📘 Day 30: Book Review — “Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches” by John W. Creswell

 

📘Book Review — “Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches” by John W. Creswell

Labels: Research Methodology, Book Reviews, Mixed Methods, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research

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🎯 Why Review This Book?

When we think of foundational research methodology guides, one name that consistently stands out is John W. Creswell. His book “Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches” has become a go-to reference for countless students, PhD scholars, and supervisors across the globe.

Now in its fifth edition, this book is celebrated for its clarity, balance, and practical orientation — making it perfect for both beginners and intermediate-level researchers.

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🧭 What This Book Covers

This book offers a comprehensive roadmap through the landscape of research design. Creswell doesn’t push one method over another — instead, he helps you choose the right approach for your purpose.

🔍 The Three Core Approaches:

Qualitative Research

Grounded Theory, Ethnography, Case Study, Narrative & Phenomenology

Data collection through interviews, observation, open-ended surveys

Emphasis on meaning, context, and depth

Quantitative Research

Experimental and Non-experimental designs

Surveys, instruments, structured data

Emphasis on measurement, reliability, and hypothesis testing

Mixed Methods

Convergent, Sequential, and Embedded designs

Integrates strengths of both approaches

Suitable for complex research problems

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📝 What Makes It Stand Out?

Visual diagrams that simplify complex frameworks

Practical examples from real dissertations and theses

Guidance on choosing a design based on your research problem

Ethical considerations, validity, reliability, and reflexivity discussed in depth

Sections on writing proposals, backed by sample formats

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📘 Who Should Read This?

✅ MBA, MPhil, and PhD students in business, education, psychology, and social science

✅ Researchers transitioning from coursework to thesis

✅ Faculty designing research methodology syllabi

✅ Anyone confused between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods

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🌟 Key Takeaways

Choose your research design based on your question, not your comfort zone

Worldview and philosophical assumptions matter — they shape your design

Mixed Methods is not a compromise — it’s a strategic choice

A strong proposal begins with a coherent, justified methodology

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💡 Quotes to Remember

“The selection of a research design is based on the nature of the research problem or issue being addressed.” — Creswell

“Designing a study requires that researchers go beyond collecting and analyzing data.” — Creswell

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📥 Where to Get It:

🛒 Amazon India

🎓 University libraries often have copies

📄 Some open-access previews available online

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💬 Over to You!

Have you used Creswell’s framework in your thesis or paper?

Which approach resonates with your research interest?

Let’s discuss in the comments — your experiences may help another researcher!

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