Research Processes and Methods
How to Cite References and Avoid Plagiarism
Research Methods Tools and Manuals
- Action Research, articles by Peter Reason.
- Analysis and statement of the problem, Module 4 from the book Designing and conducting health systems research projects: Volume 1, by C. Varkevisser, et al. (IDRC).
- Analysis of qualitative data: Steps in data analysis and report writing, Module 23 of Designing and conducting health systems research projects: Volume II: data analysis and report writing, C. Varkevisser, I. Pathmanathan & A. Brownlee, (2003). Published by KIT Publishers & IDRC.
- Analyzing qualitative data. E. Taylor-Powell & M. Renner, (2003).
- Analyzing quantitative data. E. Taylor-Powell, (1996).
- CDC EZ-Text is a software program designed to assist researchers create, manage and analyze qualitative databases. Published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Child-friendly participatory research tools, PLA Notes #60.
- Community-based participatory research: A training manual for community-based researchers, S. Shallwani & S. Mohammed, (2007).
- Data collection protocols & participatory research techniques: Training of trainers manual, A. Shillingford, (2006).
- Evaluation publications, University of Wisconsin Extension Department has produced a series of evaluation research booklets that clearly describe different aspects of conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
- Guide to focus groups. Ontario Women's Health Network (OWHN). (2009). This guide is intended to help you develop and analyze focus groups in your community.
- Inclusion research handbook. Ontario Women's Health Network (OWHN). (2009). This handbook details the history, roots and development of Inclusion Research and provides a how-to-guide on conducting this type of research.
- Institute of Development Studies (IDS), participation resource centre.
- Interdisciplinary & Global Studies Division, Worcester Polytechnic Institute student handbook. Written for one of this college's programs, this handbook provides a good overview of the steps involved in developing and implementing a research project. There are brief descriptions on how to write a proposal, conduct a literature review, use a range of field methods and how to write up research results.
- Keystone Accountability. (2009). Developing a theory of change: A guide to developing a theory of change as a framework for inclusive dialogue, learning and accountability for social impact. (IPAL Guide 2).
- Learning and teaching for transformation (LTT) dialogue, a global dialogue exploring relationships between education, participation and social change. The initiative is hosted by the Participation Group of IDS.
- A methodological framework for combining quantitative and qualitative survey methods, N. Marsland, et al. (2000).
- Oral History: Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling at Concordia University, includes access to their software Stories Matter.
- Oral History Society, an organisation dedicated to the collection and preservation of oral history.
- Participatory methods toolkit: A practitioner's manual, by N. Slocum, (2003). This guide provides detailed instructions for several participatory methods for policy research.
- Participation, rights and citizenship topic guides, IDS.
- Qualitative data analysis, lecture delivered by R. B. Johnson. Lecture is based on Chapter 17 of the book Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches, B. Johnson & L. Christensen, (2004). Published by Pearson Publishing.
- Recording and using indigenous knowledge: A manual, International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), (1996).
- Research and Policy in Development (RAPID) Tools, free downloadable toolkits that can help researchers inform and influence the policy process.
- Resources for program evaluation and social research methods, by Gene Shackman, Applied Sociologist.
- Robert Chambers' blog, posts his current thinking on participatory approaches to development and participatory research methods.
- Sample size calculator, by Raosoft.
- Sampling, a workbook by Alison Galloway.
- Stakeholder analysis toolbox, EDIAIS, (2001).
- Stakeholder power analysis, J. Mayers, (2005).
- ThesisTools, a website which enables students to create their own online quantitative surveys/questionnaires. The service is free, but the website providers encourage students to share their research findings on the site.
- Tools for knowledge and learning: a guide for development and humanitarian organisations, by B. Ramalingam, (2006).
- The Web Center for social research methods was developed at Cornell University. This website includes a "Knowledge Base" and online tutorials on a wide range of social sciences methods for academic research.
- Who counts? The quiet revolution of participation and numbers. R. Chambers, (2007). IDS Working Paper 296. This guide explains how researchers can gather statistical information using participatory methods.
Multimedia Methods
- Exploring online research methods, University of Leicester. This website provides an online resource which provides training for researchers who are interested in using online research methods such as online questionnaires and online interviews.
- The Fogo process uses media technology as a tool in participatory community development. The process evolved from events that took place on Fogo Island, an island off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Don Snowdon, of Memorial University's Extension Department was an active participant in this process. His 1983 paper Eyes see; ears hear describes the video techniques and technology as they can be used elsewhere.
- Photovoice has drawn from critical and feminist theory to create a method using photography to engage communities in research.
- A practical guide to photovoice: Sharing pictures, telling stories and changing communities. B. Palibroda, et al. (2009).
- Video and audio media in qualitative research, D. Ratcliff, (draft, 1996). This is a booklet on conducting qualitative research using a camcorder.
- Video for development, the goal of this Eldis blog is to collect examples of the use of the internet to support video for development.
Partnership
Sharing Research Results
Research Proposal Writing and Funding
Searching for Information
Electronic Research Tutorials
Electronic Research Resources, Databases and Journals
You are encouraged to browse through the Coady Course Links on the subject areas related to your topic.
Writing Support
On-Campus Assistance
- StFX Writing Centre, has a brief online tutorial. Staff are available at the Centre Monday-Friday to assist you with your writing. Call 5221 to make an appointment.
On-line Writing Guides and Tools
- Independent Reading & Research Study Handbook, Coady International Institute, 2010.
- APA style guide, examples on using the APA format for citing references in a bibliography. APA is the format used at the Coady Institute. (Site from the University of Alberta).
- Preparing an Annotated Bibliography, University of Maryland, USA.
- Writing an Annotated Bibliography, D. Knott, New College Writing Centre.
- Book review tips, from Memorial University.
- The elements of style, by W. Strunk. This is an old text, but it is a very thorough guide to writing for those who may be interested a more advanced self-tutorial.
- How the language really works: The fundamentals of critical reading and effective writing, D. Kurland. This site shows you how to recognize what a text says, what a text does, and what a text means by analyzing choices of content, language, and structure.
- OneLook Reverse Dictionary, lets you describe a concept and retrieve a list of words and phrases related to that concept.
- Oxford Reference Online, online version of the Oxford English Dictionary, as well as other reference resources. (Access restricted to StFX).
- PlainTrain, Plain Language Online Training, contains tips and techniques for improving your communication skills with the use of plain language.
- Study guides and strategies, maintained by J. Landsberger.
- Writer's handbook, an overview of different types of writing assignments, grammar and style. (Site from the University of Wisconsin-Madison).
- The Writing Center, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, includes Handouts to assist you with the writing process.
Updated: February, 2012