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How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates

How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates

Published on January 2, 2023 by Shona McCombes . Revised on September 11, 2023.

What is a literature review? A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that you can later apply to your paper, thesis, or dissertation topic .

There are five key steps to writing a literature review:

Search for relevant literature
Evaluate sources
Identify themes, debates, and gaps
Outline the structure
Write your literature review

A good literature review doesn’t just summarize sources—it analyzes, synthesizes , and critically evaluates to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.

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What is the purpose of a literature review, examples of literature reviews, step 1 – search for relevant literature, step 2 – evaluate and select sources, step 3 – identify themes, debates, and gaps, step 4 – outline your literature review’s structure, step 5 – write your literature review, free lecture slides, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions, introduction.

Quick Run-through
Step 1 & 2

When you write a thesis , dissertation , or research paper , you will likely have to conduct a literature review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review gives you a chance to:

Demonstrate your familiarity with the topic and its scholarly context
Develop a theoretical framework and methodology for your research
Position your work in relation to other researchers and theorists
Show how your research addresses a gap or contributes to a debate
Evaluate the current state of research and demonstrate your knowledge of the scholarly debates around your topic.

Writing literature reviews is a particularly important skill if you want to apply for graduate school or pursue a career in research. We’ve written a step-by-step guide that you can follow below.

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See an example

Writing literature reviews can be quite challenging! A good starting point could be to look at some examples, depending on what kind of literature review you’d like to write.

Example literature review #1: “Why Do People Migrate? A Review of the Theoretical Literature” ( Theoretical literature review about the development of economic migration theory from the 1950s to today.)
Example literature review #2: “Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines” ( Methodological literature review about interdisciplinary knowledge acquisition and production.)
Example literature review #3: “The Use of Technology in English Language Learning: A Literature Review” ( Thematic literature review about the effects of technology on language acquisition.)
Example literature review #4: “Learners’ Listening Comprehension Difficulties in English Language Learning: A Literature Review” ( Chronological literature review about how the concept of listening skills has changed over time.)

You can also check out our templates with literature review examples and sample outlines at the links below.

Download Word doc Download Google doc

Before you begin searching for literature, you need a clearly defined topic .

If you are writing the literature review section of a dissertation or research paper, you will search for literature related to your research problem and questions .

Make a list of keywords

Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research question. Include each of the key concepts or variables you’re interested in, and list any synonyms and related terms. You can add to this list as you discover new keywords in the process of your literature search.

Social media, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok
Body image, self-perception, self-esteem, mental health
Generation Z, teenagers, adolescents, youth

Search for relevant sources

Use your keywords to begin searching for sources. Some useful databases to search for journals and articles include:

Your university’s library catalogue
Google Scholar
Project Muse (humanities and social sciences)
Medline (life sciences and biomedicine)
EconLit (economics)
Inspec (physics, engineering and computer science)

You can also use boolean operators to help narrow down your search.

Make sure to read the abstract to find out whether an article is relevant to your question. When you find a useful book or article, you can check the bibliography to find other relevant sources.

You likely won’t be able to read absolutely everything that has been written on your topic, so it will be necessary to evaluate which sources are most relevant to your research question.

For each publication, ask yourself:

What question or problem is the author addressing?
What are the key concepts and how are they defined?
What are the key theories, models, and methods?
Does the research use established frameworks or take an innovative approach?
What are the results and conclusions of the study?
How does the publication relate to other literature in the field? Does it confirm, add to, or challenge established knowledge?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research?

Make sure the sources you use are credible , and make sure you read any landmark studies and major theories in your field of research.

You can use our template to summarize and evaluate sources you’re thinking about using. Click on either button below to download.

Take notes and cite your sources

As you read, you should also begin the writing process. Take notes that you can later incorporate into the text of your literature review.

It is important to keep track of your sources with citations to avoid plagiarism . It can be helpful to make an annotated bibliography , where you compile full citation information and write a paragraph of summary and analysis for each source. This helps you remember what you read and saves time later in the process.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

To begin organizing your literature review’s argument and structure, be sure you understand the connections and relationships between the sources you’ve read. Based on your reading and notes, you can look for:

Trends and patterns (in theory, method or results): do certain approaches become more or less popular over time?
Themes: what questions or concepts recur across the literature?
Debates, conflicts and contradictions: where do sources disagree?
Pivotal publications: are there any influential theories or studies that changed the direction of the field?
Gaps: what is missing from the literature? Are there weaknesses that need to be addressed?

This step will help you work out the structure of your literature review and (if applicable) show how your own research will contribute to existing knowledge.

Most research has focused on young women.
There is an increasing interest in the visual aspects of social media.
But there is still a lack of robust research on highly visual platforms like Instagram and Snapchat—this is a gap that you could address in your own research.

There are various approaches to organizing the body of a literature review. Depending on the length of your literature review, you can combine several of these strategies (for example, your overall structure might be thematic, but each theme is discussed chronologically).

Chronological

The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time. However, if you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and summarizing sources in order.

Try to analyze patterns, turning points and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred.

If you have found some recurring central themes, you can organize your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic.

For example, if you are reviewing literature about inequalities in migrant health outcomes, key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers, cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access.

Methodological

If you draw your sources from different disciplines or fields that use a variety of research methods , you might want to compare the results and conclusions that emerge from different approaches. For example:

Look at what results have emerged in qualitative versus quantitative research
Discuss how the topic has been approached by empirical versus theoretical scholarship
Divide the literature into sociological, historical, and cultural sources

Theoretical

A literature review is often the foundation for a theoretical framework . You can use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts.

You might argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach, or combine various theoretical concepts to create a framework for your research.

Like any other academic text , your literature review should have an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion . What you include in each depends on the objective of your literature review.

The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the literature review.

Depending on the length of your literature review, you might want to divide the body into subsections. You can use a subheading for each theme, time period, or methodological approach.

As you write, you can follow these tips:

Summarize and synthesize: give an overview of the main points of each source and combine them into a coherent whole
Analyze and interpret: don’t just paraphrase other researchers — add your own interpretations where possible, discussing the significance of findings in relation to the literature as a whole
Critically evaluate: mention the strengths and weaknesses of your sources
Write in well-structured paragraphs: use transition words and topic sentences to draw connections, comparisons and contrasts

In the conclusion, you should summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize their significance.

When you’ve finished writing and revising your literature review, don’t forget to proofread thoroughly before submitting. Not a language expert? Check out Scribbr’s professional proofreading services !

This article has been adapted into lecture slides that you can use to teach your students about writing a literature review.

Scribbr slides are free to use, customize, and distribute for educational purposes.

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If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Sampling methods
Simple random sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Likert scales
Reproducibility

Statistics

Null hypothesis
Statistical power
Probability distribution
Effect size
Poisson distribution

Research bias

Optimism bias
Cognitive bias
Implicit bias
Hawthorne effect
Anchoring bias
Explicit bias

A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .

It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation , or research paper , in order to situate your work in relation to existing knowledge.

There are several reasons to conduct a literature review at the beginning of a research project:

To familiarize yourself with the current state of knowledge on your topic
To ensure that you’re not just repeating what others have already done
To identify gaps in knowledge and unresolved problems that your research can address
To develop your theoretical framework and methodology
To provide an overview of the key findings and debates on the topic

Writing the literature review shows your reader how your work relates to existing research and what new insights it will contribute.

The literature review usually comes near the beginning of your thesis or dissertation . After the introduction , it grounds your research in a scholarly field and leads directly to your theoretical framework or methodology .

A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations , theses, and research papers . Literature reviews give an overview of knowledge on a subject, helping you identify relevant theories and methods, as well as gaps in existing research. Literature reviews are set up similarly to other academic texts , with an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion .

An annotated bibliography is a list of source references that has a short description (called an annotation ) for each of the sources. It is often assigned as part of the research process for a paper .

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University of Memphis Libraries
Research Guides

CJUS 3130: Research Methods

Critical Book Review Guide/Rubric
Required Readings/Books
Topic Selection Guide
Annotated Bibliography Guide/Rubric
Thesis Statement Guide/Rubric
Research Writing Assignment Rubric

Sample Guidelines for Critical Book Review

Interlibrary Loan

Preliminary Considerations

First, one must understand that a critical book review is not a book report (a summary of the contents of a book). A critical book review is a vehicle for examining and discussing issues the book itself raises or fails to raise. One writes a critical book review for the benefit of those who might not presently have time to read the book but who nevertheless need to learn more about its basic approach should they desire to read or study it at a future time. The job of the book reviewer is to inform these readers concerning any merits and/or shortcomings the book may have. From information based on a well-written review, the reader may conclude that this book is either indispensable or inconsequential.

Components of a Critical Book Review

A. Give complete bibliographical information at the top of the page (title, author, publisher, place of publication, date of publication, number of pages, and name of reviewer).

