Research Methods in Information

Citation

Picken, D. (2007), "Research Methods in Information", Performance Measurement and Metrics, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 137-138. https://doi.org/10.1108/14678040710760630

Another book on research methodologies, but with several important differences to many others, this one is readable, sensible and most particularly is geared to the information and knowledge domain.

The book follows a logical and well‐trodden arrangement and builds on the research hierarchy that the author has presented in earlier papers. This takes the reader from the research paradigm through four stages to the outcome or research instrument.

Part 1 covers the essential preliminaries to any research programme. It could become very theoretical, but whilst the theory is dealt with, it is briefly done – as should be the case in what is intended as essentially a practical handbook. A run through of the major research paradigms, a chapter on literature review and the rationale behind the research proposal are the highlights for me. The research proposal in particular is interesting in not only compressing all the essentials into a very short passage, but in providing a readable and sensible reason why this is necessary and pointing to the need to define research outcomes at the start of the work.

Research methods are covered in part 2 and eight methods are covered. The author makes the point that she had intended to treat online research in each chapter, but has realised that the integrity of the method in fact holds good regardless of the environment in which it is used. I was interested in the chapter on historical research, which emphasises that is has a place in the company of the other methods. This can be a difficult method to use not only because the primary sources can be hard to locate, but also with the degree of interpretation placed on evidence by past reviewer as well as the current researcher. The author makes all the right points about how to use the method.

Part 3 reviews a number of data collection methods and makes the point early on that such methods should not necessarily be seen as tied to research methods with which they may historically have been associated. The author urges a best‐fit policy in light of the research question that will have been posed in the original proposal or submission. The introduction to this section of the book should be essential reading for all who essay research. Just following the advice to test the methodology first before plunging into work is essential. I had to like the section on usability testing as it references Jakob Nielsen, and his ideas are clearly apparent from the chapter. The point is made that whilst this method is most closely used in systems design, it can and should be more widely used.

The final section of the book (well not quite the final as there is a glossary and bibliography) concentrates on data analysis and presentation. Having defined the work, decided how it shall be done and done it, there is then the need to take the results, manipulate them appropriately and offer them in a sensible fashion. This is a very brief survey of the area with a few general references for further study. The chapter on research presentation is the logical conclusion to a journey that started with the need for the research proposal. Both are essential, one to guide the work and focus the mind, the other to represent the value of the work that has been done. I would have liked to see that relationship drawn out in this chapter.

When I was given this book to review I groaned a little as I was aware of a small library of similar sounding titles that either did a run through of every research method you could think of or extolled the virtues of a particular method in great detail. What would this add to any that had gone before? The answer is first, a clarity of style that I find missing from some others. It is pleasant to be able to read about methods and techniques in a clearly expressed fashion. Second, what seems like a good unbiased approach to each of the methods covered and finally the real winner – the information context.

The author has managed to write a very practical book that can easily be used as a handbook in research. The choice of examples from the information field make it much easier for information and library workers to feel at home with and her exercises at the end of each chapter ensure that you think about what she has said.