HomeNext »

What is the Research Methods Knowledge Base?

The Research Methods Knowledge Base is a comprehensive web-based textbook that addresses all of the topics in a typical introductory undergraduate or graduate course in social research methods.  It covers the entire research process including: formulating research questions; sampling (probability and nonprobability); measurement (surveys, scaling, qualitative, unobtrusive); research design (experimental and quasi-experimental); data analysis; and, writing the research paper.  It also addresses the major theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of research including: the idea of validity in research; reliability of measures; and ethics.  The Knowledge Base was designed to be different from the many typical commercially-available research methods texts.  It uses an informal, conversational style to engage both the newcomer and the more experienced student of research.  It is a fully hyperlinked text that can be integrated easily into an existing course structure or used as a sourcebook for the experienced researcher who simply wants to browse.

» back to top

Purchasing

You can purchase a complete printed copy of the Research Methods Knowledge Base over the web by selecting the link Purchase the complete printed text of the Knowledge Base online at the bottom of any page.

» back to top

Using the KB in a Course

The latest editions of the Knowledge Base are published exclusively by Atomic Dog Publishing. In addition to providing a unique updated online version of the Knowledge Base text (much more sophisticated than this one), they are the exclusive publishers of the print version (to purchase, see Order the KB). Through Atomic Dog Publishing you can expect the finest in web-based course support for the Knowledge Base including workbooks, study guides, online testing, test item data banks, and much more.

Atomic Dog Publishing has agreed to allow me to continue to make this version of the Knowledge Base available indefinitely at no cost to any instructor who wishes to use it as part of their course. However, there are several conditions which must be met for such use:

  1. You must notify me by e-mail (wmt1@cornell.edu) each time you use part or all of this site for a course. Describe briefly what page(s) you will use, the name of the course or seminar, the expected number of students, and your contact information.
  2. You may not reproduce these webpages in part or in whole on any other web server or alternative media (e.g., on a disk or CD) -- the Knowledge Base must be accessed over the web at this site. Unfortunately, this means that no mirroring of this site or any pages on it can be allowed.
  3. You must cite this website appropriately in any list of readings or course syllabus (see Citing the KB for details).
  4. In exchange for allowing no cost use of this site in courses on the web, Atomic Dog Publishing reserves the right to contact course users to discuss their experience or the potential for subsequent adoption of the proprietary published web and book versions. Please see information on purchasing the latest edition of the Knowledge Base in several different versions at Order the KB.

» back to top

About the Author

William M.K. Trochim is a Professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University. He has taught both the undergraduate and graduate required courses in applied social research methods since joining the faculty at Cornell in 1980. He received his Ph.D. in 1980 from the program in Methodology and Evaluation Research of the Department of Psychology at Northwestern University. His research interests include the theory and practice of research, conceptualization methods (including concept mapping and pattern matching), strategic and operational planning methods, performance management and measurement, and change management. He is the developer of The Concept System® and founder of Concept Systems Incorporated. he lives in Ithaca, New York with his wife Mary and daughter Nora.

» back to top

Acknowledgements

This work, as is true for all significant efforts in life, is a collaborative achievement. I want to thank especially the students and friends who assisted and supported me in various ways over the years. I especially want to thank Dominic Cirillo who has labored tirelessly over several years on both the web and printed versions of the Knowledge Base and without whom I simply would not have survived. There are also the many graduate Teaching Assistants who helped make the transition to a web-based course and have contributed their efforts and insights to this work and the teaching of research methods.  And, of course, I want to thank all of the students, both undergraduate and graduate, who participated in my courses over the years and used the Knowledge Base in its various incarnations. You have been both my challenge and inspiration.

» back to top

Dedication

For Mary and Nora, who continue to astonish me with their resilience, patience, and love

» back to top

 HomeNext »

Copyright ©2006, William M.K. Trochim, All Rights Reserved
Purchase a printed copy of the Research Methods Knowledge Base
Last Revised: 10/20/2006