How to do Research: A Practical Guide to Designing and Managing Research Projects : 3rd Revised Edition

Another academic year, another research primer. Given that we are presented with a third edition, How to do Research clearly appears to be a popular and a well-sought-after monograph, presumably providing something that others do not. Presumptions should always be avoided, however. And the potential danger is that How to do Research has become such a staple of university reading lists that it is analogous with an old pair of slippers; so familiar and so comfortable that any shortcomings that may have arisen over time are simply tolerated for fear of change. Reviewing this text afresh is therefore order of the day. The aim of How to do research is to provide an “accessible” guide to the research process for the novice researcher. The book is divided into two sections (Research Process and Methods) and then subdivided into various useful categories. The Research Process explores the development of research objectives, study design and planning, drawing conclusions, report writing and dissemination. Often missed in the subtitle, the book encompasses guidance on the management of research projects generally, such as project planning, monitoring progress, liaising with advisory committees, the writing of funding proposals and so forth, all of which are covered in this first section also.