books to research about

10 Best Research Books For Qualitative And Quantitative Research

Research books are designed to help you improve your research skills and conduct studies more effectively. So, if you’re on the hunt for research materials, check out our collection of the best research books!

Research methodology comes in many shapes and forms. Regardless of whether you are interested in qualitative or quantitative research, it is essential to find a book that can help you plan your research project adequately.

Research design can vary from hard sciences to social sciences, but data analysis following a case study is usually similar. Therefore, you need a practical guide that can help you complete a research project and finish your research paper—interested in this field of topic? You’ll love our round-up of the best books for quantum physics !

1. Qualitative Research: A Guide To Design And Implementation, 4th Edition

2. research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 4th edition, 3. the research methods knowledge base, 3rd edition, 4. the craft of research, 5. doing your research project: open up study skills, 5th edition, 6. qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches, 3rd edition, 7. the essential guide to doing your research project, 2nd edition, 8. introducing research methodology: a beginner’s guide to doing a research project, 2nd edition, 9. the sage handbook of qualitative research, 5th edition, 10. research methods in education, 7th edition, the final word on the best research books, what is the difference between quantitative research and qualitative research, how do i figure out which academic journal to publish my research in.

Unlimited access to more than 5,500 nonfiction bestsellers. Free trial available.

Books About Research FAQs

Quantitative research focuses more on numbers and statistics. This type of research is more common in hard sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics.

Qualitative research focuses more on overall meanings and concepts. This type of research is more common in social sciences such as anthropology, archaeology, and research topics focusing on social justice.

It would help compare prior articles in that academic journal to the article you have written. Most academic journals focus on a specific field, and you need to submit your article to a publication that shares research articles similar to your own. Be sure to consider the prestige of the journal before submitting your paper.

If you enjoyed this round-up of the best research books, you might also like our top 11 essay writing tips for students .

100 Best Research Books of All Time

We've researched and ranked the best research books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Kahneman | 5.00

Barack Obama A few months ago, Mr. Obama read “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” by Daniel Kahneman, about how people make decisions — quick, instinctive thinking versus slower, contemplative deliberation. For Mr. Obama, a deliberator in an instinctive business, this may be as instructive as any political science text. (Source)

Bill Gates [On Bill Gates's reading list in 2012.] (Source)

Marc Andreessen Captivating dive into human decision making, marred by inclusion of several/many? psychology studies that fail to replicate. Will stand as a cautionary tale? (Source)

See more recommendations for this book...

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor E. Frankl, William J. Winslade, et al. | 4.85

Tony Robbins Another book that I’ve read dozens of times. It taught me that if you change the meaning, you change everything. Meaning equals emotion, and emotion equals life. (Source)

Jimmy Fallon I read it while spending ten days in the ICU of Bellevue hospital trying to reattach my finger from a ring avulsion accident in my kitchen. It talks about the meaning of life, and I believe you come out a better person from reading it. (Source)

Dustin Moskovitz [Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book on Twitter.] (Source)

The Craft of Research (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams | 4.81

The Art of War

Sun Tzu | 4.78

Reid Hoffman Reid read Carl von Clausewitz and Sun Tzu as a boy, which informed his strategic thinking. (Source)

Neil deGrasse Tyson Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet? [...] The Art of War (Sun Tsu) [to learn that the act of killing fellow humans can be raised to an art]. If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world. (Source)

Evan Spiegel After meeting Mark Zuckerberg, [Evan Spiegel] immediately bought every [Snapchat] employee a copy of 'The Art Of War'. (Source)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Rebecca Skloot | 4.76

Yet Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown, buried in an unmarked grave.

Now Rebecca Skloot takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the “colored” ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to stark white laboratories with freezers full of HeLa cells; from Henrietta’s small, dying hometown of Clover, Virginia — a land of wooden slave quarters, faith healings, and voodoo — to East Baltimore today, where her children and grandchildren live and struggle with the legacy of her cells.

Henrietta’s family did not learn of her “immortality” until more than twenty years after her death, when scientists investigating HeLa began using her husband and children in research without informed consent. And though the cells had launched a multimillion-dollar industry that sells human biological materials, her family never saw any of the profits. As Rebecca Skloot so brilliantly shows, the story of the Lacks family — past and present — is inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we are made of.

Over the decade it took to uncover this story, Rebecca became enmeshed in the lives of the Lacks family—especially Henrietta’s daughter Deborah, who was devastated to learn about her mother’s cells. She was consumed with questions: Had scientists cloned her mother? Did it hurt her when researchers infected her cells with viruses and shot them into space? What happened to her sister, Elsie, who died in a mental institution at the age of fifteen? And if her mother was so important to medicine, why couldn’t her children afford health insurance?

