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Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing Mary Sue MacNealy

Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing By Mary Sue MacNealy

Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing by Mary Sue MacNealy


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Summary

Provides information and suggestions for writers in school or in careers who find that their freshman composition courses did not prepare them for the research required by more advanced and specialized writing. Assuming absolutely no background in empirical research and an abiding fear of mathemati

Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing Summary

Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing by Mary Sue MacNealy

Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing is a particularly accessible approach to both qualitative and quantitative empirical research methods, helping novices appreciate the value of empirical research in writing while easing their fears about the research process.

This comprehensive text covers research methods ranging from traditional experiments to newer practices such as focus groups, using graphics and real-life examples to clarify concepts. Students and teachers do not need a scientific background to understand the issues involved, and students in the humanities who are often apprehensive about using scientific methods will find this book non-threatening.

Though Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing is friendly and even humorous in tone, it takes research in writing seriously, advocating rigorous design and implementation of empirical research projects to establish credible findings.

Aimed at both student and professional researchers, this book introduces students to methods and strategies for research and provides them with enough knowledge to become discerning, confident consumers of research in writing.

Table of Contents



Preface.


1.Empirical Research in the Humanities.

Why Do Research in Writing?

Are Empirical Methods Appropriate for Scholars in the Humanities?

What Do We Mean by Research?

How Does Lore Fit In?

Why Do We Need Theory?

How Do Researchers Find Research Topics?



2.Library-Based Research.

What Is Library-Based Research?

Source Credibility.

How to Track Down Material.

How to Collect Information.

Organizing the Literature Review.



3.Overview of Empirical Methodology.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Empirical Research.

Essential Characteristics of Empirical Research.

Purposes and Basic Design Principles.

Common Categories of Empirical Research.



4.Concepts Basic to Quantitative Research.

What Is Quantitative Research?

Reliability.

Validity.

Randomization.

Probability.

The Null Hypothesis.

A Few Words of Encouragement.



5.Experimental Research.

Defining the Research Question.

Types of Experimental Designs.

Techniques for Designing Methods, Materials, and Measurements.

Choosing Subjects.

Mistakes and Errors.

Statistical Analysis of Difference between Groups.

Types of Qualitative Analysis.



6.Meta Analysis.

A Fictional Problem.

Meta Analysis: An Integration Tool.

Selecting Subjects: The Broad Search.

Selecting Subjects: Choosing a Sample.

Analyzing the Results.



7.Discourse or Text Analysis.

What Are Discourse and Text Analysis?

Why Study Discourse?

Choosing Texts to Analyze.

Determining Appropriate Segments for Analysis.

Tools for Analysis.

Types of Discourse Analysis Studies.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Discourse Analysis Studies.



8.Surveys.

Types of Surveys.

Purpose.

Sampling.

Design Issues.

Question Types.

Information Types.

Motivating Respondents.

Test the Questionnaire.

Quantitative Analysis of the Data.



9.Focus Groups.

Focus Group Theory.

Physical Arrangements.

Selection and Recruitment of Participants.

Focus Group Leaders.

Strategies for Conducting the Meeting.

Analyzing the Data.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Group Research.



10.Case Study Research.

Contributions of Case Study Research to Writing Scholarship.

Clearing up the Confusion.

Advantages of Case Study Research.

Disadvantages of Case Study Research.

Increasing Respectability of a Case Study.

Tools for Case Study Research.

Opportunities for Case Study Research.



11.Ethnography.

Ethnographic versus Case Study Research.

Types of Ethnographic Research.

Elements of a Good Ethnographic Research Project.

Errors Commonly Associated with Ethnographic Research.

Tools for Ethnographic Research.

Properly Using Ethnographic Findings.



12.Qualitative Research with Special Lenses: Feminist and Teacher Research.

Criticisms of Traditional Research Paradigms.

Feminist Research.

Teacher Research.

Other Special Lenses.



Index.

Additional information

GOR013936656
9780205272532
0205272533
Strategies for Empirical Research in Writing by Mary Sue MacNealy
Used - Good
Paperback
Pearson Education (US)
19980705
272
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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