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The Craft of Research Review

The Craft of Research Review

Table of Contents

In “The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition,” we explore the essential techniques for conducting and presenting rigorous research. This updated edition, published on October 18, 2016, serves as an invaluable guide for scholars and students alike, offering clear and practical advice on every stage of the research process. From formulating a research question to organizing findings and crafting compelling arguments, the book is designed to refine our skills and bolster our confidence in producing high-quality academic work. With its wealth of illustrations and real-world examples, “The Craft of Research” becomes not just a textbook but a mentor in our academic journey. Have you ever found yourself struggling to put together a solid research project or paper? We’ve been there too. Fortunately, “The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition” offers a comprehensive guide that can transform how we approach research, making the entire process smoother and more effective.

Learn more about the The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition Paperback – Illustrated, 18 October 2016 here.

Book Overview

What Is “The Craft of Research”?

“The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition” is not just any research guide. Authored by experts in the field, it provides a step-by-step approach to conducting research across disciplines. This book takes us through everything from planning and conducting research to writing it up and presenting it effectively.

Why This Edition?

This is the fourth edition, which means it has been updated and refined based on feedback from readers and experts alike. The authors have added new information and streamlined some sections for better clarity. Therefore, if we’re looking for the latest and most accurate advice, this edition is the way to go.

The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition Paperback – Illustrated, 18 October 2016

The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition Paperback – Illustrated, 18 October 2016

AED91.27   Only 1 left in stock (more on the way).

Key Features

Comprehensive Coverage

The book covers every aspect of research, from choosing a topic to presenting your findings. It’s like having a mentor guiding us through each stage.

Easy-to-Follow Structure

The authors break down complex concepts into manageable sections. Here’s a breakdown:

Chapter Title Key Topics Covered
1 Thinking in Print Importance of research, the mindset of a researcher
2 From Topics to Questions Developing a research question
3 From Questions to Problems Contextualizing problems in research
4 Engaging Sources How to find and use sources effectively
5 Making a Claim and Filling a Gap Crafting strong claims backed by evidence
6 Planning Your Argument Structuring arguments logically
7 Making Good Arguments Improving argument quality
8 Communicating Evidence Presenting data and evidence clearly
9 Assembling a Research Paper Putting it all together into a cohesive whole

Practical Examples

Each chapter is filled with practical examples that make the concepts clearer. Whether we are new to research or experienced, these examples help us see how the principles apply in real-world scenarios.

The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition Paperback – Illustrated, 18 October 2016

Check out the The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition Paperback – Illustrated, 18 October 2016 here.

Deep Dive Into Chapters

Thinking in Print

This chapter emphasizes the importance of seeing research as a form of conversation. We’re not just writing for ourselves; we’re engaging with a community of scholars. Understanding this can change how we approach our work.

From Topics to Questions

Transitioning from a general topic to a specific research question is often one of the hardest steps. The book offers clear strategies to help us refine our interests into something manageable and researchable.

From Questions to Problems

Once we have a question, the next step is to frame it as a problem. This chapter explains how to contextualize our research question within a larger framework, making it relevant and significant.

Engaging Sources

Here, we learn how to find, evaluate, and use sources effectively. The tips in this chapter can save us hours of wasted effort by helping us focus on the most valuable sources.

Making a Claim and Filling a Gap

This section is pivotal. We learn how to make compelling claims supported by our research. The concept of “filling a gap” in existing knowledge is highlighted, showing us why our work matters.

Planning Your Argument

A well-structured argument is crucial for any research paper. This chapter offers templates and strategies to help us organize our thoughts logically, making our papers more persuasive.

Making Good Arguments

This section builds on the previous one by teaching us how to improve the quality of our arguments. Whether it’s through better evidence, clearer reasoning, or more compelling presentation, this chapter has valuable insights.

Communicating Evidence

Data and evidence are only as good as how well we can communicate them. This chapter offers tips on presenting data in a way that supports our arguments and engages our readers.

Assembling a Research Paper

The final chapter walks us through the process of pulling it all together. From drafting to revising, this chapter ensures that we don’t overlook any critical steps.

Practical Applications

For Students

If we are students, this book could become our best friend. It’s packed with advice that can help us get better grades and improve our understanding of what research is all about.

For Researchers

Seasoned researchers will also find this book invaluable. It offers advanced tips and strategies that can enhance the quality of our work, making it more impactful.

For Educators

Educators can use this book as a teaching tool. Its structured approach makes it easy to integrate into a curriculum, helping students at all levels improve their research skills.

The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition Paperback – Illustrated, 18 October 2016

Pros and Cons

Pros

Detailed Guidance

The book offers detailed, step-by-step guidance through every stage of the research process.