Intimate in feeling, astonishing in scope, and impossible to put down, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks captures the beauty and drama of scientific discovery, as well as its human consequences.

Carl Zimmer Yes. This is a fascinating book on so many different levels. It is really compelling as the story of the author trying to uncover the history of the woman from whom all these cells came. (Source)

A.J. Jacobs Great writer. (Source)

The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Susan Cain | 4.71

Simon Sinek eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'theceolibrary_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',164,'0','1'])); Leaders needn’t be the loudest. Leadership is not about theater. It’s not about dominance. It is about putting the lives of others before any other priority. In Quiet, Cain affirms to a good many of us who are introverts by nature that we needn’t try to be extroverts if we want to lead.... (Source)

Jason Fried A good book I’d recommend is “Quiet” by Susan Cain. (Source)

James Altucher Probably half the world is introverts. Maybe more. It’s not an easy life to live. I sometimes have that feeling in a room full of people, “uh-oh. I just shut down. I can’t talk anymore and there’s a lock on my mouth and this crowd threw away the key.” Do you ever get that feeling? Please? I hope you do. Let’s try to lock eyes at the party. “Quiet” shows the reader how to unlock the secret powers... (Source)

A Memoir of the Craft

Stephen King | 4.70

Mark Manson I read a bunch of books on writing before I wrote my first book and the two that stuck with me were Stephen King’s book and “On Writing Well” by Zinsser (which is a bit on the technical side). (Source)

Jennifer Rock If you are interested in writing and communication, start with reading and understanding the technical aspects of the craft: The Elements of Style. On Writing Well. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. (Source)

Benjamin Spall [Question: What five books would you recommend to youngsters interested in your professional path?] On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft by Stephen King, [...] (Source)

The Hero With a Thousand Faces

Joseph Campbell | 4.70

The first popular work to combine the spiritual and psychological insights of modern psychoanalysis with the archetypes of world mythology, the book creates a roadmap for navigating the frustrating path of contemporary life. Examining heroic myths in the light of modern psychology, it considers not only the patterns and stages of mythology but also its relevance to our lives today--and to the life of any person seeking a fully realized existence. Myth, according to Campbell, is the projection of a culture's dreams onto a large screen; Campbell's book, like Star Wars , the...

Ray Dalio The book I’d give [every graduating senior in college or high school] would be [...] Joseph Campbell’s 'Hero of a Thousand Faces'. It's little bit dense but it’s so rich, so it’s a good one. (Source)

Darren Aronofsky [I'm] totally part of his cult. Because I believe in that hero’s journey. (Source)

Kyle Russell Book 28 Lesson: Embedded in human psychology (and the resulting symbolism we find compelling) is a wish for our struggles to be meaningful, for our suffering to have value, for our effort to pay off for ourselves and those we love - and to then be recognized for it. https://t.co/lWgr4k7d8Y (Source)

A Brief History of Humankind

Yuval Noah Harari | 4.68

Richard Branson One example of a book that has helped me to #ReadToLead this year is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. While the book came out a few years ago now, I got around to it this year, and am very glad I did. I’ve always been fascinated in what makes humans human, and how people are constantly evolving, changing and growing. The genius of Sapiens is that it takes some daunting,... (Source)

Reid Hoffman A grand theory of humanity. (Source)

Barack Obama eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'theceolibrary_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',164,'0','1'])); Fact or fiction, the president knows that reading keeps the mind sharp. He also delved into these non-fiction reads. (Source)

The Psychology of Persuasion

Robert B. Cialdini | 4.68

Charles T. Munger Robert Cialdini has had a greater impact on my thinking on this topic than any other scientist. (Source)

Dan Ariely It covers a range of ways in which we end up doing things, and how we don’t understand why we’re doing them. (Source)

Max Levchin [Max Levchin recommended this book as an answer to "What business books would you advise young entrepreneurs read?"] (Source)

Don't have time to read the top Research books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.

