Research Methods Knowledge Base

✍ Scribed by William Trochim

• Year: 2015
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 369
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

What is the Research Methods Knowledge Base?
The Research Methods Knowledge Base is a comprehensive web-based textbook that addresses all of
the topics in a typical introductory undergraduate or graduate course in social research methods. It
covers the entire research process including: formulating research questions; sampling (probability and
nonprobability); measurement (surveys, scaling, qualitative, unobtrusive); research design (experimental
and quasi-experimental); data analysis; and, writing the research paper. It also addresses the major
theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research including: the idea of validity in research;
reliability of measures; and ethics. The Knowledge Base was designed to be different from the many
typical commercially-available research methods texts. It uses an informal, conversational style to
engage both the newcomer and the more experienced student of research. It is a fully hyperlinked text
that can be integrated easily into an existing course structure or used as a sourcebook for the
experienced researcher who simply wants to browse.
About the Author
William M.K. Trochim is a Professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell
University. He has taught both the undergraduate and graduate required courses in applied social
research methods since joining the faculty at Cornell in 1980. He received his Ph.D. in 1980 from the
program in Methodology and Evaluation Research of the Department of Psychology at Northwestern
University. His research interests include the theory and practice of research, conceptualization
methods (including concept mapping and pattern matching), strategic and operational planning
methods, performance management and measurement, and change management. He is the developer
of The Concept System® and founder of Concept Systems Incorporated. He lives in Ithaca, New York with
his wife Mary and daughter Nora.