Academic Guides: Sage Research Methods Online: Planning Your Research Design

Sage Research Methods Online Project Planner

This tool is designed to guide you through your research project. Consider your current research stage and select a corresponding option. Start at the top if you are just starting your research and have yet to choose a topic. If you're further along and want help with data collection or analysis, click on either option to provide helpful resources and tips for this point in your research. Keep in mind that this planner does not include rules provided by any Walden rubrics. It's here as a reference source and general guideline only.

Project Planner: Start Your Research

Designing your research

Do You Have an Idea for a Topic? Writing Your Doctoral Dissertation or Thesis Faster by E. Alana James; Tracesea H. Slater
A doctoral dissertation is arguably the most important journey that students will embark upon in their professional careers, so smart travelers will want this book at their fingertips.
Getting started in research. (2009). In Merrill, B. & West, L. Using biographical methods in social research (pp. 97-112).
Using Biographical Methods in Social Research provides an informative, comprehensive, accessible and practical guide to the nature and use of biographical methods, combining a consideration of theoretical issues with practical guidance as well as reflections.

Search Sage Research Methods Online for more resources.

Encyclopedia of Research Design by Neil J. Salkind (Editor)
Research design, with its statistical underpinnings, can be especially daunting for students and novice researchers. At its heart, research design might be described simply as a formalized approach toward problem solving, thinking, and acquiring knowledge, the success of which depends upon clearly defined objectives and appropriate choice of statistical design and analysis to meet those objectives.
Organizational Research Methods by Paul M. Brewerton; Lynne J. Millward
This text provides a timely and comprehensive introduction to major research methods in the Organizational sciences.

Search Sage Research Methods Online for more resources.

Data Analysis by Michael S. Lewis-Beck
This accessible introduction to data analysis focuses on the interpretation of statistical results, in particular, those which come from nonexperimental social research. It will provide social science researchers with the tools necessary to select and evaluate statistical tests appropriate for their research question.
Practical Statistics for Students by Louis Cohen; Michael Holliday
This bestselling textbook is designed to help students understand parametric and nonparametric statistical methods so that they can tackle research problems successfully. By working through this book carefully and systematically, those who may not have a strong background in mathematics will gain a thorough grasp of the most widely used statistical methods in the social sciences.

Search Sage Research Methods Online for more resources.

Dissemination. (2007). In Roberts, B. Getting the most out of the research experience (pp. 103-117). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
The book gives a comprehensive overview of what research and the research experience encompass. This book makes an interesting read for everyone who has carried out qualitative research or is planning to do so in the future.
McCaig, C. & Dahlberg, L. (2010). Dissemination. In Dahlberg, L. & McCaig, C. Practical research and evaluation : A start-to-finish guide for practitioners (pp. 219-237). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
This book is a starter 'DIY' text for practitioners who are looking to conduct evaluation studies and research as part of their own professional practice. The growing emphasis on evidence-based practice means that there is an increasing need for practitioners to have at least a basic understanding of research, be aware of methodological pitfalls and to be updated on new methods.

Search Sage Research Methods Online for more resources.

Sage Research Methods Online:
Planning Your Research Design

Popular Research Methods

Sage Research Methods Online Project Planner

Designing your research

Office of Student Disability Services

Walden Resources

Departments

Centers and Offices

Student Resources