The Story of Success

Malcolm Gladwell | 4.68

Bill Gates [On Bill Gates's reading list in 2011.] (Source)

James Altucher Gladwell is not the first person to come up with the 10,000 hour rule. Nor is he the first person to document what it takes to become the best in the world at something. But his stories are so great as he explains these deep concepts. How did the Beatles become the best? Why are professional hockey players born in January, February and March? And so on. (Source)

Cat Williams-Treloar The books that I've talked the most about with friends and colleagues over the years are the Malcolm Gladwell series of novels. Glorious stories that mix science, behaviours and insight. You can't go wrong with the "The Tipping Point", "Outliers", "Blink" or "David & Goliath". (Source)

The Body Keeps the Score

Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Bessel van der Kolk M.D. | 4.63

Matthew Green Reading The Body Keeps the Score was a eureka moment for me. (Source)

How to Win Friends & Influence People

Dale Carnegie | 4.61

Dustin Moskovitz Seek to be understood. (Source)

Scott Adams [Scott Adams recommends this book on his "Persuasion Reading List."] (Source)

Daymond John I love all the Dale Carnegie books. (Source)

The New Psychology of Success

Carol S. Dweck | 4.61

Tony Robbins [Tony Robbins recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

Bill Gates One of the reasons I loved Mindset is because it’s solutions-oriented. In the book’s final chapter, Dweck describes the workshop she and her colleagues have developed to shift students from a fixed to a growth mindset. These workshops demonstrate that ‘just learning about the growth mindset can cause a big shift in the way people think about themselves and their lives. (Source)

The New Jim Crow

Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

Michelle Alexander, Cornel West | 4.61

Mark Zuckerberg I read The New Jim Crow, a study of how the U.S. justice system disproportionately criminalizes and jails blacks and Latinos. Making our criminal justice system fairer and more effective is a huge challenge for our country. I’m going to keep learning about this topic, but some things are already clear: We can’t jail our way to a just society, and our current system isn’t working (adapted with... (Source)

Peter Temin The new Jim Crow that Michelle Alexander is talking about is mass incarceration. (Source)

The Demon-haunted World

Science As a Candle in the Dark

Carl Sagan | 4.60

James Randi First of all, Carl was my very good friend, and we had a lot of confidences over the years. He was the epitome of the scientific mind and the scientific thinker. In The Demon-Haunted World, one of his later books, he investigates pseudoscience, frauds and fakes, and the mistakes that scientists made over the years. It’s very comprehensive. He had a whole chapter devoted to “Carlos” – or Jose... (Source)

Philip Plait He holds your hand and shows you the wonders of science and the universe. The Demon-Haunted World is probably his best book. (Source)

Dallas Campbell @TheChilterns Even if you profoundly disagree with Clarke, it’s very detailed. The classic is of course ‘The Demon Haunted World’ by Carl Sagan. When I’m Prime Minister it will be compulsory reading at school! Best book on what science is/isn’t and why we think the way we do. 👍 (Source)

The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

Charles Duhigg | 4.57

Naval Ravikant I also recently finished The Power of Habit, or close to finish as I get. That one was interesting, not because of its content necessarily, but because it’s good for me to always keep on top of mind how powerful my habits are. [...] I think learning how to break habits is a very important meta-skill that can serve you better in life than almost anything else. Although you can read tons of books... (Source)

Blake Irving You know, there's a book called The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. Simple read book about just how to build positive habits that can be I think I what I'd call you know whether in your personal life or whether in your business life to help you build you know, have a loop that can build your success and that's one I mean there are so many great books out there. (Source)

Santiago Basulto Another book with great impact was “The power of habit”. But to be honest, I read only a couple of pages. It’s a good book, with many interesting stories. But to be honest, the idea it tries to communicate is simple and after a couple of pages you’ve pretty much understood all of it. Happens the same thing with those types of books (Getting things done, crossing the chasm, etc.) (Source)

The Tipping Point

How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

Malcolm Gladwell | 4.56

Kevin Rose Bunch of really good information in here on how to make ideas go viral. This could be good to apply to any kind of products or ideas you may have. Definitely, check out The Tipping Point, which is one of my favorites. (Source)

Seth Godin Malcolm Gladwell's breakthrough insight was to focus on the micro-relationships between individuals, which helped organizations realize that it's not about the big ads and the huge charity balls... it's about setting the stage for the buzz to start. (Source)

Andy Stern I think that when we talk about making change, it is much more about macro change, like in policy. This book reminds you that at times when you're building big movements, or trying to elect significant decision-makers in politics, sometimes it's the little things that make a difference. Ever since the book was written, we've become very used to the idea of things going viral unexpectedly and then... (Source)

The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

Malcolm Gladwell | 4.54

Mike Shinoda I know most of the guys in the band read [this book]. (Source)

Marillyn Hewson CEO Marilyn Hewson recommends this book because it helped her to trust her instincts in business. (Source)

Research Design

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches

John W. Creswell | 4.53

A Brief History of Time

Stephen Hawking | 4.51

Richard Branson Today is World Book Day, a wonderful opportunity to address this #ChallengeRichard sent in by Mike Gonzalez of New Jersey: Make a list of your top 65 books to read in a lifetime. (Source)