Use the following format:

Toward Rediscovering the Old Testament , by Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, l987. 250 pages. Reviewed by Randy C. Slocum.

B. Briefly state the reason this book was chosen for review. State the author's credentials (education, place of employment, previous achievements, etc.) as a preface to giving the book a serious hearing. Biographical information about the author should be included only as it demonstrates the author’s competency to write the book. Within the context of the paper, do not use titles (Dr., Rev., etc.). In most brief reviews, you will likely need to limit the introduction to one or two paragraphs.

C. Briefly (in one or two well-written sentences) summarize the thesis of the book. This is a crucial step because the thesis contains the reason why the author produced this particular book (there may be dozens on the market with similar subject matter). The thesis will state the author's basic presuppositions and approach. The critical nature of the book review will then grow from the reviewer's conclusion that the book does or does not achieve the author's stated purpose.

D. The main body of a critical book review will be concerned with "thesis development." That is, did the author achieve the stated purpose? In this section the reviewer will inspect each of the chapters of the book to see how the thesis is (or is not) developed. If the author makes progress and develops the thesis convincingly, providing adequate information and statistical data, the reviewer says so, providing concrete examples and citing their page numbers in the text.

Given the limited amount of space in a brief book review, footnotes should not be utilized. Quotations or ideas taken directly from the text should be followed parenthetically by the page number of the quotation. The abbreviation for page(s) (p./pp.) should not be used.

Rainer argues that evangelistic churches should focus on reaching youth (20). Indeed, he writes, “Many churches fail to recognize that adolescence is a critical time of receptivity to the gospel” (21).

If the thesis is poorly developed or if the examples are inadequate to support the assertions of the author, the reviewer will point this out as well. Most critical book reviews will contain both praise and criticism, carefully weighed and balanced against one another.

Remember the purpose of a critical book review is not to provide a summary of the book. You may assume that the professor and the grader know the contents of the book.

Questions the reviewer will seek to answer in this section might include:

Is there an adequate, consistent development of the author's stated thesis? Why or why not?
What is the author’s purpose, i.e., what does he/she hope to accomplish through this book? Does the author accomplish the purpose? If so, how does he/she do so? If not, why not?
Does the author approach the subject with any biases, i.e., do the author’s theological, experiential, philosophical, denominational, or cultural perspectives influence his/her conclusions?
Does the author properly support his/her thesis? Does the author adequately consider and refute opposing viewpoints? Is the book limited in application to specific types of churches? Is the book relevant to contemporary culture?
Does the author have to resort to suppression of contrary evidence in order to make the thesis credible (slanting)? If so, what additional evidence would weaken the case? • Is the thesis sound but marred by a flawed procedure?
Is the author's case proved, or would another thesis have been more appropriately chosen?

E. Finally, a summary section should be attached. How does this book differ from other treatments of the same subject matter? What is unique and valuable about this approach as opposed to the others? Would the reviewer recommend this book above others? Why or why not?

This final summary should include the major strengths and weaknesses of the book and evaluate its value for readers who may be interested in that particular field of inquiry. Your primary purpose in this section is to respond both positively and negatively to the book’s contents and presentation. Needless to say, this response should be more in-depth than, “This book is a good book that should be recommended reading for everyone.” On the other hand, “This book is a lousy book not worth reading” is also inadequate. Central to this is the basic question of whether or not the author has achieved the book's stated purpose.

Answer questions such as:

What are the strengths of the book, i.e., what contributions does the book make?
Why should a person read this book?
What did you learn from this book?
How might you apply the lessons of this book in your ministry context?
Would you recommend the book to other ministers? to seminary students? to laypersons? Why, or why not?

Do not allow your response to this question to become lengthy (for this paper is not primarily an evaluation of your ministry), but do make some application.

Throughout your critique, be specific in your evaluations. Do not just tell the reader about the book; tell and show the reader with concrete examples from the book. As previously suggested, include page numbers when making specific reference to the book.

F. The length of the review should be between five and seven pages, double-spaced.

Style Issues for a Critical Book Review

The following guidelines are included to counter common style errors:

A. Utilize this suggested outline to guide your book review, but do not include the specific subheadings (“Bibliographical Entry,” “Summary of the Book,” etc.) in the essay. The brevity of the review demands a smooth flow from one section to another without including the subheadings.

B. Use first-person sparingly; however, you may use “I” when referring to your opinion of a text.

C. Avoid contractions in formal writing.

D. Use active voice as much as possible.

E. Be clear and concise. A brief review allows no room for wandering from your objective.

F. Use your spell-checker, but do not trust it. A spell-check will not catch the error in such sentences as, “The whole church voted too pass the amendment.” Use your eyes as well as your spell-checker.

G. Proofread your paper. Finish the paper, and proof it. Lay it aside, and proof it again at a later time. If you do not catch your errors, someone else will.

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Last Updated: Sep 13, 2023 12:19 PM
URL: https://libguides.memphis.edu/keenanresearchmethods

BOOK REVIEW article

Book review: social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches.

$\nIrene Khosla$

Discipline of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India

A Book Review on Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches

William Lawrence Neuman (Essex: Pearson Education Limited), 2014, 594 pages, ISBN: 978-1-292-02023-5

“The Art and Science of Asking Questions is the Source of All Knowledge”—Thomas Berger

In an endeavor to bridge the gap between knowledge and applicability, Neuman (2014) presents a meticulous and comprehensive amalgamation of concepts and theories, defining qualitative and quantitative research methods in his book “Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.” A professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, William Lawrence Neuman has gained immense experience and has worked rigorously in his subject matter. He has authored seven books, numerous book chapters, and articles in the field of social sciences.

The book reviewed at present is the seventh edition of the “Social research methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches,” which was published by Pearson Education Limited in 2014. The book was written to help aspiring researchers gain an in-depth understanding of research and its purpose while stressing the essentials and theoretical considerations of conducting research. With a total of 15 chapters, the book elucidates various research methods, balancing between qualitative and quantitative approaches with an aim to emphasize the conceptual framework, applications, strategies, and the pros and cons of each approach, along with highlighting the benefits of using a combination of the two approaches.

The current edition is divided into five parts—foundations of research; planning and preparation for research; quantitative research methods—collection and analysis of data; qualitative research—methods of collecting data and analysis; and lastly “communicating the results of research with others.”

Part one of the book consists of five chapters, shedding light on the basics to provide an understanding of the and how of research and its importance; types of research; theoretical conceptualizations; methodology; and conducting a literature review and ethics in research. For example, in chapter one, the author explains the need to learn how to conduct research, followed by explaining the use, scope, and target audience for research in chapter two. Furthermore, in chapter four, in the most beautifully structured manner, the author has elaborated on the philosophical foundations and paradigms of research.

Part two describes the basics of the process of conducting research. Divided into three chapters explaining qualitative and quantitative research in terms of—research designs and its various strategies; measurement of data; and sampling. Research design issues, reliability and validity, and the types of scales and inventories used are also discussed in this section, providing an integrative and inclusive view of the research process.

In the third part, the types of research and their processes are elaborated for collection of data and analysis in quantitative research. Spread across four chapters, the topics covered under this section include experimental research; survey research; non-reactive research and secondary analysis; and quantitative analysis of data. Whereas, the fourth part is dedicated to qualitative research. Described in two chapters, this section focuses on field and focus group research and analyzing qualitative data.

Parts three and four of the book do justice to the concepts by providing thorough information about the procedure and methods of research. It covers the history, advantages, disadvantages, uses, requirements, as well as gives details about the types of variables and statistical and non-statistical techniques that can be applied. Each chapter is enriched with figures, diagrams, and maps which aid in enhancing conceptual clarity. For example, chapter ten includes information about the latest technological advances such as online surveys and computer-assisted data collection and chapter 14 includes detailed figures depicting qualitative data analysis techniques, with a figure for each like narrative analysis.

The last part of the book and the final chapter provides detailed information on writing and publishing research reports as well as talks about the politics in social research. This part covers everything from why a research report is required, to understanding the writing process, formulating a research proposal, to discussing the ethics, limitations, advantages, and difficulties faced in conducting and publishing research.

In terms of the structure of the book, each chapter begins with the title and key pointers of the topics to be discussed, along with a quote or a small paragraph, which in a theoretical yet poetic style serves as a brief introduction to the topic. Needless to say, each topic mentioned is covered scrupulously and thoroughly in a holistic manner and is explained in-depth, clearly divided point-wise and under sub-categories. This helps in reducing the burden of information overload and aids in maintaining the readers interest.

