Includes bibliographical references (p. [301]-313) and index.

This unique new research methods handbook is the first to focus entirely on the needs of the information and communications community. It guides the would-be researcher through the variety of options and possibilities open to them under the heading 'research'. The book has a very practical focus and each chapter is fully supported by examples and exercises that reinforce the text and provide practical guidelines. Although it is difficult to write on any subject without referring to the philosophy and theory behind the practice, this will be included only as context. The focus here is on the 'doing' and the structure and design of the book is based on the author's experience of teaching it over a number of years. It provides the student with sufficient knowledge of the research process to embark on their own empirical research leading to their dissertation with confidence. The exercises have been tried and tested over a number of years with undergraduate, postgraduate and research students, and with practitioners. The book will take readers through the whole research process including: * designing and justifying the research * establishing firm aims and objectives * creating a research proposal * a review of research methods and strategies available * individual data collection techniques * data analysis * writing up the research and presenting the findings. The text also deals with the emerging field of internet communications research. It will be of value not only to students of information and communications studies and archives and records management, but to those on a variety of courses across the disciplines, and can be used by all practitioners beginning a piece of research.