New book highlights research methods

A book titled Research Methods: Information, Systems and Contexts will be launched on Wednesday 27 March 2013 at Caulfield by Professor Edwina Cornish.

The book is a wide-ranging guide to information research theory and practice. Author-contributors are from many academic and disciplinary backgrounds. Its editors, Dr Kirsty Williamson and Associate Professor Graeme Johanson, identified a need among scholars and practitioners for a tailored explication of the evolving philosophies and structures of the research cosmos. They have worked jointly on projects over many years, and incorporate many examples of their own research into the book.

The editors and authors – from six different universities – are experienced in a range of research paradigms, theories, methods and techniques. The book has chapters on universal concepts and research methodologies, on specific methods such as survey, case study, action research, grounded theory, ethnography, participant observation, bibliometrics, design science, history and experiment.

For techniques, the coverage includes sampling, questionnaire design, focus groups, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

At a time when universities worldwide encourage research excellence, this scholarly volume promises to meet the needs of a range of information researchers, especially those in library and information studies, information systems, archives and recordkeeping, and knowledge management. 

The book explores important changes in the research marketplace globally, it explains the basis of ethical decision-making by researchers, and it describes competitive pressures on scholars to be innovative and productive. It provides practical advice on research project planning, dissemination of findings, and the singular benefits of research to professional practice.

The launch of Research Methods: Information, Systems and Contexts, will be held at 5pm, Wednesday 27 March, the Clayfield Room, Building A, Room A1.34, Caulfield campus.