ABSTRACT

Now in a thoroughly revised and refreshed fourth edition, Research Methods in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management is beloved by students and professors alike for its exceptional clarity and accessibility and plentiful illustrations. This new edition integrates quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, as well as specific up-to-date instruction in the use of statistical software programs such as Excel and SPSS. Changes to this edition include:

  • A new section, featuring two new chapters, to explore mixed-methods approaches to research, including fundamentals, research design, data collection, and analyzing and interpreting findings
  • A new, dedicated chapter on Big Data research
  • Updated exhibits and examples throughout the book
  • A new companion website to accompany the book containing PowerPoint slides for each chapter
  • New exhibits, tables, figures, and exercises, as well as key terms and discussion questions at the end of each chapter

Research Methods in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management, 4e is an ideal textbook for use in all research methods courses in undergraduate and graduate public administration, public affairs, and nonprofit management courses.

part I|106 pages

Research Fundamentals

chapter 1|12 pages

Introduction to Research Methods

chapter 2|18 pages

Research Ethics: Doing the Right Thing

chapter 5|10 pages

The Eight-Step Research Process

chapter 6|13 pages

Selecting a Research Topic

chapter 7|13 pages

Choosing a Research Design

chapter 8|9 pages

How to Write a Research Proposal

part II|155 pages

Quantitative Research Methods

chapter 9|11 pages

Fundamentals of Quantitative Research

chapter 10|9 pages

Hypothesis Testing Concepts

chapter 11|13 pages

Hypothesis Testing Tools

chapter 12|9 pages

Introduction to Sampling

chapter 14|12 pages

Controlling Error in Survey Research

chapter 15|14 pages

Summarizing Data With Descriptive Statistics

chapter 17|10 pages

Introduction to Experimental Design

chapter 18|16 pages

Introduction to Nonparametric Statistics

chapter 19|18 pages

Exploring Multivariate Statistics

chapter 20|13 pages

Researching With Very Large DATA SETS

part III|148 pages

Qualitative Research Methods

chapter 21|15 pages

Introduction to Qualitative Research

chapter 22|15 pages

Research Using Case Study Designs

chapter 23|17 pages

Research Using Grounded Theory Designs

chapter 24|19 pages

Research Using Ethnographic Designs

chapter 26|12 pages

Critical Research: Action Research Designs

chapter 27|10 pages

Research Using Feminist Research Designs

chapter 28|10 pages

Hermeneutic Research Designs

chapter 31|13 pages

Analyzing Qualitative Data

part IV|26 pages

Mixed-Methods Research

chapter 32|11 pages

Introduction to Mixed-Methods Research

chapter 33|13 pages

Research With Mixed-Methods Designs

part V|57 pages

Preparing and Presenting Research Findings

chapter 34|15 pages

Developing Tables, Charts, and Graphs

chapter 35|18 pages

Introduction to Statistical Software

chapter 36|22 pages

Writing the Research Report