ㆍCritical Thinking Approach- The authors provide students with the knowledge and tools necessary to enable them to make informed decisions when applying research methods and to be informed consumers of research.

ㆍInteractive Elements- Interactive figures in the online text illustrate concepts and engage students in the material

ㆍComprehensive Coverage- Coverage of quantitative and qualitative methods offers students a well-rounded view of research methods so they can apply this knowledge to a wide range of research questions

William Trochim, Ph.D.

William Trochim, Ph.D., Cornell University 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. Trochim's 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.


James P. Donnelly

James P. Donnelly, SUNY-Buffalo Dr. Donnelly is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology at the University at Buffalo. He completed his undergraduate degree at Allegheny College, his masters at Claremont Graduate University and his doctorate at the University at Buffalo. He teaches courses related to research methods and health psychology at the graduate level. Previously a psychologist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, his research and clinical interests are in quality of life issues related to chronic and life limiting illness. He is also affiliated with the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in Buffalo. He lives in Clarence, New York with his wife Kerry and sons Seamus and Paddy.

Part 1 Foundations

Chapter 1 Foundations


Part 2 Participants and Sampling

Chapter 2 Sampling


Part 3 Observation and Measurement

Chapter 3 The Theory of Measurement
Chapter 4 Survey Research
Chapter 5 Scales and Indexes
Chapter 6 Qualitative and Unobtrusive Measures


Part 4 Design and Structure

Chapter 7 Design
Chapter 8 Qualitative and Mixed Methods Designs
Chapter 9 Experimental Design
Chapter 10 Quasi-Experimental Design
Chapter 11 Advanced Design Topics


Part 5 Analysis and Synthesis

Chapter 12 Analysis
Chapter 13 Qualitative and Mixed Methods Analysis
Chapter 14 Analysis for Research Design
Chapter 15 Write-Up
Chapter 16 Research Synthesis, Meta-analysis, and Evidence-Based

Thoroughly updated, the third edition of The Research Methods Knowledge Base provides coverage of quantitative methods and enhanced coverage of qualitative methods. It can be used in a variety of disciplines and is ideal for an introductory comprehensive undergraduate or graduate level course. Through its conversational, informal style it makes material that is often challenging for students both accessible and understandable. The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 3e covers everything from the development of a research question to the writing of a final report, describing both practical and technical issues of sampling, measurement, design and analysis.