Applications of Social Research Methods to Questions in Information and Library Science

by Barbara M. Wildemuth

Overview

For many practitioners, best practices are often developed through significant amounts of direct experience. However, they can also be developed through the examination and application of research findings. By critically assessing existing studies within library and information science, both aspiring and experienced professionals can acquire a deeper understanding of available methods, as well as design more effective studies. In what is surely the first of its kind for librarians, Barbara Wildemuth has created a book that mirrors the process of conducting a research study; at the same time, she exposes the reader to a wealth of competing and complementary techniques. Each chapter introduces a particular research method, points out its relative strengths and weaknesses, and provides a critique of two or more exemplary studies. An invaluable guide for librarians, educators and students alike.

Section One considers those research questions most often asked in the field of information and library science, and explains how they can arise from practice and direct observation or from existing theories. Section Two covers a variety of research designs, as well as the sampling issues associated with those designs: case studies, naturalistic research, longitudinal studies, Delphi studies, and quasi-experimental and experimental designs. Section Three moves on to methods for collecting data: surveys, various types of interviews, historical and documentary studies, transaction log analysis, diaries, and participant observation. It concludes with a chapter discussing the ways in which any of these methods might be combined for use in a particular study.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781591585039
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	05/19/2009
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	421
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

BARBARA M. WILDEMUTH is a professor in the School of Information and Library Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to her 15+ year career at UNC, she was the associate director of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Tests, Measurement, and Evaluation.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Part I Introduction

1 Using Research Results to Improve Practice in the Information Professions Barbara M. Wildemuth 3

Part II The Questions Asked

2 Developing a Research Question Barbara M. Wildemuth 11

3 Questions Originating in Library and Information Practice Barbara M. Wildemuth 21

4 Descriptions of Phenomena or Settings Barbara M. Wildemuth 27

5 Testing Hypotheses Barbara M. Wildemuth 33

6 Questions Related to Theory Chad Morgan Barbara M. Wildemuth 40

Part III Research Designs and Sampling

7 Case Studies Songphan Choemprayong Barbara M. Wildemuth 51

8 Naturalistic Research Abe J. Crystal Barbara M. Wildemuth 62

9 Longitudinal Studies Barbara M. Wildemuth 73

10 Delphi Studies Lili Luo Barbara M. Wildemuth 83

11 Quasi-experimental Studies Carolyn Hank Barbara M. Wildemuth 93

12 Experimental Studies Barbara M. Wildemuth Leo L. Cao 105

13 Sampling for Extensive Studies Barbara M. Wildemuth 116

14 Sampling for Intensive Studies Barbara M. Wildemuth Leo L. Cao 129

15 Studying Special Populations Carol L. Perryman Barbara M. Wildemuth 138

Part IV Methods for Data Collection

16 Historical Research Chad Morgan Barbara M. Wildemuth 147

17 Existing Documents and Artifacts as Data Barbara M. Wildemuth 158

18 Transaction Logs Laura Sheble Barbara M. Wildemuth 166

19 Think-aloud Protocols Sanghee Oh Barbara M. Wildemuth 178

20 Direct Observation Barbara M. Wildemuth 189

21 Participant Observation Barbara M. Wildemuth 199

22 Research Diaries Laura Sheble Barbara M. Wildemuth 211

23 Unstructured Interviews Yan Zhang Barbara M. Wildemuth 222

24 Semistructured Interviews Lili Luo Barbara M. Wildemuth 232

25 Focus GroupsBarbara M. Wildemuth Mary Wilkins Jordan 242

26 Survey Research Carolyn Hank Mary Wilkins Jordan Barbara M. Wildemuth 256

27 Measuring Cognitive and Affective Variables Barbara M. Wildemuth 270

28 Developing New Measures Songphan Choemprayong Barbara M. Wildemuth 278

Part V Methods for Data Analysis

29 Content Analysis Kristina M. Spurgin Barbara M. Wildemuth 297

30 Qualitative Analysis of Content Yan Zhang Barbara M. Wildemuth 308

31 Discourse Analysis Barbara M. Wildemuth Carol L. Perryman 320

32 Analytic Induction Kristina M. Spurgin Barbara M. Wildemuth 329

33 Descriptive Statistics Barbara M. Wildemuth 338

34 Frequencies, Cross-tabulation, and the Chi-square Statistic Barbara M. Wildemuth 348

35 Analyzing Sequences of Events Barbara M. Wildemuth 361

36 Correlation Barbara M. Wildemuth 375

37 Comparing Means: t Tests and Analysis of Variance Abe J. Crystal Barbara M. Wildemuth 383

Part VI Conclusion

38 Putting It All Together Barbara M. Wildemuth 395

Index of Authors of Examples Discussed 405

Subject Index 409

About the Contributors 419

Editorial Reviews

"Aimed at social scientists and library science professionals, this guide to research methodologies evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each type of research design. Wildemuth (information and library science, U. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) reviews the most common research questions asked in the fields of library and information sciences and analyzes sampling issues from case studies, naturalistic research, longitudinal studies, Delphi studies and experimental designs. Data collection methods are also reviewed, including surveys, interviews, historical studies, transaction log analysis and participant observation." - Reference & Research Book News


"This is a valuable addition to any professional or library science collection where a need exists for a basic yet thorough introduction to the area of research methods and methodology." - ARBA


"In this earnest, encyclopedic, energetic and easily accessible book, Barbara Wildemuth has produced a landmark text that will be of great use to information and library science master and doctoral students, as well as to professors and professionals in library and allied fields. . . . This book will easily achieve its stated goal of aiding its readers in designing and publishing research projects that will eventually improve professional practice." - College & Research Libraries


"Fills an important gap, connecting the dots between social science research methods and real-world applications in Library and Information Science research. It is very strongly recommended for use in graduate school Library and Information Science courses that teach research methods from the context of social science. This text serves as an excellent reference for any librarian who conducts research, for example, academic librarians who are faculty members." - Catholic Library World

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