The most noteworthy and distinguishing part of the book is the use of alternate means of representing and expressing information. Each topic is supported with various realistic examples, enriched with numerous figures, maps, diagrams, and is summarized in organized and structured tables for comparison and ease of understanding. The author has also included dialogue boxes in each chapter with short definitions of the topics in discussion. This is advantageous from a learning perspective as it provides a quick glimpse, simplifying the comprehension of concepts. It is these features that give the book an edge over other books of research.

The book also incorporates empirical evidence and statistical data in supporting its content and illustrations, making it more credible. The language used is simple and straightforward yet catchy in terms of grasping the reader's attention, making even complex theories and perspectives intelligible. At the end of each chapter, a list of key terms is provided, followed by a set of review questions. These questions are beneficial as a means of assessing conceptual clarity in addition to encouraging the reader to ruminate and indulge in lateral thinking over the subject matter.

Overall, the book is a valuable asset for the field of research. The confluence of theoretical concepts with realistic examples makes the book highly applicable and significant not just for students, but for anyone keen to venture into the realm of social research. Just like a building cannot withstand without a strong foundation, a researcher cannot exist without building and maintaining their repositories of knowledge. In conclusion, the book is a quintessential means of grasping and gaining mastery over research knowledge.

Author Contributions

The author confirms being the sole contributor of this work and has approved it for publication.

Conflict of Interest

The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 7th Edn . United Kingdom: Pearson Education Limited.

Google Scholar

Keywords: research, qualitative research, quantitative research, review, social sciences

Citation: Khosla I (2021) Book Review: Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Front. Psychol. 12:696828. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.696828

Received: 17 April 2021; Accepted: 30 April 2021; Published: 25 May 2021.

Edited and reviewed by: Laura Galiana , University of Valencia, Spain

Copyright © 2021 Khosla. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Irene Khosla, irenekhosla96@gmail.com

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Organizing Academic Research Papers: Writing a Book Review

Purpose of Guide
Design Flaws to Avoid
Glossary of Research Terms
Narrowing a Topic Idea
Broadening a Topic Idea
Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
Academic Writing Style
Choosing a Title
Making an Outline
Paragraph Development
Executive Summary
Background Information
The Research Problem/Question
Theoretical Framework
Citation Tracking
Content Alert Services
Evaluating Sources
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Tertiary Sources
What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative Methods
Using Non-Textual Elements
Limitations of the Study
Common Grammar Mistakes
Avoiding Plagiarism
Footnotes or Endnotes?
Further Readings
Annotated Bibliography
Dealing with Nervousness
Using Visual Aids
Grading Someone Else's Paper
How to Manage Group Projects
Multiple Book Review Essay
Reviewing Collected Essays
About Informed Consent
Writing Field Notes
Writing a Policy Memo
Writing a Research Proposal
Acknowledgements

A book review is a decription, critical analysis, and/or evaluation of the quality, meaning, and significance of a book. Reviews generally range between 500-1000 words, but may be longer or shorter depending on the length and complexity of the book being reviewed, the overall purpose of the review, and whether the review is a comparative analysis examining two or more books that focus on the same topic. Professors assign book reviews as practice in carefully analyzing complex scholarly texts and to assess your ability in effectively synthesizing research to reach an informed perspective on an issue.

There are two general approaches to reviewing a book:

D escriptive review: presents the content and structure of a book as objectively as possible, giving essential information about a book's purpose and authority. This is done with description and exposition by stating the perceived aims and purposes of the author, often incorporating passages quoted from the text that highlight key elements of the work. Additionally, there may be some indication of the reading level and anticipated audience.
C ritical review: describes and evaluates the book in relation to accepted literary and historical standards and supports this evaluation with evidence from the text and, in most cases, in comparison to the research of others. It should include a statement about what the author has tried to do, evaluates how well [in the opinion of the reviewer] the author has succeeded, and presents evidence to support this evaluation. For course assignments, most professors want you to write a critical review.

Book Reviews. Writing Center. University of New Hampshire; Book Reviews: How to Write a Book Review. Writing and Style Guides. Libraries. Dalhousie University.

How to Approach Writing Your Review

I. Common Features

While book reviews vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features. These include:

A review gives the reader a concise summary of the content . This includes a relevant description of the research topic as well as an overview of its overall perspective, argument, or purpose.
A review offers a critical assessment of the content , often in relation to related studies on the same topic. This involves your reactions to the work under review: what strikes you as noteworthy, whether or not the arguments made by the author(s) were effective or persuasive, and how the work enhanced your understanding of the research problem under investigation.
In addition to analyzing a book's strengths and weaknesses, a scholarly review often suggests whether or not the reader would appreciate it for its authenticity and overall quality.

To maintain your focus, always keep in mind that most assignments ask you to discuss a book's treatment of its topic, not the topic itself . Your key sentences should, therefore, say "This book shows...,” "The study demonstrates...," or “The author argues..." rather than "This happened...” or “This is the case....”

II. Developing an Assessment Strategy

There is no definitive method to writing a book review in the social sciences, although it is necessary that you think critically about the research problem under study before you begin writing. Thus, writing a book review is a two-step process: 1) developing an argument about the work under consideration, and, 2) clearly articulating that argument as you write an organized and well-supported draft.

A useful strategy is to write the questions down and answer them as you read [remember to note the page numbers so you can refer back to the text!]. Which questions are most useful while evaluating what you read will depend upon the type of book are reading. Here are a series of questions to focus your thinking as you read a book.

What is the thesis—or main argument—of the book? If the author wanted you to get one idea from the book, what would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world you know? What has the book accomplished?
What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? Can you detect any biases? What is the approach to the subject [e.g., topical, analytical, chronological, descriptive]?
How does the author support his or her argument? What evidence does the author use to prove his or her point? Do you find that evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does any of the author's information [or conclusions] conflict with other books you've read, courses you've taken, or just previous assumptions you had about the research problem under study?
How does the author structure his or her argument? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does the argument make sense to you? Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
How has this book helped you understand the subject? Would you recommend the book to others? Why or why not?

Beyond the content of the book, you may also consider some information about the author and the circumstances of the text's production. Question to ask may include:

Who is the author? The nationality, political persuasion, training, intellectual interests, personal history, and historical context may provide crucial details about how a work takes shape. Does it matter, for example, that the author is affiliated with a particular organization? What difference would it make if the author participated in the events he or she writes about? What other topics has the author written about? Does this work build on prior research or does it seem to represent a new area of research?
What is the book's genre? Out of what discipline does it emerge? Does it conform to or depart from the conventions of its genre? These questions can provide a historical or other contextual standard upon which to base your evaluations. If you are reviewing the first book ever written on the subject, it will be important for your readers to know this. Keep in mind, though, that declarative statements about being the “first,” the "best," or the "only" book of its kind can be a risky unless you're absolutely certain because your professor [presumably] has a much better understanding of the overall research literature.

Book Reviews . Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Hartley, James. Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207; Writing a Book Review . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews . Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University.

Structure and Writing Style

I. Bibliographic Information

Provide the essential information about the book using the writing style asked for by your professor [e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.]. Depending on how your professor wants you to organize your review, the bibliographic information represents the heading of your review. In general, it would look like this: The Whites of Their Eyes: The Tea Party's Revolution and the Battle over American History . By Jill Lepore. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2010. xii, 207pp.).

Reviewed by [your name].

II. Scope/Purpose/Content

In most scholarly works, the author(s) will state the purpose of their book in the preface or in an introductory chapter. Begin your review by telling the reader not only the overarching concern of the book in its entirety [the subject area] but also what the author's particular point of view is on that subject [the thesis statement]. If you cannot find an adequate statement in the author's own words or if you find that the thesis statement is not well-developed, then you will have to compose your own introductory thesis statement that does cover all the material. This statement should be no more than one paragraph and must be succinct, accurate, unbiased, and clear.

If you find it difficult to discern the overall aims and objectives of the book [and, be sure to point this out in your review if you believe it to be a deficiency], you may arrive at an understanding of the purpose by asking yourself the following questions:

Scan the Table of Contents because it can help you understand how the book is organized and will aid in determining the author's main ideas and how they are developed [e.g., chronologically, topically, etc.].
Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?
From what point of view is the work written?
Was the author trying to give information, to explain something technical, or to convince the reader of a belief’s validity by dramatizing it in action?
What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? Review related literature from other books and journal articles to familiarize yourself with the field, if necessary.
Who is the intended audience?
What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal? You can evaluate the quality of the writing style by noting some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality, forcefulness, correct use of technical words, conciseness, fullness of development, and fluidity.
How did the book affect you? Were any prior assumptions you had on the subject changed, abandoned, or reinforced due to this book? How is the book related to your own course or personal agenda? What personal experiences have you had that relate to the subject?
How well has the book achieved its goal(s)?
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

III. Note the Method

Illustrate your remarks with specific references and quotations that help to illustrate the literary method used to state the research problem, describe the research design, and analyze the findings. In general, authors tend to use the following methods, exclusively or in combination.

