Research Methods Made Simple

Dr Catherine Dawson is a freelance researcher and writer, specializing in study skills, research methods and digital research methods. She writes books aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students, and at university educators. She also writes online courses in study skills, research methods and digital research methods.  Catherine studied at university in the United Kingdom for an undergraduate degree in Combined Humanities, a master’s degree in Social Research and a PhD researching the learning choices of adults returning to education. She has worked as a research assistant, research associate and educator at various UK universities and as a research and training officer in both the public and private sectors. Over the years she has developed and taught research methods courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students and has designed and delivered bespoke research methods courses to employees in the private sector.

• Chapter 1: Reflection. Let’s think about this thing called research…Chapter 2: Expansion. Before we begin, let’s consider the philosophy of research…Chapter 3: Collaboration. Let’s think about working together on research…Chapter 4: Regulations. Let’s consider (and adhere to) policy, rules and requirements…Chapter 5: Ethics. Let’s make sure we consider ethical and moral issues…Chapter 6: Planning. Let’s consider the practicalities…Chapter 7: Selection. Let’s choose our methodology and methods…Chapter 8: Preparation. Let’s get ready to start…Chapter 9: Action. Let’s begin our research…Chapter 10: Investigation. Let’s think about analysing research data…Chapter 11: Protection. Let’s ensure we protect our research data…Chapter 12: Completion. Let’s write up and pass the course…Chapter 13: Recap. Let’s check on what we know…