Practical Examples

Real-world examples make the concepts easier to understand and apply.

Updated Content

The fourth edition includes the latest information and insights, ensuring that we get the most current advice.

Cons

Dense Material

The material can be dense at times, requiring careful reading and attention.

Academic Focus

The book is heavily focused on academic research, which might not be as relevant for those in non-academic fields.

User Reviews

Positive Reviews

Many users have praised the book for its clarity and comprehensiveness. They appreciate the practical examples and the accessible writing style.

Critical Reviews

Some readers find the material a bit dense and academic. However, they still acknowledge its value, especially for those serious about improving their research skills.

Final Thoughts

In summary, “The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition” is an excellent resource for anyone involved in research. Its thorough, practical, and updated approach makes it an indispensable guide. Whether we’re students, researchers, or educators, this book has something valuable to offer.

Wouldn’t it be great if our research projects were less stressful and more successful? This book might just be the key we’ve been looking for.

Get your own The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition Paperback – Illustrated, 18 October 2016 today.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Emmanuel Bazile All Rights Reserved

About Me

With 25 years of experience in healthcare IT implementation, Emmanuel began his career at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, working as an assistant manager for a billing system implementation. Over the years, he has explored various aspects of the healthcare IT domain, successfully implementing several laboratory information systems and electronic medical record (EMR) systems, such as Cerner Millennium and Epic EMR.

In 2005, Emmanuel shifted his focus to public health, working on bio-surveillance implementation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He contributed to the BioSense Data Provisioning Project and performed extensive analysis of HL7 messages in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Additionally, Emmanuel requirements analysis for the CDC BioSense Analysis, Visualization and Reporting (AVR) project and played a key role in publishing the Situational Awareness updates to the BioSense System Requirements Specification (SRS).

Over the past 11 years, Emmanuel has worked in the Middle East, implementing the Epic EMR system at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. As a multidisciplinary team member, he has taken on various roles, including SCRUM Master, Project Manager, Integration Engineer, and Platform Engineer. Concurrently working as an adjunct university faculty member, teaching graduate-level courses in Systems Life Cycle and undergraduate courses in Health Information Systems

From a technological standpoint, Emmanuel has designed, installed, and implemented complete hospital integration systems using Rhapsody Integration Engine, MS SQL Server, and Public Health Information Networks Messaging System (PHINMS). He has also developed over 10,000 interfaces some of which coded in Java and JavaScript.

In 2019, Emmanuel expanded his skill set and entered the field of digital marketing, quickly becoming a proficient Digital Marketing Strategist. He has since helped numerous clients develop robust digital marketing strategies for their businesses. His expertise encompasses Social Media Marketing, On-page and Off-page SEO, Google Ads, and Google Analytics. Additionally, he and a team have managed clients’ website development projects, ensuring that each site is optimized for SEO, further enhancing their online presence and performance.

Alongside their digital marketing expertise, Emmanuel has delved into the world of Affiliate Marketing, where Emmanuel and his team successfully managed and executed campaigns for a variety of clients. By identifying the right products and services to promote, Emmanuel and his team helped clients generate passive income streams and increase their overall revenue.

Their approach to Affiliate Marketing involves creating valuable content that educates and engages the target audience, while strategically incorporating affiliate links. Emmanuel and his team have experience working with multiple affiliate networks and platforms, ensuring optimal tracking and reporting of performance metrics. By staying up to date with the latest trends and best practices, Emmanuel and his team have been able to optimize affiliate campaigns for maximum results, fostering long-term partnerships and sustainable growth for their clients.

As an accomplished professional, Emmanuel holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Linguistics and English, a Master of Science in Health Information Systems from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University.

My Teaching History

Professor Bazile is a dedicated technology instructor and Adjunct Faculty professor, who began his teaching career in April 2000 at the Business Career Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 2001, he expanded his expertise by training nurses in the use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems. His experience in both technology and healthcare led to his appointment as an Adjunct Faculty professor at the University of Phoenix in May 2008, where he has taught several graduate-level information technology and healthcare information systems courses.

Dr. Bazile has also developed an HL7 course, which he has taught at various healthcare facilities, drawing from his own book, “HL7: Introductory and Advanced Concepts,” currently available on Amazon. With a passion for teaching and a commitment to ensuring students get the most out of each course he teaches, Dr. Bazile is a valuable asset to both his students and the institutions he serves.

My Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy as an Information Systems professor in healthcare is built on the concept that education should equip students to be confident and capable problem solvers who are prepared to traverse the complicated and ever-changing landscape of Healthcare IT.