Description : The author depicts scenes and events by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses, or to the reader’s imagination. Description presents background and setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as many sensuous details as possible, the way persons, places, and things are within the phenomenon being described.
Narration : The author tells the story of a series of events, usually thematically or in chronological order. In general, the emphasis in non-fiction books is on narration of the events. Narration tells what has happened and, in some cases, using this method to project what will happen. Its primary purpose is to draw the reader into a story and create a contextual framework for understanding the research problem.
Exposition : The author uses explanation and analysis to present a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue clearly and as impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to describe and explain, to document for the historical record an event or phenomenon.
Argument : The author uses techniques of persuasion to establish the truth of a statement, often in the form of a research question, or to convince the reader of its falsity. The overall aim is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue and aims to convince the reader that the author's position is valid, logical, and/or reasonable.

IV. Critically Evaluate the Contents

Critical comments should form the bulk of your book review . State whether or not you feel the author's treatment of the subject matter is appropriate for the intended audience. Ask yourself:

Has the purpose of the book been achieved?
What contribution does the book make to the field?
Is the treatment of the subject matter objective?
Are there facts and evidence that have been omitted?
What kinds of data, if any, are used to support the author's thesis statement?
Can the same data be interpreted to alternate ends?
Is the writing style clear and effective?
Does the book raise important or provocative issues or topics for discussion and further research?
What has been left out?

Support your evaluation with evidence from the text and, when possible, state it in relation to other sources. If relevant, note of the book's format, such as, layout, binding, typography, etc. Are there tables, charts, maps, illustrations, text boxes, photographs, or other non-textual elements? Do they aid in understanding the research problem? Describing this is particularly important in books that contain a lot of non-textual elements.

NOTE: It is important to carefully distinguish your views from those of the author to ensure that you do not confuse your reader.

V. Examine the Front Matter and Back Matter

Back matter refers to any information included after the final chapter of the book. Front matter refers to anything before the first chapter. Front matter is most often numbered separately from the rest of the text in lower case Roman numerals [i.e. i-xi ]. Critical commentary about front or back matter is generally only necessary if you believe there is something that diminishes the overall quality of the work or there is something that is particularly helpful in understanding the book's contents.

The following front matter may be included in a book and should be considered for evaluation when reviewing the overall quality of the book:

Table of contents --is it clear? Is it detailed or general? Does it reflect the true contents of the book?
Author biography --also found as back matter, the biography of author(s) can be useful in determining the authority of the writer and whether the book builds on prior research or represents new research. In scholarly reviews, noting the author's affiliation can be a factor in helping the reader determine the overall validity of work [i.e., are they associated with a research center devoted to studying the research problem under investigation].
Foreword --in scholarly books, a foreword may be written by the author or an expert on the subject of the book. The purpose of a foreword is to introduce the reader to the author as well as the book itself, and to help establish credibility for both. A foreword does not contribute any additional information about the book's subject matter, but it serves as a means of validating the book's existence. Later editions of a book sometimes have a new foreword apended [appearing before an older foreword if there was one], which may be included to explain in what respects that edition differs from previous ones.
Preface --generally describes the genesis, purpose, limitations, and scope of the book and may include acknowledgments of indebtedness to people who have helped the author complete the study. Is the preface helpful in understanding the study? Does it effectively provide a framework for what's to follow?
Chronology --also may be found as back matter, a chronology is generally included to highlight key events related to the subject of the book. Does it contribute to the overall work? Is it detailed or very general?
List of non-textual elements --if a book contains a lot of charts, photographs, maps, etc., they will often be listed in the front after the table of contents.

The following back matter may be included in a book and should be considered for evaluation when reviewing the overall quality of the book:

Afterword --this is a short, reflective piece written by the author that takes the form of a concluding section, final commentary, or closing statement. It is worth mentioning in a review if it contributes information about the purpose of the book, gives a call to action, or asks the reader to consider key points made in the book.
Appendix --is the supplementary material in the appendix or appendices well organized? Do they relate to the contents or appear superfluous? Does it contain any essential information that would have been more appropriately integrated into the text?
Index --is the index thorough and accurate? Are elements used, such as, bold text to help identify specific parts of the book?
Glossary of Terms --are the definitions clearly written? Is the glossary comprehensive or are key terms missing?
Endotes/Footnotes --check any end notes or footnotes as you read from chapter to chapter. Do they provide important additional information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the body of the text?
Bibliography/Further Readings --review any bibliography or further readings the author(s) may have included. What kinds of sources appear [e.g., primary or secondary, recent or old, scholarly or popular, etc.]? How does the author make use of them? Be sure to note important omissions.

VI. Summarize and Comment

State your general conclusions succinctly. Pay particular attention to the author's concluding chapter. Is the summary convincing? List the principal topics, and briefly summarize the author’s ideas about these topics, main points, and conclusions. If appropriate and to help clarify your overall evaluation, use specific references and quotations to support your statements. If your thesis has been well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally. It can include a final assessment or simply restate your thesis. Do not introduce new information or ideas in the conclusion. If you've compared the book to any other works or used other sources in writing the review, be sure to cite at the end of your book review.

Book Reviews . Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Gastel, Barbara. Special Books Section: A Strategy for Reviewing Books for Journals. BioScience 41 (October 1991): 635-637; Hartley, James. Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207; Procter, Margaret. The Book Review or Article Critique . The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Reading a Book to Review It . The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Scarnecchia, David L. Writing Book Reviews for the Journal Of Range Management and Rangelands. Rangeland Ecology and Management 57 (2004): 418-421; Writing a Book Review . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University.

Some Language for Evaluating Texts

It can be challenging to find the proper vocabulary in which to discuss and evaluate a book. Here is a list of some active verbs for referring to texts and ideas that you might find useful:

account for
demonstrate
distinguish
investigate

Examples of usage

"The evidence indicates that..."
"This work assesses the effect of..."
"The author identifies three key reasons for..."
"This book questions the view that..."

Paquot, Magali. Academic Keyword List . Centre for English Corpus Linguistics. Université Catholique de Louvain.

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Front Psychol

Book Review: Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches

William Lawrence Neuman, editor. Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. 2014. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. 594 p. ISBN: 978-1-292-02023-5.

“The Art and Science of Asking Questions is the Source of All Knowledge”—Thomas Berger

In an endeavor to bridge the gap between knowledge and applicability, Neuman ( 2014 ) presents a meticulous and comprehensive amalgamation of concepts and theories, defining qualitative and quantitative research methods in his book “Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches.” A professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, William Lawrence Neuman has gained immense experience and has worked rigorously in his subject matter. He has authored seven books, numerous book chapters, and articles in the field of social sciences.

Author Contributions

The author confirms being the sole contributor of this work and has approved it for publication.

Conflict of Interest

The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Neuman W. L. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 7th Edn . United Kingdom: Pearson Education Limited. [ Google Scholar ]

Research Methodology and Scientific Writing

© 2021
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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, India

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Provides tips to improve the writing skills for research students
Deals with most interdisciplinary fields in Research such as Problems, Writing Proposals, Funding, Selecting Designs, Literature and Review, Collection of Data and Analysis, and Preparation of Thesis
Discusses the latest on the use of information technology in retrieving and managing information

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About this book

Research: Meaning and Purpose

The Roadmap to Research: Fundamentals of a Multifaceted Research Process

Research Questions and Research Design

Research Problems
Writing Proposals
Selecting Designs
Literature and Review
Collection of Data and Analysis
Preparation of Thesis

Table of contents (24 chapters)

Front matter, research: the search for knowledge.

C. George Thomas

SAGE Students' Blog

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.

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

Annotated Bibliography
Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
Group Presentations
Dealing with Nervousness
Using Visual Aids
Grading Someone Else's Paper
Types of Structured Group Activities
Group Project Survival Skills
Leading a Class Discussion
Multiple Book Review Essay
Reviewing Collected Works
Writing a Case Analysis Paper
Writing a Case Study
About Informed Consent
Writing Field Notes
Writing a Policy Memo
Writing a Reflective Paper
Writing a Research Proposal
Generative AI and Writing
Acknowledgments

A book review is a thorough description, critical analysis, and/or evaluation of the quality, meaning, and significance of a book, often written in relation to prior research on the topic. Reviews generally range from 500-2000 words, but may be longer or shorter depends on several factors: the length and complexity of the book being reviewed, the overall purpose of the review, and whether the review examines two or more books that focus on the same topic. Professors assign book reviews as practice in carefully analyzing complex scholarly texts and to assess your ability to effectively synthesize research so that you reach an informed perspective about the topic being covered.

