You are here

Book > Textbooks > Research Methods
The Tao of Research
Share

The Tao of Research
A Path to Validity

Other Titles in:
Research Methods (General)
July 2009 | 160 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Download flyer
Dana K. Keller and Mary Lou Casadevall-Keller provide readers with a highly accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of research methods in The Tao of Research: A Path to Validity. This brief, engaging book approaches the topic of research through an exploration of the issues that threaten validity in the process of knowledge generation.

Key Features:

- Examines the propositional, ethical, structural, functional, and technical restrictions researchers face

- Focuses on understanding how these restrictions influence research methods and results

- Makes concepts more accessible through discussions that follow the experiences of three "guides"—a high school principal, a statewide director of public health, and a sociology professor at a small liberal arts college.

The Tao of Research: A Path to Validity serves as either a main or supplemental text for courses such as Introduction to Research Methods, Social Research Methods, and Applied Research Methods.

 
Preface
 
Chapter 1. The Proposition's Restrictions
 
Chapter 2. Ethical Restrictions
 
Chapter 3. Structural (Methodological) Restrictions
 
Chapter 4. Functional Restrictions
 
Chapter 5. Technical Restrictions
 
Chapter 6. Epilogue

This small book simplifies what research is all about. I found that once I began to read this I could not put it down. Very well written.

Mrs Sharon Roberts
Faculty of Higher Education, City College Plymouth
March 30, 2010
Report this review

not detailed enough in the mechanics of research design, methodology and statistics.

Diane Groff
Physical Educ Activities Dept, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
February 24, 2010
Report this review

Interesting but a little to lite.

Dr David Shields
Civil Environmental Engr Dept, University of Nevada - Las Vegas
January 19, 2010
Report this review

a book that really makes you think! well constructed, engages the reader in thinking about not only research validity, but on a wider ethical plane. An enjoyable read as it stimulates much thought. great for critical analysis and discussion with students

Mrs Cath Harrison-Williams
Health , City College Norwich
November 10, 2009
Report this review

Integrates research and theory which is critical for doctoral studies.

Anna Wilson
Education Dept, Chapman University - Orange
October 26, 2009
Report this review

For instructors

Please select a format:

Select a Purchasing Option

SAGE Research Methods Promotion

SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. SAGE Research Methods links over 175,000 pages of SAGE’s renowned book, journal and reference content with truly advanced search and discovery tools. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more.

With SAGE Research Methods, researchers can explore their chosen method across the depth and breadth of content, expanding or refining their search as needed; read online, print, or email full-text content; utilize suggested related methods and links to related authors from SAGE Research Methods' robust library and unique features; and even share their own collections of content through Methods Lists. SAGE Research Methods contains content from over 720 books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks, the entire “Little Green Book,” and "Little Blue Book” series, two Major Works collating a selection of journal articles, and specially commissioned videos.

Find out more