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Title:
Research Methods in Information
Review:
"Research Methods in Information" is an accessible research text that covers the diverse field of information studies, including communications, records management, knowledge management and the many related disciplines. It is so clear and straightforward to follow that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to students and colleagues in other disciplines too, eg, in business and the softer side of computing and information systems. What is particularly appealing is that it is a useful tool for both students and practitioners, helping both make informed choices about their approach to research.
It's not a huge unwieldy research book, at just over 300 pages, and it successfully covers the entire research process from start to finish. The book is clearly structured in four sections, taking you through 1) the research process and planning stages, 2) the range of methods that can be used, 3) different data collection techniques, and 4) guidance and suggestions for data analysis and how to present your research. You do not have to go from start to finish if you don't want to - it is easy to dip in and out of this book to meet your own needs.
Pickard encourages an open-minded approach to research and urges the reader to explore areas of interest and importance further. Her enthusiasm for research is evident and almost contagious as she talks of research as an 'adventure' and of the 'sheer joy of exploring the world around us'.
There is the right amount of discussion of the philosophy and theory behind the research process but this is more for context - great for those who are interested, but easily avoided for those who are not. Even though this may not be the practical focus of the text, I found I was motivated to read more, mainly because concepts like positivism, postpostivism and interpretivism are presented in such a clear and accessible way. Aside from the discussions surrounding this aspect of research, the book does remain firmly a practical tool to take you through the research process in a simple and structured yet flexible way.
The four sections of the book are split into short manageable chapters. Each chapter ends with a practical exercise plus additional readings to follow up if you wish to explore the topic further. The chapters explore the range of research methodologies, strategies and techniques that you would expect to see in any dependable research text, including case studies, surveys, experimental/quasi-experimental research, ethnography (along with helpful discussion of the practicalities surrounding it as a method), a Delphi study and issues to consider when modifying a study, action research, historical research and grounded theory. Data collection topics, such as interviews, questionnaires, observation, diaries, focus groups and usability testing are all considered. Overall, there is a balanced approach to the methods and techniques in the book.
Some aspects could be discussed more fully, but to be honest, Alison Jane is consistently adept at referring the reader to other useful and reputable sources of information. For example, the chapter on reviewing the literature could easily be longer but there are plenty of other texts that can be consulted if necessary. She provides some practical advice on marking up text which you don't always find in other sources. Likewise, she acknowledges 'virtual' research methods and it would be nice to have seen more discussion of these but as always, she helpfully directs you to other texts.
This book successfully covers the key angles, themes and topics that you would expect and hope to see in a research text for people working or researching in information environments. It is an ideal size, accessible and nice to read. The author's enthusiasm for and knowledge of research is evident, not only by her credentials but by the very nature of the book itself. I am certainly pleased to have it in my collection.
FreePint Reviewer:
Sarah is a Senior Lecturer in research methods and various aspects of information work, including information and knowledge management and audit, information resources, health information and health information services management and librarianship. She is available for projects and training and can be contacted via Sarah.Rudge@uce.ac.uk.
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