Dan Hooper Everybody knows Hawking’s greatest contributions: understanding that black holes radiate light and other particles, that they contain entropy and all these things that no one imagined before him. Hawking and Roger Penrose also worked out the Big Bang singularity, the very moment of creation. To hear him describe some of these things with his own word choices, his own phrasing—not to mention his... (Source)

Adam Hart-Davis When Stephen Hawking wrote A Brief History of Time..his publisher told him that every equation he left in would halve the number of readers (Source)

The Elements of Style

William Jr. Strunk | 4.49

Tobi Lütke [My] most frequently gifted book is [this book] because I like good writing. (Source)

Bill Nye This is my guide. I accept that I’ll never write anything as good as the introductory essay by [the author]. It’s brilliant. (Source)

The Hot Zone

Richard Preston | 4.48

Jon Najarian I believe both the corona virus and ebola have a bat connection. Scary, but great book on ebola: Hot Zone by Richard Preston https://t.co/jGEjbrB7pZ (Source)

Pierre Haski @ChuBailiang The hot zone, it made my days during SARS in Beijing, a great book! https://t.co/8E8AYgIhp7 (Source)

Freakonomics

A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

Stephen J. Levitt, Steven D.; Dubner | 4.46

Malcolm Gladwell I don’t need to say much here. This book invented an entire genre. Economics was never supposed to be this entertaining. (Source)

Daymond John I love newer books like [this book]. (Source)

James Altucher [James Altucher recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers

Mary Roach | 4.43

Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness

Richard H. Thaler | 4.42

Dan Ariely Nudge is a very important book. One of the reasons Nudge is so important is because it’s taking these ideas and applying them to the policy domain. Here are the mistakes we make. Here are the ways marketers are trying to influence us. Here’s the way we might be able to fight back. If policymakers understood these principles, what could they do? The other important thing about the book is that it... (Source)

Eric Ries A pioneer in behavioral economics and just recently awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics, his classic book on how to make better decisions. (Source)

Ryan Holiday This might feel like a weird book to include, but I think it presents another side of strategy that is too often forgotten. It’s not always about bold actors and strategic thrusts. Sometimes strategy is about subtle influence. Sometimes it is framing and small tweaks that change behavior. We can have big aims, but get there with little moves. This book has excellent examples of that kind of... (Source)

Guns, Germs and Steel

The Fates of Human Societies

Jared Diamond Ph.D. | 4.41

Bill Gates Fascinating.... Lays a foundation for understanding human history. (Source)

Daniel Ek A brilliant Pulitzer Prize-winning book about how the modern world was formed, analyzing how societies developed differently on different continents. (Source)

Yuval Noah Harari A book of big questions, and big answers. The book turned me from a historian of medieval warfare into a student of humankind. (Source)

Bird By Bird

Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Anne Lamott | 4.36

Susan Cain I love [this book]. Such a good book. (Source)

Timothy Ferriss Bird by Bird is one of my absolute favorite books, and I gift it to everybody, which I should probably also give to startup founders, quite frankly. A lot of the lessons are the same. But you can get to your destination, even though you can only see 20 feet in front of you. (Source)

Ryan Holiday It was wonderful to read these two provocative books of essays by two incredibly wise and compassionate women. [...] Anne Lamott’s book is ostensibly about the art of writing, but really it too is about life and how to tackle the problems, temptations and opportunities life throws at us. Both will make you think and both made me a better person this year. (Source)

George Orwell | 4.34

Steve Jobs called this book "one of his favorite" and recommended it to the hires. The book also inspired one the greatest TV ad (made by Jobs) (Source)

D J Taylor In terms of how technology is working in our modern surveillance powers, it’s a terrifyingly prophetic book in some of its implications for 21st-century human life. Orwell would deny that it was prophecy; he said it was a warning. But in fact, distinguished Orwell scholar Professor Peter Davis once made a list of all the things that Orwell got right, and it was a couple of fairly long paragraphs,... (Source)

Emotional Intelligence

Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Daniel Goleman | 4.32

Drew Houston It’s nonfiction, but it spelled out something that I just didn’t know you could kind of break down in a logical way. And, suddenly, I had this understanding about the world that I didn’t have before. (Source)

Sharon Salzberg [Sharon Salzberg recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

Roxana Bitoleanu [One of the books recommends to young people interested in her career path.] (Source)

Think and Grow Rich

Napoleon Hill | 4.31

Daymond John The main takeaway from [this book] was goal-setting. It was the fact that if you don't set a specific goal, then how can you expect to hit it? (Source)

Mark Moses [ listing the books that had the biggest impact on him] (Source)

