2.mheducation.com/join/?c=bellwaters7e to register for access today* Step-by-step advice on completing an outstanding research project. This is the market-leading book for anyone conducting a research project, whether for the first time or as an experienced researcher honing their skills. Clear, concise and readable, this bestselling resource provides a practical, step-by-step guide from initial concept to completion of your research report. Thoroughly updated but retaining its well-loved style, this seventh edition provides: • A brand new first chapter outlining what it means to carry out research, the responsibilities of the researcher, the research journey, and the 'intentional' and 'unintentional' roles of a researcher. • An extensive update to chapter nine on using social media in research, to include ethical considerations and how the researcher can use and reference information collected via these platforms and create collaborative connections. • An online review of the latest tools for collecting and analysing both quantitative and qualitative data gathered from social media sites, such as Survey Monkey and Google Forms. • Further coverage on how to protect research participants, including advice from the NHS on how to conduct research in health-based settings. • More detailed coverage of how to conduct effective online literature searches, not only using Google but also other research-based search engines such as PubMed and professionally-focussed sites. • To support your learning, questions at the end of each chapter, which prompt you to reflect on your research journey. This practical, no-nonsense guide is vital reading for all those embarking on undergraduate or postgraduate study, irrespective of discipline, and for professionals in such fields as social science, education and health. 'The latest edition provides extensive coverage of all that a research student might need to know. The expanse of the topics covered enables this book to be indispensable to a great range of students, not only at different levels of study but also in a variety of disciplines. Bell and Waters present an honest and practical look at a daunting academic undertaking and provide the student with a resource that is currently has no parallel. This new edition brings the text up to date with a look at some of the more creative approaches the research project might take and challenges students to think before making research decisions.' Dr Susan Schutz PhD, MSc, RNT, RGN, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, UK

Author: WATERS
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335252435
Category : Study Aids
Languages : en
Pages : 393

View

Book Description
"This new edition retains the excellent structure and tone of previous editions whilst bringing the text and examples up to date, reflecting the changing and dynamic social world we live and research in." Dr Steven Gascoigne, Assistant Professor, Centre for Lifelong Learning, University of Warwick, UK "This book combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills with case studies, examples, and reflections in one easy-to-read book... A must for novice researchers." Dr Christina Cooper, Assistant Professor in Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, UK Now on its eighth edition, Doing Your Research Project remains the authoritative guide to conducting an outstanding research project. Guiding readers through each stage of the research journey, this book gives students the confidence to successfully conceptualise and complete their research. Written in its trademark, student-friendly style, each chapter includes reflective questions to help students apply the advice to their own work. The authors cover a range of disciplines and methodologies, empowering students to make an informed choice about what best suits their research. While retaining its most-loved features from previous editions, the latest edition: Provides updated coverage of digital research techniques Examines the nature of research and the roles that researchers occupy Expands the discussion of research methods This bestselling resource is the ultimate companion to any research project, whether you are a first-time or experienced researcher. Practical, clear and concise, Doing Your Research Project is vital reading for anyone embarking on a research project.

Author: John Biggam
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335243223
Category : Study Aids
Languages : en
Pages : 378

View

Book Description
What do I need to do to write a literature, context or systematic review? How do I explain my research methods and write up my findings? Help! How do I prepare for a viva? This essential handbook carefully guides the student through the entire dissertation process from start to finish, offering clear, straightforward and practical advice. Biggam uses clear illustrations of what students should do- or not do - to reach their full potential, helping them to succeed with their dissertation and avoid common pitfalls along the way. Thoroughly updated, this popular book takes the student from research proposal, through literature reviews, research methods, and writing up, referencing and avoiding plagiarism, through to submission and marking, featuring: • New chapter on ‘Introducing the Master’s Dissertation’ focusing on the skills you need to succeed • New material on Contextual Review for computer science, art and performance art students • Updated material on the benefits of using university library databases and social media in research • Expanded advice on the emotional journey and where to find assistance and support • New Research Methods chapter for art, drama and computer science students This is key reading for any social science, business, humanities or healthcare student required to complete a dissertation as part of their studies. It will also prove useful for undergraduate students considering postgraduate studies and for supervisors facilitating dissertation supervision. "This book is a really excellent and friendly guide through the Master’s dissertation process. It is clearly and engagingly written and easily understandable to a student. It also guides students gently from a general understanding in the first chapter, down to a significant level of detail in each subsequent chapter with worked examples and relevant practical tips. It also usefully highlights common mistakes. The book presents a realistic view of undertaking a Master’s degree, presenting the generic skills needed for success and acknowledging that life outside the dissertation is complex, messy, and can sometimes get in the way! It is particularly useful and relevant to my students as, unlike many other books on this topic, it does not ignore practice-based forms of research, in fact the book includes a substantial chapter on practice-as-research in the creative disciplines. This chapter includes software alongside creative arts and is therefore particularly suitable for inter- or multi-disciplinary postgraduates using technology to enhance their existing understanding of a subject (or their practice) through research. I also really like the fact that the chapter on Abstracts is at the end (where it belongs!) and that students are explicitly told to write it last – no matter how many times I tell my students this, it is a common and recurring mistake!" Daisy Abbott, School of Simulation and Visualisation, The Glasgow School of Art, UK "The dissertation component of a Master’s programme can be very daunting for students. In this book John Biggam demystifies both the concept, and process of a dissertation. Biggam clearly explains the different parts of a dissertation, and offers a pragmatic structure which can be used by students to help frame their ideas. Also, the guidance given in the book is written in a reassuring tone which is never patronising. The summary on good practise in dissertation writing should be particularly useful during the planning stage, and as a final check for students." Dr Donna Murray SFHEA, Head of Taught Student Development, Institute for Academic Development, The University of Edinburgh, UK

