Guides: Nursing Ed.D Library Guide: Research Methodologies

Types of Research

Research Methods Knowledge Base
The Research Methods Knowledge Base is a comprehensive web-based textbook that addresses all of the topics in a typical introductory undergraduate or graduate course in social research methods. It covers the entire research process including: formulating research questions; sampling (probability and nonprobability); measurement (surveys, scaling, qualitative, unobtrusive); research design (experimental and quasi-experimental); data analysis; and, writing the research paper. It also addresses the major theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research including: the idea of validity in research; reliability of measures; and ethics. The Knowledge Base was designed to be different from the many typical commercially-available research methods texts. It uses an informal, conversational style to engage both the newcomer and the more experienced student of research. It is a fully hyperlinked text that can be integrated easily into an existing course structure or used as a sourcebook for the experienced researcher who simply wants to browse.
Research methods and methodology
How to... a set of 19 guides on a variety of topics for researchers; from Emerald Group Publishing.
Research Methods
This area offers practical advice on postgraduate research and is supported by activities and reflections that can help you develop your skills and focus. It was written by Gina Wisker, also the author of a practical guide The Postgraduate Research Handbook .

General
Action Research
Arts Research
Case Study
Coding
Constructionist Research
Content Analysis
Critical Ethnography
Critical Race Theory
Discourse Analysis
Ethnography
Feminist Research
Focus Groups
Formative and Design Experiment
Grounded Theory
Indigenist Research
Internet Research
Interviewing
Narrative Inquiry
Oral History
Performance Ethnography
Phenomenology
Portraiture
Visual Method

Experimental research
Nonexperimental research
Descriptive Survey research
Single - subject research
Causal- comparative research
Correlational Research
Meta-analysis
ex post facto research
cross-sectional study
Laboratory research
Evaluation research
Mixed method research

Action Research is conducted to "improve the knowledge base for educational theory; as a means of personal fulfillment, empowerment, and the professionalization of teaching; and to improve and refine teaching practice specific to a teacher-researcher's context."

(Definition from O'Brien, N.P. & J.W. Collins III, The Greenwood Dictionary of Education. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2003.)

These seven steps can become an endless cycle for the inquiring teacher:

1. Selecting a focus

2. Clarifying theories

3. Identifying research questions

4. Collecting data

5. Analyzing data

6. Reporting results

7. Taking informed action

The links below will provide books using the topics as subject terms. There are two sets of links, one for SCSU and one for WCSU. Keep in mind that print books located at other institutions in the CSCU system (Connecticut State Colleges and Universities) can be borrowed and delivered to the library at your home institution. For eBooks, many of the eBooks in the catalog are licensed by the State of Connecticut and available at each state university in CSCU. However, some eBooks are licensed by individual libraries and you will not be able to access those from other institutions.

For more information about searching for books, click on the Find Books link in the menu on the left.

The first set of links will search at SCSU for books.

This second set of links will search at WCSU for books.

WCSU books on Qualitative Research
WCSU books on Quantitative Research
WCSU books on Nursing Research
WCSU books on Library Research
Strategies, techniques, and information about searching for library materials ((databases, journals, books)
WCSU books on Action Research