There are two general approaches to reviewing a book:

Descriptive review: Presents the content and structure of a book as objectively as possible, describing essential information about a book's purpose and authority. This is done by stating the perceived aims and purposes of the study, often incorporating passages quoted from the text that highlight key elements of the work. Additionally, there may be some indication of the reading level and anticipated audience.
Critical review: Describes and evaluates the book in relation to accepted literary and historical standards and supports this evaluation with evidence from the text and, in most cases, in contrast to and in comparison with the research of others. It should include a statement about what the author has tried to do, evaluates how well you believe the author has succeeded in meeting the objectives of the study, and presents evidence to support this assessment. For most course assignments, your professor will want you to write this type of review.

Book Reviews. Writing Center. University of New Hampshire; Book Reviews: How to Write a Book Review. Writing and Style Guides. Libraries. Dalhousie University; Kindle, Peter A. "Teaching Students to Write Book Reviews." Contemporary Rural Social Work 7 (2015): 135-141; Erwin, R. W. “Reviewing Books for Scholarly Journals.” In Writing and Publishing for Academic Authors . Joseph M. Moxley and Todd Taylor. 2 nd edition. (Lanham, MD: Rowan and Littlefield, 1997), pp. 83-90.

How to Approach Writing Your Review

NOTE: Since most course assignments require that you write a critical rather than descriptive book review, the following information about preparing to write and developing the structure and style of reviews focuses on this approach.

I. Common Features

While book reviews vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features. These include:

A review gives the reader a concise summary of the content . This includes a description of the research topic and scope of analysis as well as an overview of the book's overall perspective, argument, and purpose.
A review offers a critical assessment of the content in relation to other studies on the same topic . This involves documenting your reactions to the work under review--what strikes you as noteworthy or important, whether or not the arguments made by the author(s) were effective or persuasive, and how the work enhanced your understanding of the research problem under investigation.
In addition to analyzing a book's strengths and weaknesses, a scholarly review often recommends whether or not readers would value the work for its authenticity and overall quality . This measure of quality includes both the author's ideas and arguments and covers practical issues, such as, readability and language, organization and layout, indexing, and, if needed, the use of non-textual elements .

To maintain your focus, always keep in mind that most assignments ask you to discuss a book's treatment of its topic, not the topic itself . Your key sentences should say, "This book shows...,” "The study demonstrates...," or “The author argues...," rather than "This happened...” or “This is the case....”

II. Developing a Critical Assessment Strategy

There is no definitive methodological approach to writing a book review in the social sciences, although it is necessary that you think critically about the research problem under investigation before you begin to write. Therefore, writing a book review is a three-step process: 1) carefully taking notes as you read the text; 2) developing an argument about the value of the work under consideration; and, 3) clearly articulating that argument as you write an organized and well-supported assessment of the work.

A useful strategy in preparing to write a review is to list a set of questions that should be answered as you read the book [remember to note the page numbers so you can refer back to the text!]. The specific questions to ask yourself will depend upon the type of book you are reviewing. For example, a book that is presenting original research about a topic may require a different set of questions to ask yourself than a work where the author is offering a personal critique of an existing policy or issue.

Here are some sample questions that can help you think critically about the book:

Thesis or Argument . What is the central thesis—or main argument—of the book? If the author wanted you to get one main idea from the book, what would it be? How does it compare or contrast to the world that you know or have experienced? What has the book accomplished? Is the argument clearly stated and does the research support this?
Topic . What exactly is the subject or topic of the book? Is it clearly articulated? Does the author cover the subject adequately? Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? Can you detect any biases? What type of approach has the author adopted to explore the research problem [e.g., topical, analytical, chronological, descriptive]?
Evidence . How does the author support their argument? What evidence does the author use to prove their point? Is the evidence based on an appropriate application of the method chosen to gather information? Do you find that evidence convincing? Why or why not? Does any of the author's information [or conclusions] conflict with other books you've read, courses you've taken, or just previous assumptions you had about the research problem?
Structure . How does the author structure their argument? Does it follow a logical order of analysis? What are the parts that make up the whole? Does the argument make sense to you? Does it persuade you? Why or why not?
Take-aways . How has this book helped you understand the research problem? Would you recommend the book to others? Why or why not?

Beyond the content of the book, you may also consider some information about the author and the general presentation of information. Question to ask may include:

The Author: Who is the author? The nationality, political persuasion, education, intellectual interests, personal history, and historical context may provide crucial details about how a work takes shape. Does it matter, for example, that the author is affiliated with a particular organization? What difference would it make if the author participated in the events they wrote about? What other topics has the author written about? Does this work build on prior research or does it represent a new or unique area of research?
The Presentation: What is the book's genre? Out of what discipline does it emerge? Does it conform to or depart from the conventions of its genre? These questions can provide a historical or other contextual standard upon which to base your evaluations. If you are reviewing the first book ever written on the subject, it will be important for your readers to know this. Keep in mind, though, that declarative statements about being the “first,” the "best," or the "only" book of its kind can be a risky unless you're absolutely certain because your professor [presumably] has a much better understanding of the overall research literature.

NOTE: Most critical book reviews examine a topic in relation to prior research. A good strategy for identifying this prior research is to examine sources the author(s) cited in the chapters introducing the research problem and, of course, any review of the literature. However, you should not assume that the author's references to prior research is authoritative or complete. If any works related to the topic have been excluded, your assessment of the book should note this . Be sure to consult with a librarian to ensure that any additional studies are located beyond what has been cited by the author(s).

Book Reviews. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Hartley, James. "Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines." Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207; Motta-Roth, D. “Discourse Analysis and Academic Book Reviews: A Study of Text and Disciplinary Cultures.” In Genre Studies in English for Academic Purposes . Fortanet Gómez, Inmaculada et al., editors. (Castellò de la Plana: Publicacions de la Universitat Jaume I, 1998), pp. 29-45. Writing a Book Review. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Suárez, Lorena and Ana I. Moreno. “The Rhetorical Structure of Academic Journal Book Reviews: A Cross-linguistic and Cross-disciplinary Approach .” In Asociación Europea de Lenguas para Fines Específicos, María del Carmen Pérez Llantada Auría, Ramón Plo Alastrué, and Claus Peter Neumann. Actas del V Congreso Internacional AELFE/Proceedings of the 5th International AELFE Conference . Zaragoza: Universidad de Zaragoza, 2006.

Structure and Writing Style

I. Bibliographic Information

Bibliographic information refers to the essential elements of a work if you were to cite it in a paper [i.e., author, title, date of publication, etc.]. Provide the essential information about the book using the writing style [e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago] preferred by your professor or used by the discipline of your major . Depending on how your professor wants you to organize your review, the bibliographic information represents the heading of your review. In general, it would look like this:

[Complete title of book. Author or authors. Place of publication. Publisher. Date of publication. Number of pages before first chapter, often in Roman numerals. Total number of pages]. The Whites of Their Eyes: The Tea Party's Revolution and the Battle over American History . By Jill Lepore. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2010. xii, 207 pp.)

Reviewed by [your full name].

II. Scope/Purpose/Content

Begin your review by telling the reader not only the overarching concern of the book in its entirety [the subject area] but also what the author's particular point of view is on that subject [the thesis statement]. If you cannot find an adequate statement in the author's own words or if you find that the thesis statement is not well-developed, then you will have to compose your own introductory thesis statement that does cover all the material. This statement should be no more than one paragraph and must be succinctly stated, accurate, and unbiased.

If you find it difficult to discern the overall aims and objectives of the book [and, be sure to point this out in your review if you determine that this is a deficiency], you may arrive at an understanding of the book's overall purpose by assessing the following:

Scan the table of contents because it can help you understand how the book was organized and will aid in determining the author's main ideas and how they were developed [e.g., chronologically, topically, historically, etc.].
Why did the author write on this subject rather than on some other subject?
From what point of view is the work written?
Was the author trying to give information, to explain something technical, or to convince the reader of a belief’s validity by dramatizing it in action?
What is the general field or genre, and how does the book fit into it? If necessary, review related literature from other books and journal articles to familiarize yourself with the field.
Who is the intended audience?
What is the author's style? Is it formal or informal? You can evaluate the quality of the writing style by noting some of the following standards: coherence, clarity, originality, forcefulness, accurate use of technical words, conciseness, fullness of development, and fluidity [i.e., quality of the narrative flow].
How did the book affect you? Were there any prior assumptions you had about the subject that were changed, abandoned, or reinforced after reading the book? How is the book related to your own personal beliefs or assumptions? What personal experiences have you had related to the subject that affirm or challenge underlying assumptions?
How well has the book achieved the goal(s) set forth in the preface, introduction, and/or foreword?
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

III. Note the Method

Support your remarks with specific references to text and quotations that help to illustrate the literary method used to state the research problem, describe the research design, and analyze the findings. In general, authors tend to use the following literary methods, exclusively or in combination.

