The second edition of Research Methodology – An Introduction covers all facets of the research process, from finding a topic to disseminating the results. The subject is placed in the context of the academic scene and research needs in South Africa, and methodologies discussed include traditional modes of inquiry, research technology such as the Internet, and the role of oral tradition in the social sciences.

 

 

 

 

• Introduction
• Getting started
• Data and designs
• Statistics in research
• Research writing
• Broader issues in research
• Reference
• Appendices

• Advanced undergraduate students
• Postgraduate students
• New researchers

• Getting started – postgraduate study, types of research, obtaining funding, the research process, sources of information • Data and design – research design, data collection methods, sampling, experimentation, laboratory work, simulation • Statistical analysis – organising data, statistical estimation, testing • Research writing – academic style, referencing, reporting formats • Broader issues – issues in research, the history and philosophy of research, South Africa’s research needs, case studies

 

 

 

 

Wayne Goddard is Professor of Computer Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He holds a PhD in mathematics from both the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Stuart Melville lectured in computer science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and was dean of the Commerce Faculty at the former ML Sultan Technikon. He received his PhD in computer science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.