Research Methods in Information

Citation

Lomas, E. (2007), "Research Methods in Information", Records Management Journal, Vol. 17 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/rmj.2007.28117cae.001

Research Methods in Information

Research Methods in Information

Alison Jane PickardFacet PublishingLondon2007xix +329 pp.ISBN: 978-1-85604-545-2

Keywords: Research methods, Information science

Though there a number of works that cover research methods, it is amazing to discover that this is the first book dedicated exclusively to a comprehensive analysis of research methods for information research. The time is ripe for this publication as research in the field of records and information management is an area of academic growth. Within the workplace there is also an increasing need for service evaluation, accountability, through metrics and benchmarking, and change management programmes to respond to new challenges.

As someone about to embark upon a major piece of research, this book took me methodically through the history of research and each individual stage of the research process that I would be required to complete, in order to deliver a valid and robust research paper. It is an extremely accessible text. Pickard writes in the first person and the text is peppered with words of encouragement and enthusiastic comments enticing the reader to join in the thinking involved in each stage of the research process. Pickard has written as if teaching directly and provides a clear research framework for undergraduates and postgraduates. This is not surprising as Pickard is a course leader at the Northumbria University for courses in Information and Communication Management, Information Science and also Librarianship.

The practical exercises at the end of each chapter actively engage the reader. For example, at the end of the first chapter Pickard invites the reader to consider how he/she would research the question: What role do the media play in people’s perception of internet technology and access to information? Pickard suggests that in order to ascertain whether one would conduct this research as a quantitative, qualitative or a blend of research approaches is dependent upon certain beliefs within oneself.

If there is one minor criticism of the text it is that the case studies are often orientated to librarianship; it would have been advantageous to engage a wider sample of scenarios from different information perspectives. However, that said, the main body of the chapters are framed very clearly for the wider information community and this text is essential reading not just for all those embarking upon research programmes but also for all information professionals. As Dr Pickard states:

Even if information professionals are not active researchers … it is an inescapable fact that they must certainly be intelligent and informed consumers of research.

For those working in the information field the text provides systems to evaluate and benchmark services, to measure information performance, and to enhance professional data gathering through the range of methods explored. For the “busy information professional” the text can be dipped into. At the start of each chapter are a couple of helpful quotes that are essentially sound bites of each chapter’s contents. These allow quick access into areas of particular interest. As a professional records manager I found that the chapter on “Action research” provides a clear framework for introducing change management, which could be supported with research methods adopted from other sections of the book, such as questionnaires and Delphi studies. Equally an archivist could helpfully use many of the chapters to assist with the framework for an oral history project.

The book is full of thought provoking ideas as well as being grounded with common sense advice. For example Pickard picks up on a model by Fisher (p. 32) that suggests that when evaluating any piece of research literature it is worth marking the text as follows:

• •

  a claim is identified in the text by underlining;

• •

  a reason is identified in the text by square brackets: […];

• •

  evidence is identified in the text by placing an asterisk at either side of the evidence statement: *…*; and

• •

  qualifiers are identified in the text by encircling them: .

Since absorbing this piece of advice it has certainly made me evaluate the literature I read in a more critical manner. Marking up the text makes one analyse the basis upon which authors are presenting their opinions and the grounding in research evidence upon which articles are based. It was also helpful to learn about key sites that assist with evaluating the quality of research information. For example, The Social Sciences Citation Index available via “The Web of Science” at http://wos.mimas.ac.uk, which allows you to investigate whether a source has been cited by other reputable authors.

To summarise, the book is divided into five parts comprising:

1. 1.

   Starting the research process: the history and significance of major research paradigms, the purpose and methodology of the literature review, defining research, research proposals, sampling and the ethics of research.

2. 2.

   Research methods: case studies, surveys, experimental research, ethnography, Delphi studies, action research, historical research, grounded theory and method or analysis.

3. 3.

   Data collection techniques: interviews, questionnaires, observation, diaries, focus groups and usability testing.

4. 4.

   Data analysis and research presentation: qualitative analysis, quantative analysis, an overview of software analysis and presenting the research.

5. 5.

   Glossary and references.

This is an impressive volume that I would urge information professionals and researchers to read.

Elizabeth Lomas Royal Household, UK