Description : The author depicts scenes and events by giving specific details that appeal to the five senses, or to the reader’s imagination. The description presents background and setting. Its primary purpose is to help the reader realize, through as many details as possible, the way persons, places, and things are situated within the phenomenon being described.
Narration : The author tells the story of a series of events, usually thematically or in chronological order. In general, the emphasis in scholarly books is on narration of the events. Narration tells what has happened and, in some cases, using this method to forecast what could happen in the future. Its primary purpose is to draw the reader into a story and create a contextual framework for understanding the research problem.
Exposition : The author uses explanation and analysis to present a subject or to clarify an idea. Exposition presents the facts about a subject or an issue clearly and as impartially as possible. Its primary purpose is to describe and explain, to document for the historical record an event or phenomenon.
Argument : The author uses techniques of persuasion to establish understanding of a particular truth, often in the form of addressing a research question, or to convince the reader of its falsity. The overall aim is to persuade the reader to believe something and perhaps to act on that belief. Argument takes sides on an issue and aims to convince the reader that the author's position is valid, logical, and/or reasonable.

IV. Critically Evaluate the Contents

Critical comments should form the bulk of your book review . State whether or not you feel the author's treatment of the subject matter is appropriate for the intended audience. Ask yourself:

Has the purpose of the book been achieved?
What contributions does the book make to the field?
Is the treatment of the subject matter objective or at least balanced in describing all sides of a debate?
Are there facts and evidence that have been omitted?
What kinds of data, if any, are used to support the author's thesis statement?
Can the same data be interpreted to explain alternate outcomes?
Is the writing style clear and effective?
Does the book raise important or provocative issues or topics for discussion?
Does the book bring attention to the need for further research?
What has been left out?

Support your evaluation with evidence from the text and, when possible, state the book's quality in relation to other scholarly sources. If relevant, note of the book's format, such as, layout, binding, typography, etc. Are there tables, charts, maps, illustrations, text boxes, photographs, or other non-textual elements? Do they aid in understanding the text? Describing this is particularly important in books that contain a lot of non-textual elements.

NOTE: It is important to carefully distinguish your views from those of the author so as not to confuse your reader. Be clear when you are describing an author's point of view versus expressing your own.

V. Examine the Front Matter and Back Matter

Front matter refers to any content before the first chapter of the book. Back matter refers to any information included after the final chapter of the book . Front matter is most often numbered separately from the rest of the text in lower case Roman numerals [i.e. i - xi ]. Critical commentary about front or back matter is generally only necessary if you believe there is something that diminishes the overall quality of the work [e.g., the indexing is poor] or there is something that is particularly helpful in understanding the book's contents [e.g., foreword places the book in an important context].

Front matter that may be considered for evaluation when reviewing its overall quality:

Table of contents -- is it clear? Is it detailed or general? Does it reflect the true contents of the book? Does it help in understanding a logical sequence of content?
Author biography -- also found as back matter, the biography of author(s) can be useful in determining the authority of the writer and whether the book builds on prior research or represents new research. In scholarly reviews, noting the author's affiliation and prior publications can be a factor in helping the reader determine the overall validity of the work [i.e., are they associated with a research center devoted to studying the problem under investigation].
Foreword -- the purpose of a foreword is to introduce the reader to the author and the content of the book, and to help establish credibility for both. A foreword may not contribute any additional information about the book's subject matter, but rather, serves as a means of validating the book's existence. In these cases, the foreword is often written by a leading scholar or expert who endorses the book's contributions to advancing research about the topic. Later editions of a book sometimes have a new foreword prepended [appearing before an older foreword, if there was one], which may be included to explain how the latest edition differs from previous editions. These are most often written by the author.
Acknowledgements -- scholarly studies in the social sciences often take many years to write, so authors frequently acknowledge the help and support of others in getting their research published. This can be as innocuous as acknowledging the author's family or the publisher. However, an author may acknowledge prominent scholars or subject experts, staff at key research centers, people who curate important archival collections, or organizations that funded the research. In these particular cases, it may be worth noting these sources of support in your review, particularly if the funding organization is biased or its mission is to promote a particular agenda.
Preface -- generally describes the genesis, purpose, limitations, and scope of the book and may include acknowledgments of indebtedness to people who have helped the author complete the study. Is the preface helpful in understanding the study? Does it provide an effective framework for understanding what's to follow?
Chronology -- also may be found as back matter, a chronology is generally included to highlight key events related to the subject of the book. Do the entries contribute to the overall work? Is it detailed or very general?
List of non-textual elements -- a book that contains numerous charts, photographs, maps, tables, etc. will often list these items after the table of contents in the order that they appear in the text. Is this useful?

Back matter that may be considered for evaluation when reviewing its overall quality:

Afterword -- this is a short, reflective piece written by the author that takes the form of a concluding section, final commentary, or closing statement. It is worth mentioning in a review if it contributes information about the purpose of the book, gives a call to action, summarizes key recommendations or next steps, or asks the reader to consider key points made in the book.
Appendix -- is the supplementary material in the appendix or appendices well organized? Do they relate to the contents or appear superfluous? Does it contain any essential information that would have been more appropriately integrated into the text?
Index -- are there separate indexes for names and subjects or one integrated index. Is the indexing thorough and accurate? Are elements used, such as, bold or italic fonts to help identify specific places in the book? Does the index include "see also" references to direct you to related topics?
Glossary of Terms -- are the definitions clearly written? Is the glossary comprehensive or are there key terms missing? Are any terms or concepts mentioned in the text not included that should have been?
Endnotes -- examine any endnotes as you read from chapter to chapter. Do they provide important additional information? Do they clarify or extend points made in the body of the text? Should any notes have been better integrated into the text rather than separated? Do the same if the author uses footnotes.
Bibliography/References/Further Readings -- review any bibliography, list of references to sources, and/or further readings the author may have included. What kinds of sources appear [e.g., primary or secondary, recent or old, scholarly or popular, etc.]? How does the author make use of them? Be sure to note important omissions of sources that you believe should have been utilized, including important digital resources or archival collections.

VI. Summarize and Comment

State your general conclusions briefly and succinctly. Pay particular attention to the author's concluding chapter and/or afterword. Is the summary convincing? List the principal topics, and briefly summarize the author’s ideas about these topics, main points, and conclusions. If appropriate and to help clarify your overall evaluation, use specific references to text and quotations to support your statements. If your thesis has been well argued, the conclusion should follow naturally. It can include a final assessment or simply restate your thesis. Do not introduce new information in the conclusion. If you've compared the book to any other works or used other sources in writing the review, be sure to cite them at the end of your book review in the same writing style as your bibliographic heading of the book.

Book Reviews. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Book Reviews. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Gastel, Barbara. "Special Books Section: A Strategy for Reviewing Books for Journals." BioScience 41 (October 1991): 635-637; Hartley, James. "Reading and Writing Book Reviews Across the Disciplines." Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 57 (July 2006): 1194–1207; Lee, Alexander D., Bart N. Green, Claire D. Johnson, and Julie Nyquist. "How to Write a Scholarly Book Review for Publication in a Peer-reviewed Journal: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Chiropractic Education 24 (2010): 57-69; Nicolaisen, Jeppe. "The Scholarliness of Published Peer Reviews: A Bibliometric Study of Book Reviews in Selected Social Science Fields." Research Evaluation 11 (2002): 129-140;.Procter, Margaret. The Book Review or Article Critique. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Reading a Book to Review It. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Scarnecchia, David L. "Writing Book Reviews for the Journal Of Range Management and Rangelands." Rangeland Ecology and Management 57 (2004): 418-421; Simon, Linda. "The Pleasures of Book Reviewing." Journal of Scholarly Publishing 27 (1996): 240-241; Writing a Book Review. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Book Reviews. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University.

Writing Tip

Always Read the Foreword and/or the Preface

If they are included in the front matter, a good place for understanding a book's overall purpose, organization, contributions to further understanding of the research problem, and relationship to other studies is to read the preface and the foreword. The foreword may be written by someone other than the author or editor and can be a person who is famous or who has name recognition within the discipline. A foreword is often included to add credibility to the work.

The preface is usually an introductory essay written by the author or editor. It is intended to describe the book's overall purpose, arrangement, scope, and overall contributions to the literature. When reviewing the book, it can be useful to critically evaluate whether the goals set forth in the foreword and/or preface were actually achieved. At the very least, they can establish a foundation for understanding a study's scope and purpose as well as its significance in contributing new knowledge.

Distinguishing between a Foreword, a Preface, and an Introduction . Book Creation Learning Center. Greenleaf Book Group, 2019.

