Research Methodology
Third Edition, June 2018
After a review of free statistics programs, and web sources for further study, the book begins by expanding on some of the basic concepts such data types and variables. Great emphasis is put on various easy ways of describing data. This must precede anything more sophisticated.
The ‘New Statistics’ is presented. Confidence Intervals are presented, with many visuals so that students can get a feel for the huge element that the Margin of Error plays. They are applied to correlations, then, through Effect Size, to groups.
Teaching time 10 -15 hours
Changes in Version 3.0
+ Complete reordering of material.
+ Clear study of MoE in correlations, and MoE when comparing groups.
+ Deleted: t-test. Chi Square, Choosing a test
+ Improved the presentation of chapter on validity and reliability
Changes in Version 2.1,
Chapter 3 Types of data
+ Added comments concerning the average possible with Likert scales
+ Likert scale results with two peaks
Chapter 8
+ The discussion of correlations has been greatly improved, especially through more examples of scattergrams.
+ The Margin of Error for correlations receives full explanation, with visual helps
Chapter 14 Effect Size
+ Tidied up
+ Includes an introduction to z-scores
Changes in Version 2.2
Minor editing. Some more examples.
New pdf books. 12 July 2014 revised 22 July 2016
- A first textbook of research methodology and thesis writeup for second language English speakers (401 pages)
This book is the only textbook for Second Language English speakers doing research. As such it is easy to read, thorough, and functions as the first book students need. It is based on over 20 years of teaching a course of 20-30 hours and has been extensively reviewed by hundreds of users. My students tell me the book has a little bit of everything, and touches many details completely missing from other textbooks. Science and Medical students writing a thesis in English (their second language) have also found it helpful.
Full version 1.1
For the Table of Contents see here
There are many unique features about this textbook. See for example in Chapter 21 how to get research articles without needing the access codes!
New pdf book 12 July 2014 revised 15 July 2015 and 22 July 2016
Almost every book I have read on statistics is too difficult! This book bridges the gap.
Are you afraid of statistics? Do you find them hopelessly complicated? Then you have come to the right place: I agree with you! Here I present statistics for the ordinary person. Examples are taken from areas of ordinary life. Enjoy it! A feel for statistics begins with basic concepts behind the statistics and never gets harder than simple arithmetic. For far too long the mathematicians have confused us with complexity, whereas the real problems lie elsewhere. The course is presented as a series of key ideas. The absolute starting point is Key one - definitions. If these are not agreed upon, bye-bye statistics.
In Keys 10-16 the whole subject of ‘controls’ is discussed. Very few textbooks explain this and many people find it difficult. This is partly because ‘controls’ is in fact a cluster of concepts and by breaking it down, all is made clear.
Teaching time is about 10 hours.
Information for my students - Masters and PhD
1. Revised October 2013. What supervisors expect from students
Why not discuss these two pages with your supervisor? Students should learn what supervisors expect. File: Expectations2.pdf
2. The research proposal
Here you will find all you need to know for how to write a research proposal.
3. Criteria for a Masters and a PhD thesis
This latest version takes into account recent changes in the MA
Table 1 is a table establishing what the different grades mean.
Table 2 is a detailed description of the thesis, explaining what is needed for a Masters or a PhD thesis.
Although it may look daunting at first sight, students now have a clear description with clear stated expectations. File: thesiscriteria7.pdf