Sa El Another book all about how to obtain financial success by changing how you think and how to change your actions based on that thinking pattern, mindset is the first thing that must change if you want to build a business. (Source)

Angela Duckworth | 4.31

Benjamin Spall [Question: What five books would you recommend to youngsters interested in your professional path?] [...] Grit by Angela Duckworth (Source)

Bogdan Lucaciu Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance - it was frustrating to read: “Where was this book 20 years ago!?” (Source)

Stephen Lew When asked what books he would recommend to youngsters interested in his professional path, Stephen mentioned Grit. (Source)

An Unquiet Mind

A Memoir of Moods and Madness

Kay Redfield Jamison | 4.30

Jonathan Glover Kay Redfield Jamison is a psychologist who has co-authored the major psychiatric textbook on manic depression. It authoritatively covers every aspect of the science, from genetics to pharmacology, and also has chapters on the links with creativity and on what the illness feels like. The chapters on the subjective experience are enriched with vivid quotations from patients. In her autobiography,... (Source)

Tanya Byron This is a divine book. A patient of mine who suffers with a bipolar illness, an absolutely inspiring young genius, recommended it to me. So I read it, and then we discussed it in a lot of our sessions together. (Source)

Amusing Ourselves to Death

Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business

Neil Postman, Andrew Postman | 4.28

Austin Kleon Earlier this year Postman’s son Andrew wrote an op-ed with the title, “My dad predicted Trump in 1985 — it’s not Orwell, he warned, it’s Brave New World.” Postman wrote: “What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.” (Source)

Steve Lance Neil Postman took the work of Marshall McLuhan – who was putting out early theories on media – and built on them. However, Postman was far more observant and empirical about the trends occurring in the media landscape. The trends which he identifies in Amusing Ourselves to Death, written in the 1980s, have since all come true. For example, he predicted that if you make news entertaining, then... (Source)

Kara Nortman @andrewchen Also a great book on the topic - Amusing Ourselves to Death https://t.co/yWLBxKumLQ (Source)

How to Be a Victorian

A Dawn-to-Dusk Guide to Victorian Life

Ruth Goodman | 4.28

Between the World and Me

Ta-Nehisi Coates | 4.27

Barack Obama The president also released a list of his summer favorites back in 2015: All That Is, James Salter The Sixth Extinction, Elizabeth Kolbert The Lowland, Jhumpa Lahiri Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates Washington: A Life, Ron Chernow All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr (Source)

Jack Dorsey Q: What are the books that had a major influence on you? Or simply the ones you like the most. : Tao te Ching, score takes care of itself, between the world and me, the four agreements, the old man and the sea...I love reading! (Source)

Doug McMillon Here are some of my favorite reads from 2017. Lots of friends and colleagues send me book suggestions and it's impossible to squeeze them all in. I continue to be super curious about how digital and tech are enabling people to transform our lives but I try to read a good mix of books that apply to a variety of areas and stretch my thinking more broadly. (Source)

Inside the Victorian Home

A Portrait of Domestic Life in Victorian England

Judith Flanders | 4.27

The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

Daniel H. Pink | 4.27

Tobi Lütke [Tobi Lütke recommended this book in an interview in "The Globe and Mail."] (Source)

David Heinemeier Hansson Takes some of those same ideas about motivations and rewards and extrapolates them in a little bit. (Source)

Mike Benkovich I'd recommend a sprinkling of business books followed by a heap of productivity and behavioural psychology books. The business books will help you with principals and the psychological books help with everything else in your life. Building your own business can really f!@# you up psychologically. (Source)

The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

Johnny Saldana | 4.26

Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design

Choosing Among Five Approaches

John W. Creswell and Cheryl N. Poth | 4.25

The Emotion Thesaurus

A Writer's Guide to Character Expression

Becca Puglisi | 4.25

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

Thomas S. Kuhn and Ian Hacking | 4.23

Mark Zuckerberg It's a history of science book that explores the question of whether science and technology make consistent forward progress or whether progress comes in bursts related to other social forces. I tend to think that science is a consistent force for good in the world. I think we'd all be better off if we invested more in science and acted on the results of research. I'm excited to explore this... (Source)

Tim O'Reilly The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, by Thomas Kuhn. Kuhn introduced the term "paradigm shift" to describe the changeover from Ptolemaic to Copernican astronomy. But the book is far more than a classic in the history of science. It's also a book that emphasizes how what we already believe shapes what we see, what we allow ourselves to think. I've always tried to separate seeing itself from... (Source)

Andra Zaharia I’ve gone through quite a few experiences brought on or shaped by what I’ve learned from books. A particularly unexpected one happened in college when our public relations teacher asked us to read a book called The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn. As a humanities student, you can imagine that I wasn’t thrilled I’d have to read a book on science, but what followed blew my mind... (Source)