Locating Book Reviews

There are several databases the USC Libraries subscribes to that include the full-text or citations to book reviews. Short, descriptive reviews can also be found at book-related online sites such as Amazon , although it's not always obvious who has written them and may actually be created by the publisher. The following databases provide comprehensive access to scholarly, full-text book reviews:

ProQuest [1983-present]
Book Review Digest Retrospective [1905-1982]

Some Language for Evaluating Texts

It can be challenging to find the proper vocabulary from which to discuss and evaluate a book. Here is a list of some active verbs for referring to texts and ideas that you might find useful:

account for
demonstrate
distinguish
investigate

Examples of usage

"The evidence indicates that..."
"This work assesses the effect of..."
"The author identifies three key reasons for..."
"This book questions the view that..."
"This work challenges assumptions about...."

Paquot, Magali. Academic Keyword List. Centre for English Corpus Linguistics. Université Catholique de Louvain.

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Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Student resources, welcome to the companion website.

Welcome to the companion website for Research Methodology, 4 th Edition, by Ranjit Kumar . The resources on the site have been specifically designed to support your study.

On this website you will find:

Video and Multimedia
Recommended Readings
Web Resources
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About the book:

Research Methodology: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners has been written specifically for those with no previous experience of research or research methodology. 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:

formulating a research question
ethical considerations
carrying out a literature review
choosing a research design
selecting a sample
collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data
writing a research report.

The book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the social sciences embarking on quantitative or qualitative research projects.

Available with Perusall —an eBook that makes it easier to prepare for class Perusall is an award-winning eBook platform featuring social annotation tools that allow students and instructors to collaboratively mark up and discuss their SAGE textbook. Backed by research and supported by technological innovations developed at Harvard University, this process of learning through collaborative annotation keeps your students engaged and makes teaching easier and more effective. Learn more .

Acknowledgments

The author and SAGE would like to thank the reviewers of the new edition for their time, help and feedback.

Javed Vassilis Khan, Senior Lecturer, NHTV University Jonathan Lord, Lecturer, University of Salford Liane Purnell, Senior Lecturer, Newman University Luke Sloan, Lecturer in Quantitative Methods, Cardiff University Margaret Hanson, Senior Lecture in Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University Paul Willard, Lecturer in Event Management, La Trobe University (Bendigo campus)

A very special thanks to Stephanie Fleischer, Senior Lecturer in Research Methods from the University of Brighton for creating the companion website resources accompanying the new edition of Research Methodology: A Step-by-step guide for Beginners .

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Research Methodology: Best Practices for Rigorous, Credible, and Impactful Research

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Research Methodology: Best Practices for Rigorous, Credible, and Impactful Research 1st Edition

ISBN-10 1071871943
ISBN-13 978-1071871942
Edition 1st
Publisher SAGE Publications, Inc
Publication date March 15, 2024
Language English
Dimensions 7.95 x 0.94 x 10.08 inches
Print length 616 pages
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Editorial Reviews

This is an interesting, fresh approach, describing the development of research methodologies throughout the years… Much better than my current textbook.

This book is easy to read and teach. Students can understand the language and be able to use it with their own research. It is both modern and has history of research within it. Overall, students would benefit in early research to using this book.

The discussion or parsimony, falsification, and precision within this book are particularly welcomed and map precisely how I teach these topics.

I like that there is a chapter devoted to making connections to theory. This is novel. I have not seen such a chapter in similar texts, and it is important. Often junior scholars ask questions for the sake of simplicity or curiosity but lack the skills to link their inquiries to theory. This chapter is a useful contribution!

A high-level but readable textbook presenting research design and methods in an approachable way. The text would be appropriate for graduate level psychology, organizational behavior, or decision sciences courses in research methods.

I would describe this book as a long-form publication that provides knowledge on methodological best practices in social and behavioral science disciplines. The writing is explicit and bridges the gap between knowledge and applicability and presents a comprehensive review of the research process from beginning to end.

About the Author

Herman Aguinis is the Avram Tucker Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Management at The George Washington University School of Business. His interdisciplinary research addresses research methods in the social and behavioral sciences and the acquisition and deployment of talent in organizations. In addition to his about 220 journal articles, 350 keynotes and presentations at professional conferences, and 200 invited presentations, he has published twelve books, including Regression Analysis for Categorical Moderators, Performance Management , and Applied Psychology in Talent Management (with W.F. Cascio). He served as Editor-in-Chief of Organizational Research Methods and received the Academy of Management Research Methods Division Distinguished Career Award for lifetime contributions. He is a three-time recipient of the Academy of Management Research Methods Division Robert McDonald Advancement of Organizational Research Methodology Award, recognizing the best article published in the preceding five years. Also, he received career awards for research contributions from the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Society for Human Resource Management, served as President of the Academy of Management, and has been inducted into The PhD Project Hall of Fame. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Management, the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology. He serves or has served on the editorial board of 26 journals. The Web of Science Highly Cited Researchers Report has ranked him among the world’s 100 most impactful researchers in Economics and Business every year since 2018, and he has about 35,000 LinkedIn and X followers. He is the recipient of the 2024 Academy of Management Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Division Career Award for Scholarly Contributions. For more information, please visit https://www.hermanaguinis.com

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ SAGE Publications, Inc; 1st edition (March 15, 2024)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 616 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1071871943
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1071871942
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.32 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.95 x 0.94 x 10.08 inches
#80 in Popular Psychology Research
#93 in Medical Psychology Research
#98 in Social Sciences Methodology

About the author

Herman aguinis.

Dr. Herman Aguinis is the Avram Tucker Distinguished Scholar at George Washington University School of Business. Every year since 2018, Web of Science Highly Cited Researchers Reports has ranked him among the world’s 100 most impactful researchers in economics and business, he served as President of the Academy of Management, and has been inducted into The Ph.D. Project Hall of Fame. His work focuses on the global acquisition and deployment of talent in organizations and organizational research methods (i.e., behavioral science and data science). His research has been published in over 210 articles and 12 books and featured by the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, USA Today, Forbes, and many other outlets.

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BOOK REVIEW: FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND STATISTICS

Dr. Singh, author of this book, being an Indian national and Education expert emphasized more on India’s lacking in research and highlighted the areas of improvements. Being and educationist, his every example if of educational systems, students, teachers and teaching methods, although I think it would be more cohesive if he provided diverse and generalized examples which will aid readers in relating the phenomenon or process and build vivid and larger picture of research in their minds.

Related Papers

A.P.H. PUBLISHING CORPORATION

Educational research endeavors to eliminate the problems of scholars, teachers, students, administrators and policy makers. A knowledge of research methodology and statistics are indispensable for all those who either taken an active role in the conduct of research or desire to keep themselves abreast of the new development in education. Enhancing the knowledge of research methodology is inevitable to scholars for prolonging and completing their studies. Learning statistics encourage the scholars in acquiring competency in analysis of data. In the present scenario, interdisciplinary research should be fostered for understanding different disciplines. Research can help scholars for learning, finding out facts, analyzing information, adapting their behavior according to information received, looking to improve and adapting modern demand. Researchers should acquire the knowledge on research problems, selection of research methodology, sampling techniques, selection of tools, preparation of tools, procedure of conducting research, collection of data, applying appropriate statistical techniques for analyzing the collected data , reaching the accurate result of the study and writing research proposal. Learning advanced statistics is needed in educational research for acquiring accuracy in the findings. Research in Educational technology is indispensable for eliminating the problems of the studentsin learning. Problems of the students in learning can be solved by using technology based classroom transactions. Innovative research and advanced statistics assure the quality education. This book is specially prepared for the student-teachers of Master of Philosophy in Educational Technology & Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Technology & Education. It consists of five units which deal with Research methods, Sampling techniques and Report preparation. The present book is dedicated to our parents. We extend our thanks to all the members of faculty of Education, Educational Technology and Department of Education (SDE) ,Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.

SObia Mumtaz

Sobia Ahmed

It is about "educational research' and its types

International Journal of Social Science Studies

Aziz Abdulla , Dr. Nizar Numan

This research aims to study and assess the statistical processes used in the educational researches published in Dar-Almandumah database. Purposive sampling has been used in this study, which consisted of 301 educational researches classified into three categories. To achieve the objective of this research, the approach of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P2015) has been followed. It consists of three stages; the first covers abstracts, the second covers the statistical methods, and the third discusses verification of the assumptions related to the statistical methods used in the researches. Frequencies and percentages have been used in each of the three stages. The first stage concluded that: most of the educational researches’ abstracts did not mention the type of sample used, a few abstracts mentioned the size of sample and target population, most of the researches used the descriptive-analytical approach and qualitative data, and the i...

