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University of sussex sage scholarship, book review: research methodology by ranjit kumar.
Hi there, Ollie here. Today I’ll be reviewing a book called Research Methodology by Ranjit Kumar. Specifically, I’ll be looking at the format of the book and reviewing the pros and cons of each feature. I thought I’d take a leaf out of Ranjit’s book (not literally), which makes good use of bullet-points, and write this post in bullet-point style.
- The pages are landscape, rather than the ubiquitous portrait. I don’t have a strong opinion about this, although it’s mildly novel and fun.
- The pages are nice and thick. This makes a nice change from most textbooks whose pages are so thin they crease if you turn a page too vigorously.
- Colour-wise, it’s mostly black and white, apart from the subtitles, tables and figures which are bright pink. I like this; there’s enough colour to keep it engaging, but not so much that it’s distracting. That said, some of the full-page figures are eye-wateringly pink, and could probably be toned down a tad.
- Key words are highlighted and their definitions given at the side of the page, which is very handy.
- The book is very clearly laid out, with every page stating which chapter and sub-section it’s in.
- The book provides an exhaustive view of the fundamentals of the research process. The disadvantage of this is that it doesn’t take a particularly deep dive into some of the processes described. In the research methods modules on my course, we were tested on processing data in much greater detail and complexity than is covered here.
- There are many examples of how a concept may be applied in research, such as examples of questionnaires.
- There’s an online resource, which the reader is frequently encouraged to visit throughout the book. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to access it (it’s ‘coming soon’).
- A summary of the chapter, which is written concisely and in plain English. This might be my favourite feature of the book because it’s so full of information yet very readable.
- A checklist which checks the reader’s understanding of the content. Basically a mini test, which would be great for exam preparation.
- Suggested application of the content to one’s own project. Another great feature.
Overall, I thought the book was great. Its display is engaging without being OTT and its writing is clear and concise.
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Research Methodology
Resources by chapter: Each chapter contains checkpoints that flag key concepts and sticking points. Every checkpoint connects to two online pathways, each of which presents you with videos, weblinks, journal articles, case studies and other digital resources curated to support your research needs.
You can work through these checkpoint resources by pathway or explore both pathway’s resources by chapter .
If you need more general support or want to kickstart your project, you can use these general resources to:
- Get up to speed with key terms and increase your confidence around research methods vocabulary with glossary flashcards .
- Test your knowledge of key topics highlighted in each chapter with mutiple choice questions .
- Build a portfolio of your research ideas and track your project progress with an exercise workbook .
- Get started on your assessment, keep momentum and get the mark you want with an assessment toolkit that provides examples, trouble-shooting tips, supervisor advice and relevant tools and templates for seven common research methodology assignments.
For instructors
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Eight steps, two pathways, one book. The Fifth Edition of the bestseller Research Methodology has reimagined, redesigned, and fully renovated how a textbook can help students achieve success in...
Written in a logical and accessible style and providing helpful techniques and examples, it breaks the process of designing and doing a research project into eight manageable operational steps. The book guides you through your project from beginning to end by offering practical advice on:
The step-by-step approach links theory with eight practical steps central to any research process. It focuses on developing research skills by providing practical examples from both qualitative and...
Ranjit Kumar. SAGE, Nov 12, 2010 - Reference - 440 pages. Written specifically for students with no previous experience of research and research methodology, the Third Edition of Research...
Today I’ll be reviewing a book called Research Methodology by Ranjit Kumar. Specifically, I’ll be looking at the format of the book and reviewing the pros and cons of each feature.
Ranjit Kumar University of Western Australia Designed with students, for students. Eight steps, two pathways, one book. This fifth edition of the bestseller Research Methodology has redesigned, and fully reimagined how a textbook loaded with digital resources can help students achieve success in their methods course or research project.
Research Methodology : a Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners Author : Ranjit Kumar Summary : This fourth edition continues to make the research project process a manageable feat for those new to research, and will be instrumental in helping students learn how to apply research methodology to their own work
This range of resources accompany the Fifth Edition of Ranjit Kumar's Research Methodology to help you succeed when studying research methods. Resources by research steps: These eight achievable stages take you from research problem to a written research report and gives you the support you need at every step along the way.
The research process: characteristics and requirements Types of research Types of research: application perspective Types of research: objectives perspective Types of research: mode of enquiry perspective Paradigms of research Summary 2 The research process: a quick glance The research process: an eight-step model Phase I: deciding what to research
This document discusses research methodology and formulating a research problem. It covers reviewing existing literature, developing theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and establishing operational definitions.