The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection

Or, the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life

Charles Darwin, Robin Field | 4.23

Neil deGrasse Tyson Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet? [...] On the Origin of Species (Darwin) [to learn of our kinship with all other life on Earth]. If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world. (Source)

Mark Kurlansky It is one of the most important books written, and I always urge people to read it. (Source)

Darren Aronofsky [Darren Aronofsky recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew

From Fox Hunting to Whist—the Facts of Daily Life in 19th-Century England

Daniel Pool | 4.22

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Malcolm X, M. S. Handler, Ossie Davis, Attallah Shabazz, Alex Haley | 4.22

Casey Neistat Aside from The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Casey's favorite book is The Second World War by John Keegan. (Source)

Ryan Holiday I forget who said it but I heard someone say that Catcher in the Rye was to young white boys what the Autobiography of Malcolm X was to young black boys. Personally, I prefer that latter over the former. I would much rather read about and emulate a man who is born into adversity and pain, struggles with criminality, does prison time, teaches himself to read through the dictionary, finds religion... (Source)

Keith Ellison Malcolm X is somebody that everybody in America’s prisons today could look at and say, ‘You know what, I can emerge, I can evolve' (Source)

Edith Hamilton | 4.20

Alan Kay A few more books like this, and by the time I got to first grade I had been ruined for the 'single book - single truth' ideas of school and church. (Source)

David and Goliath

Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

Malcolm Gladwell | 4.19

Catalina Penciu Business-wise, my goal for this year is to improve my collection and my mindset, but my favorite so far has been David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. (Source)

Robert Katai Buy Malcolm Gladwell’s book “David and Goliath” and read the interesting stories about how the Davids of that moments have defeated the Goliaths. (Source)

Predictably Irrational

The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

Dan Ariely | 4.18

Nick Harkaway Predictably Irrational is an examination of the way in which we make decisions irrationally, and how that irrationality can be predicted. (Source)

Jonah Lehrer Dan Ariely is a very creative guy and was able to take this basic idea, that humans are irrational, and mine it in a million different directions. (Source)

The Emperor of All Maladies

A Biography of Cancer

Siddhartha Mukherjee, Fred Sanders, et al | 4.18

Bill Gates I loved [this] brilliant book about cancer. (Source)

Timothy J. Jorgensen A tremendous amount of cancer biology comes through in that book through the eyes of the victims and the people up close and personal. (Source)

A Brief History of Tomorrow

Yuval Noah Harari | 4.18

Richard Branson I certainly wouldn’t consider myself a big reader of paleontology or anthropology – not good words for us dyslexics! – but I enjoy learning about how society has unfolded and history has developed in an exciting, easy to read way. The sequel, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, is a fascinating look into the future too. While these aren’t traditional business or leadership books, they are all... (Source)

Bill Gates Harari’s new book is as challenging and readable as Sapiens. Rather than looking back, as Sapiens does, it looks to the future. I don’t agree with everything the author has to say, but he has written a thoughtful look at what may be in store for humanity. (Source)

Vinod Khosla Not that I agree with all of it, but it is still mind-bending speculation about our future as a follow-up to a previous favorite, Sapiens. It’s directionally right. (Source)

Case Study Research

Design and Methods (Applied Social Research Methods)

Robert K. Yin | 4.18

The Design of Everyday Things

Don Norman | 4.17

Marius Ciuchete Paun eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'theceolibrary_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',164,'0','1'])); Question: Was there a moment, specifically, when something you read in a book helped you? Answer: Yes there was. In fact, I can remember two separate sentences from two different books: The first one comes from “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman. It says: “great design will help... (Source)

Grey Baker I mainly read to decompress and change my state of mind, so it’s hard to point to an insight I read that helped me. Reading fiction has pulled me out of a bad mood more times than I can count, though, and always reenergises me to attack problems that had stumped me again. That said, I read and loved Norman Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things”, and it’s helped me think through design problems... (Source)

Kaci Lambe These three books are about how people actually use design in their lives. They helped me understand this very basic idea: There are no dumb users, only bad designers. Take the time to create based on how your design will be interacted with. Test it. Iterate. That's how you become a good designer. (Source)

Brave New World

Aldous Huxley | 4.16

Yuval Noah Harari The most prophetic book of the 20th century. Today many people would easily mistake it for a utopia. (Source)

Ellen Wayland-Smith It is a hilarious, and also very prescient, parody of utopias. Huxley goes back to the idea that coming together and forming a community of common interests is a great idea – it’s the basis of civil society. At the same time, when communities of common interests are taken to utopian degrees the self starts to dissolve into the larger community, you lose privacy and interiority; that becomes... (Source)