Educational research endeavors to eliminate the problems of scholars, teachers, students, administrators and policy makers. A knowledge of research methodology and statistics are indispensable for all those who either taken an active role in the conduct of research or desire to keep themselves abreast of the new development in education. Enhancing the knowledge of research methodology is inevitable to scholars for prolonging and completing their studies. Learning statistics encourage the scholars in acquiring competency in analysis of data. In the present scenario, interdisciplinary research should be fostered for understanding different disciplines. Research can help scholars for learning, finding out facts, analyzing information, adapting their behavior according to information received, looking to improve and adapting modern demand. Researchers should acquire the knowledge on research problems, selection of research methodology, sampling techniques, selection of tools, preparation of tools, procedure of conducting research, collection of data, applying appropriate statistical techniques for analyzing the collected data , reaching the accurate result of the study and writing research proposal. Learning advanced statistics is needed in educational research for acquiring accuracy in the findings. Research in Educational technology is indispensable for eliminating the problems of the studentsin learning. Problems of the students in learning can be solved by using technology based classroom transactions. Innovative research and advanced statistics assure the quality education. This book is specially prepared for the student-teachers of Master of Philosophy in Educational Technology & Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Technology & Education. It consists of five units which deal with Research methods, Sampling techniques and measurement, Introduction to Statistics, Computer Application and Report preparation. The present book is dedicated to our parents. We extend our thanks to all the members of faculty of Education, Educational Technology and Department of Education (SDE) ,Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.

Rengganis Ernia

Ahmad Miqdam

This paper examines the nature of educational research in India and its implication for policy making and practice. It begins with the description of the system of education in India. The paper further presents a conceptual framework for undertaking policy research in education. The policy research may be related to its formulation and implementation. The research can take the form of theoretical analysis, critique, field survey and studies, and case studies. The results of this research provide feedback to the educational policy. An analysis of an educational research in India indicates that most of the research has primarily been of academic nature and rarely attempts have been made to conduct studies having policy implications. Input for the formulation of educational policy in India has mainly come from the reports of the Commissions and Committees, Five Year Plans, All India Educational Surveys, etc. The paper argues for undertaking researches on socially relevant problems having implication for policy and practice.

Varsha Nautiyal

Sandra Mathison

Oroiyo K Peter

ASHRAFALSADAT HAKIM

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28 Qualitative Methods in Communication Research

Qualitative methods in communication research.

In communication research, both quantitative and qualitative methods are essential for understanding different aspects of communication processes and effects. Here’s how qual methods can be applied:

Conducting in-depth interviews to explore individuals’ experiences and perceptions of their interpersonal relationships
Conducting in-depth interviews with individuals to explore their experiences, opinions, and feelings about communication topics.
Facilitating group discussions to gather diverse perspectives on communication issues within relationships.
Facilitating group discussions to gather diverse perspectives on communication issues or media content.
Observing and documenting communication practices within specific social or cultural groups to understand their norms and behaviors.
Observing and documenting communication practices within specific cultural or social groups to understand their communication norms and behaviors.
Thematic Analysis : Analyzing qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, or media content to identify recurring themes and patterns, for example, patterns in interpersonal communication and relationships.

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Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines
This is why the literature review as a research method is more relevant than ever. Traditional literature reviews often lack thoroughness and rigor and are conducted ad hoc, rather than following a specific methodology. Therefore, questions can be raised about the quality and trustworthiness of these types of reviews.
PDF Academic Book Reviews
An academic book review provides the main ideas, and since published book reviews typically have a limited word count, the summary should remain brief. Analysis and Significance. Compare the book and its argument with the other literature on the topic. Discuss its contribution to past and current research and literature.
How to Write a Literature Review
Examples of literature reviews. Step 1 - Search for relevant literature. Step 2 - Evaluate and select sources. Step 3 - Identify themes, debates, and gaps. Step 4 - Outline your literature review's structure. Step 5 - Write your literature review.
Critical Book Review Guide/Rubric
The job of the book reviewer is to inform these readers concerning any merits and/or shortcomings the book may have. From information based on a well-written review, the reader may conclude that this book is either indispensable or inconsequential. Components of a Critical Book Review. A. Give complete bibliographical information at the top of ...
(PDF) How to write a Book Review
review should be educational, attractive and opinionated. 11. Ideally, a book review should be written by an expert but anyone. else who has some basic core knowledge of the subject, which. the ...
Frontiers
The book reviewed at present is the seventh edition of the "Social research methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches," which was published by Pearson Education Limited in 2014. The book was written to help aspiring researchers gain an in-depth understanding of research and its purpose while stressing the essentials and theoretical ...
Organizing Academic Research Papers: Writing a Book Review
A book review is a decription, critical analysis, and/or evaluation of the quality, meaning, and significance of a book. Reviews generally range between 500-1000 words, but may be longer or shorter depending on the length and complexity of the book being reviewed, the overall purpose of the review, and whether the review is a comparative analysis examining two or more books that focus on the ...
Book Review: Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative
The book reviewed at present is the seventh edition of the "Social research methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches," which was published by Pearson Education Limited in 2014. The book was written to help aspiring researchers gain an in-depth understanding of research and its purpose while stressing the essentials and theoretical ...
Book Review: Research Methodology
Also from SAGE Publishing. CQ Library American political resources opens in new tab; Data Planet A universe of data opens in new tab; Lean Library Increase the visibility of your library opens in new tab; SAGE Business Cases Real-world cases at your fingertips opens in new tab; SAGE Campus Online skills and methods courses opens in new tab; SAGE Knowledge The ultimate social science library ...
Research Methodology and Scientific Writing
This book presents a guide for research methodology and scientific writing covering various elements such as finding research problems, writing research proposals, obtaining funds for research, selecting research designs, searching the literature and review, collection of data and analysis, preparation of thesis, writing research papers for journals, citation and listing of references ...
Research Methodology : A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Designed with students, for students 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 their methods course or research project. Eight steps: Foolproof for any beginner researcher, the book breaks the process of designing and doing a research project ...
(PDF) Book Review: Social Research Methods: Qualitative and
The book reviewed at present is the seventh edition of the "Social research methods: Qualitative. and Quantitative Approaches, " which was published by Pearson Education Limited in 2014. The ...
Book review: Research Methodology by Ranjit Kumar
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.
Writing a Book Review
NOTE: Since most course assignments require that you write a critical rather than descriptive book review, the following information about preparing to write and developing the structure and style of reviews focuses on this approach. I. Common Features. While book reviews vary in tone, subject, and style, they share some common features. These include:
Implementing Research Methods with Confidence: A Review of Research
Review of Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. The Qualitative Report, 27(11), ... understand qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The book is divided into eight sections (from chapter 3 to chapter 18), each of which covers a specific, sequential aspect of the research process and includes detailed ...
Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
The book guides you through your project from beginning to end by offering practical advice on: formulating a research question. ethical considerations. carrying out a literature review. choosing a research design. selecting a sample. collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data. writing a research report.
Research Methodology: Best Practices for Rigorous, Credible, and
His work focuses on the global acquisition and deployment of talent in organizations and organizational research methods (i.e., behavioral science and data science). His research has been published in over 210 articles and 12 books and featured by the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, USA Today, Forbes, and many other outlets.
Book Reviews : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
Review article. First published March 1999. Book Reviews : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS Ranjit Kumar Melbourne, Addison Wesley Longman, 1996, xvi, 276 pp., $39.95 (paperback) Felicity Croker and Paul Reser View all authors and affiliations. Volume 35, Issue 1.
Book Review: Research Methodology
Book Review: Research Methodology. April 2012. Vision The Journal of Business Perspective 16 (1):73-75. DOI: 10.1177/097226291201600117. Authors: Wallace Jacob. To read the full-text of this ...
Book Review: Research Methodology
Book Review: Research Methodology. Wallace Jacob. Vision 2012 16: 1, 73-75 Download Citation. If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click on download.
Book Review: Fundamentals of Research Methodology and Statistics
Chapter-10: Case Study Method Review of this methodology of research distinguishes the case study method from other methods such as philosophical, experimental and survey methods etc. And state that it is conducted for specific purposes and draw subjective results rather than objective.
28 Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
28 Qualitative Methods in Communication Research Qualitative Methods in Communication Research. In communication research, both quantitative and qualitative methods are essential for understanding different aspects of communication processes and effects. Here's how qual methods can be applied: Interviews:
Book review: Legal Research and Methodology: Perspective, Process and
Book review: Legal Research and Methodology: Perspective, Process and Practice. Edited by B. C. Nirmal, Rajnish Kumar Singh, and Arti Nirmal, Satyam Law International, New Delhi Naveen Chandra Sharma View all authors and affiliations
The effects of singing interventions on quality of life, mood and
To date, no review has been conducted exploring in-person community-based singing interventions and their impact on people with dementia. Research suggests differing effects and outcomes based on the type of music intervention (active or passive), different contexts (community or care home setting) and severity of dementia (early or late stages).

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

How to Approach Writing Your Review

Structure and Writing Style

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Locating Book Reviews

Some Language for Evaluating Texts

Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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Research Methodology: Best Practices for Rigorous, Credible, and Impactful Research 1st Edition

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BOOK REVIEW: FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND STATISTICS

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