Specific research methods
This web page lists specific resources on specific aspects of research methods.Ashworth, P. and Lucas, U. (2000) Achieving emapthy and engagement: a practical approach to the design, conduct and reporting of phenomenographic rsearch. Studies in Higher Education, 25 (3), 295 - 308.
Note: The authors are specifically discussing phenomenographic interviews, but the issues they address (i.e. empathising and engaging with interviewees) are applicable to similar interviews using other research approaches.
Gannon-Leary, P., Banwell, L. and Childs, S. (2002) “ Selling the JUBILEE project: issues arising from a methodology.” Library and information research news, 26 (83), 27-35 .
Note: This is a useful article pointing out the problems of trying to get people to cooperate in surveys, and offering some practical suggestions for increasing participation. One suggestion which isn’t mentioned here, but which has been raised at a couple of conferences (and a student at Sheffield recently found it definitely worked for his research), is that free chocolate seems to work well, sometimes better than money.
Interviews
Hannabus, S. (1996) “Research interviews.” New library world, 97 (1129), 22-30.
Note: Looks at practical issues and techniques.
Marcella, R., Baxter, G. and Moore, N. (2002) “Data collection using electronically assisted interviews in a roadshow: a methodological evaluation.” Journal of documentation, 59 (2), 143-167.
Urquhart, C. et al. (2003) “Critical incident technique and explicitation interviewing in studies of information behavior.” Library & information science research, 25 (1), 63-89.
Questionnaires
Calvert, P. and Pope, A. (2005) “Telephone survey research for library managers.” Library management, 26 93), 139-151. Gillham, B. (2000) Developing a questionnaire. Continuum International Publishing Group. ISBN: 0826447953
Note: This has the great advantage of being short (c. 100 paperback pages) and to the point. It covers pros and cons, drafting, designing, “getting them out and getting them back”, analysis and presentation.
Hayslett, M.M. and Wildemuth, B.M. (2004) “Pixels or pencils? The relative effectiveness of web-based versus paper surveys.” Library and information science research, 26, 73-93.
Note: There are an increasing number of articles comparing the effectiveness of the two methods (web vs. paper questionnaires). This one has the advantage of being in the LIS area (a survey of reference librarians carried out using both channels), having a good literature review, and explaining the authors’ own research (i.e. the comparison) carefully. (The result was that the paper survey got more responses).
Focus groups
Gibbs, A. (1997) “Focus groups” Social research update, (19).
Krueger, R. A. (1988) Focus groups: a practical guide for applied research. London: Sage.
Seggern, M.V. and Young, N.J. (2003) “The focus group method in libraries: issues relating to process and data analysis.” Reference services review, 31 (3), 272-284.
Young, V. (1993) “Focus on focus groups.” College and research libraries news, July/August, 391-395.
Note: Young gives 12 key steps for focus groups in a library situation: a useful short article, though obviously also short on detail too, especially as regards data analysis. Seggern and Young’s article is valuable in talking about the issues and analysis in much more detail, and giving an example of using text analysis software as an aid to analysis. Krueger is an example of a research methods book devoted entirely to focus groups. It includes clear examples of how you could go about analysing and presenting data (just using your brain, rather than the assistance of software).
The page was compiled by Sheila Webber in 2005.