RESMETHODOLOGY: Part 1 - Introduction (original) (raw)
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Research methods: What's in the name
Research methods are applied in all kinds of studies, though no consensus exists regarding what constitutes a research method and how research methods should be categorized. Over 1900 research articles were obtained from three major journals published between 2001 and 2010 in library and information science (LIS). Each selected article was coded using a schema of research methods developed in this study. The coded data, along with related publications, were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. This exploration shows that research methods comprise data collection techniques (e.g., interview, observation) and data analysis techniques (e.g., qualitative, quantitative). Research methods should perhaps be categorized by data collection technique, as it makes more sense than if research methods are labeled as qualitative or quantitative. This study is one of the many efforts to facilitate a better understanding of research methods in LIS and help scholars make more informed decisions about research method selection in their endeavors. Its implications can be extended to LIS research education, training, and advocacy. Because research methods themselves are not discipline-specific, researchers beyond the LIS field would benefit from this study as well.
All research is built on certain underlying philosophical assumptions about what constitutes valid research and which research method is appropriate for the development of knowledge in a given study. The use of research paradigm and theory provide specific direction for procedures in research design. This paper discussed the importance of understanding the use research paradigm and theory in relation with the concepts of ontology, epistemology and methodology in both quantitative and qualitative approach. The paper further discussed the connection of research paradigm and theory in library and information science (LIS) research, in both quantitative and qualitative research. The author presents step using deductive and inductive approach and provide a guide in which LIS researchers need to be consider before designing a research proposal.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY-TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES.pdf
The authors felt during their several years of teaching experience that students fail to understand the books written on Research Methodology because generally they are written in technical language. Since this course is not taught before the Master’s degree, the students are not familiar with its vocabulary, methodology and course contents. The authors have made an attempt to write it in very non- technical language. It has been attempted that students who try to understand the research methodology through self-learning may also find it easy. The chapters are written with that approach. Even those students who intend to attain high level of knowledge of the research methodology in social sciences will find this book very helpful in understanding the basic concepts before they read any book on research methodology. This book is useful those students who offer the Research Methodology at Post Graduation and M.Phil. Level. This book is also very useful for Ph.D. Course Work examinations.
Research methods in library and information science: A content analysis
A total of 1162 research articles, published from 2001 to 2010 in three major journals of library and information science (LIS), are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively in order to address some recurring themes about research method selection and application in the scholarly domain. This study shows that LIS scholars utilize a greater number and wider variety of research methods than before. Replacing the dominant positions that questionnaire survey and historical method previously held, content analysis, experiment, and theoretical approach have become the top choices of research methods in the field. This study also examines two recurring themes regarding research methods in the LIS field, namely, use of multiple methods in one study and adoption of the qualitative approach, but finds no conclusive evidence of increased implementation of either practice. More efforts in the form of education, training and advocacy are therefore needed to help LIS scholars gain a better understanding of research methods and make more informed decisions on research method selection and implementation in their scholarly endeavors.
Research Methods in Library and Information Science
Library and information science (LIS) is a very broad discipline, which uses a wide range of constantly evolving research strategies and techniques. The aim of this chapter is to provide an updated view of research issues in library and information science. A strati‐ fied random sample of 440 articles published in five prominent journals was analyzed and classified to identify (i) research approach, (ii) research methodology, and (iii) method of data analysis. For each variable, a coding scheme was developed, and the articles were coded accordingly. A total of 78% of the articles reported empirical research. The rest 22% were classified as non‐empirical research papers. The five most popular topics were " information retrieval, " " information behaviour, " " information literacy, " " library ser‐ vices, " and " organization and management. " An overwhelming majority of the empirical research articles employed a quantitative approach. Although the survey emerged as the most frequently used research strategy, there is evidence that the number and variety of research methodologies have been increased. There is also evidence that qualitative approaches are gaining increasing importance and have a role to play in LIS, while mixed methods have not yet gained enough recognition in LIS research.