Customer Reviews

Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I initially bought this book when I writing the proposal for my PhD about three years ago and Cresswell's little gem proved invaluable during that time. The book is very well written and unlike other books on the topic, Cresswell is not content with explaining theory and providing examples but goes further to provide excellent templates for the process, writing, structure, and format of every phase of the research process. These 'templates,' coupled with a clear writing style and an excellent, logical structure, elevate the book from 'very useful' to 'invaluable' in my opinion.

For example, in chapter 4: The Introduction, he begins by explaining the purpose of the Introduction and its importance and then provides models for writing introduction in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research. This format is mirrored in almost every chapter including Chapter 2: Review of the literature where he provides an excellent process for maximizing the effectiveness of the initial literature review process. In Chapter 5, he simplifies purpose statements with step-by-step guidelines for the three methodologies while in Chapter 6 he does the same for the research questions and hypotheses.

While Cresswell is an Educational Researcher himself, he does not limit the examples in the book to his field but endeavors to include samples from the social and human sciences including justice, management, psychology, sociology and marketing. These numerous examples throughout every chapter of the book serve to illustrate the templates and guidelines effectively, leaving little doubt in the reader's mind on the 'how' of applying the guidelines.

Overall, this is the best of the pick if you need clear, straightforward guidelines on writing a proposal or planning your research project. If you are considering a Mixed Methods methodolgy, then I would strongly recommend Creswell's other book, written with Vicki Clark, Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research.

My impression of "Research Design" is that Creswell sincerely wanted readers to understand how to conduct thorough research with confidence. While I focused more on the chapters on qualitative and mixed-methods research, the quantitative chapter was equally easy to understand as the more inquiry-based methods. As an education student, I've always feared doing quantitative research, however this book makes it as available and comprehensible as either of the other two methods discussed. However, I would venture to guess that if you were in a highly technical field, this book would not suffice to supply you with the complete methodologies to conduct quantitative research.
The author conveniently structures each chapter with the learner in mind. For each section of the book, Creswell supplies easy to follow steps and checklists for students and researchers to cover most angles of research. At the completion of each chapter (all of which are short and easy to digest), there is a small section on writing practice to provide practical application for the reader who might not have a professor to rely on for further instruction, or for the professor who wants an easy, practical assignment right from the text. I studied this book independently, and while I feel a second read through might be in order, it was absolutely easy to understand and useful in my independent study.
I recommend this book for its straightforward style and practical approach to conducting basic research.

This book was required for a Master's research class. It is detailed, but easy to read, and I read every page! This is one for the bookcase, if you're involved in research report writing, you'll want this around as a reference.

I find myself in the unfortunate position of using this textbook to teach a course in mixed methods research. I have been conducting and teaching research for over 30 years and have never encountered a book so fraught with incorrect information and self serving opinions. This book could not possibly have been thoroughly peer reviewed. Creswell is confusing my students by inventing new terms for old concepts and suggesting that these concepts (not just the terms) originated with him. He is also using existing terminology in his own unique way, further confusing students that are struggling with the language of research. He indicates that causality is demonstrated by qualitative research themes when experienced researchers would be tenuous about discussing possible relationships. His cookbook approach severely limits the range of research opportunities by suggesting that these are the only available valid methods. This book might be a simple read for new researchers, but it actually adds confusion rather than clarity to a difficult field of study.

A general descriptions of the three research methods. Easy to understand, but you need other books to support if you need more details in research methodology and will be conducting a research project.

This book was easy to read, understand and navigate. I recommend this to any graduate student taking a research class.

I have found this Creswell's text to be comprehensive and concise as well as easy to follow. The mixed methods approach is not a familiar design to me but the author has accomplished the task of making the process very understandable. I appreacite the hardwork and detail this author has put into his work.

Watt Osage,MSW, LCSW

This is a great introduction to quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research. The book is very easy to read and covers the major aspects of research designs in general and those of each of these methods. It gives the reader a great introduction to research designs before delving into more in-depth texts.

This book is very helpful for anyone who just starts doing research. It's very easy to understand and completely covers all necessary content about research.

This is an excellent resource for writing a dissertation -- of course my professor required it! It is very thorough and helpful, however.