Author: Boris Blumberg
Publisher: McGraw Hill
ISBN: 0077157494
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 750

View

Book Description
Are you about to begin your dissertation or a research project, but don’t know what topic to choose?Are you unsure of what research methods to use and how they should be applied to your project?Are you worried about how to write up your research project?Then this is the book for you! A balanced coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods means that no matter what approach you choose to use for your project, there are examples and case studies to help guide you through the process. Student Research boxes provide an insight into situations and research decisions that students have encountered in real life projects. They contain hints, tips and sometimes questions to help you think through your own project. A Running Case Study charts the progression of two student research projects - one qualitative and one quantitative - and shows how the content of each chapter can be used to develop their projects. Thought provoking questions are included in order to help you consider the issues and decisions involved, which you can then apply to your own project. Deeper Insight boxes delve further into particular research issues, offering you a detailed description to increase your understanding of these areas, whilst Real Life examples put research methods into context, by showing you how they have been applied in real world situations. The Online Learning Centre contains a vast amount of extra resources to help you create a superior project: Six statistical chapters are available to help you prepare, test and analyse your hypotheses and data. Extra cases, appendices and dataset exercises help you to take your study further. Check out the Research Skills Centre for free chapters of Study Skills books, examples of good and bad proposals, and templates for questionnaires and surveys. All of this and more can be found at www.mcgraw-hill.co.uk/textbooks/blumberg

Author: Scott Lanning
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN: 1440851395
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 200

View

Book Description
This concise but information-packed text helps high school students in upper grade levels and lower division college and university students quickly master the basics of information literacy. A student's textbook and an instructional reference for educators: the second edition of Concise Guide to Information Literacy is both. It teaches students what information literacy is and why it is an important skill to develop—for their schoolwork as well as for success in life outside of school. The guide covers major areas in the information literacy process, including locating, evaluating, and applying information successfully. It also gives professors, teachers, and librarians a flexible text that can serve as the basis of a course in information literacy or research skills, a basic research guide for any information literacy course, or a supplemental text. This second edition has been reorganized for greater ease of use based on the information literacy models consulted. All chapters have been fully updated and now include extended coverage of the topics that appeared in the first edition; additionally, a new chapter on managing information has been added.

Author: Boris Blumberg
Publisher: McGraw Hill
ISBN: 1526849763
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 376

View

Book Description
This book is a one stop guide to all your research methods needs. It is tailored specifically towards business and management courses, and central to this edition is the balanced coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods to clearly and concisely lead students through the research process, whatever their project may be. Now in its much anticipated fifth edition, Business Research Methods has been revised and updated to reflect all the latest trends in research methodology. The integration of statistical issues, as well as coverage of web-based surveys, qualitative interviews, big data, and content analysis of social media, aims to support the current student experience. A Running Case Study charts the progression of two student research projects - one qualitative and one quantitative - and shows how the content of each chapter can be used to develop their projects. Thought provoking questions are included to help students consider the issues and decisions involved, and how these might be applied to their own project. Deeper Insight into Research Methods boxes delve further into particular research issues, offering a detailed description to increase understanding of these areas, whilst Real Life examples put research methods into context, by showing how they have been applied in real world situations. New pedagogy features include: Research in Practice boxes provide an insight into situations and research decisions that students may encounter in real life projects. They contain hints, tips and sometimes questions to help think through a project. Theory Explained highlights key theories and demonstrates how these can be applied in practical research examples. Statistics in Action provides practical alternatives to qualitative research methods and gives examples of how statistical data can be presented, analyzed and interpreted to improve students data insights skills. The Online Learning Centre contains a vast amount of extra resources to support lecturers and student, including power points, instructor manuals, and a question bank. New to this edition are short case studies with teaching notes covering current topics and key theories, and worked examples and videos with associated questions for further practical exercises and real world examples. Boris F. Blumberg is Senior Lecturer and Executive Director of UMIO, the postgraduate unit at the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics, the Netherlands. Boris has supervised hundreds of dissertations and teaches courses in strategic management, entrepreneurship and innovation. His research focuses mainly on entrepreneurship, networks and methodology. Claire MacRae is Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at the Centre for Public Policy, University of Glasgow. Claire has taught courses on research methods for undergraduate, masters and Professional Doctorate students. Her research focuses mainly on policymaking, risk and resilience, and the impact of policy design and implementation on society.

Author: Oxford University Press
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199802300
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 22

View

Book Description
This ebook is a selective guide designed to help scholars and students of social work find reliable sources of information by directing them to the best available scholarly materials in whatever form or format they appear from books, chapters, and journal articles to online archives, electronic data sets, and blogs. Written by a leading international authority on the subject, the ebook provides bibliographic information supported by direct recommendations about which sources to consult and editorial commentary to make it clear how the cited sources are interrelated related. A reader will discover, for instance, the most reliable introductions and overviews to the topic, and the most important publications on various areas of scholarly interest within this topic. In social work, as in other disciplines, researchers at all levels are drowning in potentially useful scholarly information, and this guide has been created as a tool for cutting through that material to find the exact source you need. This ebook is a static version of an article from Oxford Bibliographies Online: Social Work, a dynamic, continuously updated, online resource designed to provide authoritative guidance through scholarship and other materials relevant to the study and practice of social work. Oxford Bibliographies Online covers most subject disciplines within the social science and humanities, for more information visit www.aboutobo.com.