John Quiggin The lesson I draw from this is that the purpose of utopia is not so much as an achieved state, as to give people the freedom to pursue their own projects. That freedom requires that people are free of the fear of unemployment, or of financial disaster through poor healthcare. They should be free to have access to the kind of resources they need for their education and we should maintain and... (Source)

Understanding Comics

The Invisible Art

Scott McCloud | 4.16

Austin Kleon Unsolicited, but here’s my advice for visual thinkers (and others) who want to be better writers: [...] Cartoonists, because their work demands work from two disciplines (writing/art, poetry/design, words/pictures), are highly instructive when it comes to visual people learning to write, writers learning to make art, etc. (Check out Scott McCloud’s Understanding Comics for more.) (Source)

Will Brooker Understanding Comics is a book about how comics work, told in comic form. It’s very accessible, it’s for the general reader and is about comics in general, not just superhero comics. It explores areas like pacing and editing – how motion can be created through static panels on a page, and how arranging those panels in different ways, or drawing in different styles, or combining text and image,... (Source)

The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England

A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century

Ian Mortimer | 4.16

The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood | 4.15

Grady Booch I read this several years ago but — much like Orwell’s 1984 — it seems particularly relevant given our current political morass. (Source)

Cliff Bleszinski @HandmaidsOnHulu Done. Love the show, book is a classic, can't wait for season 2. (Source)

Jason Kottke @procload Not super necessary, since you've seen the TV show. This first book is still a great read though...different than the show (tone-wise more than plot-wise). (Source)

A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson | 4.14

Amanda Palmer [Amanda Palmer recommended this book in the book "Tools of Titans".] (Source)

Fabrice Grinda I have lots of books to recommend, but they are not related to my career path. The only one that is remotely related is Peter Thiel’s Zero to One. That said here are books I would recommend. (Source)

David Goldberg What I really liked about A Short History of Nearly Everything is that it gives an excellent account of a lot of the personalities and the interconnectedness of important discoveries in cosmology and elsewhere. He does such a great job of bringing together our understanding of cosmology, evolution, paleontology, and geology in a very, very fluid way. (Source)

New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus

Charles C. Mann | 4.14

In this groundbreaking work of science, history, and archaeology, Charles C. Mann radically alters our understanding of the Americas before the arrival of Columbus in 1492. Contrary to what so many Americans learn in school, the pre-Columbian Indians were not sparsely settled in a pristine wilderness; rather, there were huge numbers of Indians who actively molded and influenced the land around them. The astonishing Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan had running water and immaculately clean streets, and was larger than any contemporary European city. Mexican cultures created corn in a specialized breeding process that it has been called man’s first feat of genetic engineering. Indeed, Indians were not living lightly on the land but were landscaping and manipulating their world in ways that we are only now beginning to understand. Challenging and surprising, this a transformative new look at a rich and fascinating world we only thought we knew.

Adam Conover @TheBaltimoreSon @CharlesCMann Sure it! A total revolution in my understanding of history, all in one book. Amazing stuff. (Source)

Scott Keyes It’s one of those books that takes everything you thought you knew about the history of European colonialists and indigenous groups in the Americas and turns it on its head. Just a fascinating deep-dive into early American history that questions a lot of dogma we were taught in school. (Source)

Colin Calloway The book provides a huge hemispheric overview. (Source)

The Power of Myth

Joseph Campbell, Bill Moyers | 4.14

Naval Ravikant I’m rereading The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell. Sometimes I think it’s better to just to reread the greats than it is to read something that’s not as great. (Source)

Bryan Callen Joseph Campbell was the first person to really open my eyes to [the] compassionate side of life, or of thought... Campbell was the guy who really kind of put it all together for me, and not in a way I could put my finger on... It made you just glad to be alive, [realizing] how vast this world is, and how similar and how different we are. (Source)

Park Howell This is one of the books I recommend to people looking for a career in advertising. (Source)

On Writing Well

The Classic Guide To Writing Nonfiction

William Zinsser | 4.14

Tim O'Reilly On Writing Well, by William Zinsser. I wouldn't say this book influenced me, since my principles of writing were established long before I read it. However, it does capture many things that I believe about effective writing. (Source)

Derek Sivers Great blunt advice about writing better non-fiction. So inspiring. (Source)

Women Who Run With the Wolves

Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype

Clarissa Pinkola Estés | 4.14

Irina Botnari I’m reading more books at the same time. Guilty. Some of them are Tools of Titans - Tim Ferriss, My Berlin Child – Anne Wiazemsky, Women who Run with the Wolves - Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Tim is full of lessons to learn, remember & implement, I’ll see what the rest of the books will unfold. (Source)