In order to accomplish this, I prioritize the creation of a dynamic and engaging learning environment that encourages students to engage with course material and with one another. This involves employing a range of teaching approaches, such as lectures, seminars, and hands-on activities, to ensure that students learn in the manner that best matches their learning style.

I believe the reason we have Information Systems as a discipline is to allow students to apply technology to solve real world problems. If that is the case, both undergraduate and graduate students have to be challenged to incorporate their core academic courses with their matriculated subjects. As such, it is important that students enter their Junior and Senior years with a strong command of the core courses such as Programming, databases, networks, hardware and software, as they serve as the foundation upon which real-world solutions will be built.

I also believe in the importance of incorporating real-world examples and case studies into my courses, as this helps to connect abstract concepts to practical applications. Additionally, I encourage students to apply what they are learning to their own personal and professional goals, as this helps to make the material more meaningful and relevant to their lives.

I strive to foster a positive and supportive learning environment where all students feel comfortable asking questions and participating in class discussions. I believe that this is key to fostering a sense of community and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

I have also taught online courses. I have found in an asynchronous learning environment it can be difficult to apply the Peer Teaching or Experiential Learning Pedagogical Approaches. However, I have found the Discovery Learning approach to works quite well. Along with a boost to students’ self-confidence, Discovery Learning in an online environment allows students to synthesize information, expand on existing concepts on their own, while experiencing a positive outcome through trial and error.

Ultimately, my mission as an educator, and a Healthcare IT Information Systems professor is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive and succeed in their careers and to be technological leaders. By creating a positive and supportive learning environment, incorporating real-world examples and case studies, and encouraging students to apply what they are learning to their own objectives; my hope is to inspire and empower all students to achieve their full potential.

Population Size:

A total of 310 responses were originally received. Any response containing missing data due to unclicked radio buttons or unchecked checkboxes were first reviewed, and, if justified, were omitted from analysis. For surveys with missing data, a total of 18 responses were removed. In order to address any issues with response-set, the data was downloaded into Microsoft Access and queries ran to identify responses that contained the same values for each question. A total of 16 responses were found to be qualified for removal. Another 18 were identified as outliers and removed leaving a total of 258 responses for the study analysis.

In order to assess multivariate outliers, the Mahalanobis distances were calculated and plotted against their corresponding Chi-Square distribution percentiles (Schmidt & Hunter, 2003). The resulting scatterplot is similar to a univariate normal Q-Q plot, where deviations from a straight line show evidence of non-normality. The data showed indications of moderate deviations from multivariate normality, as indicated by the concavity of the data points. There were no additional multivariate outliers or missing values in the data after the removal of 52 responses.

Descriptive Statistics

Frequencies and percentages were conducted for the demographics indicators, while means and standard deviations were calculated for the continuous indicators. For gender, there were 151 females (59%) and 107 males (41%) in the sample. For ethnicity, most participants were Caucasian (119, 46%), followed by African American (56, 22%). The two most populous education levels were Bachelor’s (90, 35%) and Master’s (62, 22%). The biggest proportion of the sample by age group was the 35-44 age group (101, 39%) followed by the 45-54 age group (59, 23%).

Analysis:

Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Composite Reliability

A CFA was conducted along with a reliability analysis to assess construct validity. Examination of modification indices and factor loadings indicated that CSE1, CSE5, CSE7, PC5, ATE1, ATE6, ATE8, PP5, and PP6 were all causing significant problems with the model parameters. The results of the last iteration of the CFA performed in R showed significantly improved fit, although still poor overall (χ2(545) = 2125.61, p < .001, CFI = 0.82, TLI = 0.81, RMSEA = 0.11). The high degrees of freedom indicate that a very large number of parameters are being estimated in this model.

Composite Reliability

For the full model, each construct had excellent reliability. The ATE latent construct had a composite reliability value of 0.89. The ORC construct had a composite reliability value of 0.94. The CSE latent construct had a composite reliability value of 0.85 and PC had a composite reliability value of 0.95. For PP and RES, the composite reliability scores were 0.80 and 0.96 respectively. These values indicate that the loadings for each construct were all directionally similar, and that the items in each construct show a high degree of consistency.

Cronbach’s Alpha

Cronbach’s alpha values were calculated for the items in each construct. The alphas for PC (α = 0.90), AXY (α = 0.94), and RES (α = 0.94) indicated excellent reliability. The alphas for CSE (α = 0.80), ATE (α = 0.88), and PP (α = 0.83) all showed good reliability. These values confirm the results of the composite reliability tests, and reiterate the high degree of reliability within each latent construct.

Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling

A partial least squares- structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted to determine how well the data fit the proposed model, and discern whether significant relationships existed between the independent and dependent constructs. The full model showed AVE values of 0.53 for ATE, 0.69 for AXY, 0.44 for CSE, .72 for PC, .35 for PP, and 0.81 for RES. The high values for AXY, PC, and RES indicate that the amount of variance accounted for in the manifest variables is sufficiently high. The values for ATE, CSE, and PP indicate that some of the variance in the manifest variables is left unexplained.

Structural Model

Once the measurement model had been tested for model specification, the structural model was tested to determine if ATE, AXY, CSE, PC, and PP had a significant effect on RES. A path weighted model was calculated using 10,000 bootstrap samples in R. The results showed a pseudo R-squared value of 0.78. This indicates that approximately 78% of the variance in RES is explainable by the collective effects of CSE, PC, ATE, PP, and AXY.

Further examination of the effects indicated that AXY had a highly significant effect on RES (B = 0.87, p < .001). This indicates that a standard deviation increase in AXY increases the expected value of RES by 0.87 standard deviations. CSE did not have a significant effect on RES (B = 0.02, p = .423). Additionally, CSE (B = 0.02, p = .423), PC (B = 0.05, p = .334), ATE (B = 0.00, p = .983), and PP (B = 0.03, p = .407) did not have significant effects on RES. Table 11 outlines the results of the path estimates.

Correlation Analyses

Both Pearson and Spearman correlations were calculated on the composite scores. The results of the Pearson correlations indicated that CSE was significantly correlated AXY (r = 0.22, p < .001) and RES (r = 0.21, p < .001). The results also indicated that PC was significantly correlated with ATE (r = -0.79, p < .001), AXY (r = 0.18, p < .001), and RES (r = 0.20, p < .001). ATE was significantly correlated with AXY (r = -0.19, p < .001) and RES (r = -0.19, p < .001). AXY was significantly correlated with RES (r = 0.85, p < .001).

ANCOVA Analyses

An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to determine if a significant relationship existed between the AXY, PP, CSE, PC, ATE scores and RES controlling for Gender, Age, Ethnicity, Education, and Specialty. The overall model was found to be significant (F(63,194) = 53.39, p < .001), with an R2 value of .95, indicating that 95% of the variance in RES was explained by the collective effect of the independent variables and covariates.

Since the overall model was found to be significant, the model’s covariates were assessed. The AXY (F(10,194) = 262.20, p < .001), ATE (F(7,194) = 2.20, p = .036), Years computers (F(1,194) = 5.71, p = .018), and PC (F(12,194) = 2.00, p = .026) scores were found to be significant, indicating that a significant amount of variance in RES is explained by AXY, ATE, and PC.

A path diagram depicting the results of the structural model.

Results

This research investigated Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE), Perceived Complexity (PC), Attitudes toward EMR Systems (ATE), Peer Pressure (PP), and Anxiety (AXY) to determine whether these constructs as individuals, or as a group, or coupled together with some other factors could significantly explain resistance to EMR systems. Quantitative examination of self-reported survey results was performed to understand the strength and significance of the relationships, while these relationships were investigated to test the strength of model fit.

the regression paths of the structural model were examined to test the hypotheses. Significance was determined using an alpha level of .05. The model had an overall R2 value of 0.78. This indicates that approximately 78% of the variability in RES can be accounted for by CSE, PC, ATE, PP, and AXY. Since the overall model was significant, the individual coefficients can be interpreted. Some of the hypotheses were supported by the results of this study, and some were rejected. The construction of a data model of the relationships in this study could not meet thresholds that would be evidence of a good fit of the relationships identified in the study.

The fifth hypotheses tested the influence of AXY on resistance to EMR systems. AXY was expressed to be significantly related to resistance (r=.87, p<.001). This finding supports the hypothesis that anxiety with the EMR system will lead to medical care professionals rejecting use of the system. Unlike the findings of the first four hypotheses, the findings of the current study support previous research. Angst and Agarwal (2009) indicated that AXY is a factor which is significantly related to the problem of EMR system resistance. Based on the empirical findings of previous research, the present research and conceptual propositions and conclusions in previously written scholarly articles, there is a great deal of support for the finding that AXY is significantly influenced by EMR resistance.

The findings of this research do not support all findings by previous researchers, and there are multiple relationships which had been established as being significant that were identified as being insignificant in the current research. Generally, because of the inconsistency of previous findings and the current study there may be elements related to the sample examined or other contextual factors which may contribute to the inconsistency that exists. Ultimately, it is suggested that there be further research done on the problem of resistance to EMR system use.

Ultimately the findings support a new take on the problem of EMR system resistance that may contribute to the ways in which scholars investigate the problem of EMR resistance in general. This may also help with the way practitioners approach EMR systems, and articulate value of the systems to medical professionals investing record-keeping systems in the workplace.