Gender Trouble

Feminism and the Subversion of Identity

Judith Butler | 4.13

Invisible Women

Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

Caroline Criado Perez | 4.12

Konnie Huq @FenTiger697 @WokingAmnesty @CCriadoPerez @Hatchards @radioleary Brilliant book by the brilliant @CCriadoPerez 😍 (Source)

Feminist Next Door @Rockmedia Awesome book (Source)

Nigel Shadbolt Invisible Women is an exposé of just how much of the world around us is designed around the default male. Deploying a huge range of data and examples, Caroline Criado Perez, who is a writer, broadcaster and award winning campaigner, presents on overwhelming case for change. Every page is full of facts and data that support her fundamental contention that in a world built for and by men, gender... (Source)

A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations

Chicago Style for Students and Researchers

Kate L. Turabian | 4.12

Just Enough Research

Erika Hall | 4.12

Mike Monteiro Hello. @mulegirl’s revised, expanded, even more good edition of the world’s best research book, Just Enough Research, dropped today. Buy it for yourself, or buy it for everyone in your company, and you’ll make better things. https://t.co/7U4xcCu2ez (Source)

Daniel Burka Awesome! @mulegirl's excellent new book, Conversational Design, is now available from @abookapart. My blurb even made it in! "This book cuts through the fluff and buzzwords to get straight to the point..." https://t.co/0oeD5J0OSH (Source)

Tim Kastelle “A large corporation is more like Australia: it’s impossible to see the whole landscape at once and there are so many things capable of maiming or killing you.” Just Enough Research by ⁦@mulegirl⁩ is a fantastic book - highly recommended. https://t.co/t11yOVeqNc (Source)

The Prince [with Biographical Introduction]

Nicollo Machiavelli, Tim Parks | 4.11

Eric Ripert A fascinating study and still wholly relevant. (Source)

Neil deGrasse Tyson Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet? [...] The Prince (Machiavelli) [to learn that people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it]. If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world. (Source)

Ryan Holiday Of course, this is a must read. Machiavelli is one of those figures and writers who is tragically overrated and underrated at the same time. Unfortunately that means that many people who read him miss the point and other people avoid him and miss out altogether. Take Machiavelli slow, and really read him. Also understand the man behind the book–not just as a masterful writer but a man who... (Source)

The Better Angels of Our Nature

Why Violence Has Declined

Steven Pinker | 4.10

Mark Zuckerberg My second book of the year is The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker. It's a timely book about how and why violence has steadily decreased throughout our history, and how we can continue this trend. Recent events might make it seem like violence and terrorism are more common than ever, so it's worth understanding that all violence -- even terrorism -- is actually decreasing over time.... (Source)

Eric Schmidt When you finish [this book], which takes a long time, you conclude that the world is in a much, much better place than it has been in the past. (Source)

Bill Gates Yong succeeds in his intention to give us a 'grander view of life' and does so without falling prey to grand, unifying explanations that are far too simplistic. He presents our inner ecosystems in all their wondrous messiness and complexity. And he offers realistic optimism that our growing knowledge of the human microbiome will lead to great new opportunities for enhancing our health. (Source)

Save the Cat

The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need

Blake Snyder | 4.09

Eric Weinstein [Eric Weinstein recommended this book on Twitter.] (Source)

Bill Liao The human world occurs in language so best get good at it! (Source)

Neville Medhora It takes you through 11 different 'archetypes' of screenplays you can write, and the exact elements each needs to be a great story. (Source)

How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed

Jared Diamond | 4.08

Bill Gates I found this to be an interesting follow-up to the excellent Guns, Germs, and Steel. It examines the downfall of some of history's greatest civilizations. (Source)

Matthew Yglesias I wanted to get a book on my list that is actually enjoyable to read, so not everything is quite so dry and dull as a narrative. I also wanted to include something that reflects the growing importance of environmental and ecological concerns to progressive politics in America. This is relatively new to the agenda – it’s only been in the last 30 to 35 years. But going forward, one of the most... (Source)

Stefan Lessard He should read this book I’m almost finished with. Jared Diamond is one of my favorite historical authors. https://t.co/f9JLYlsc4v https://t.co/KtPgMZaWen (Source)

The Elegant Universe

Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory

Brian Greene | 4.08

Mark Kurlansky I love this book. Brian Greene makes quantum physics and Einstein’s theory of relativity really make sense, so you can understand something which nobody seems to understand (Source)

Tom Clarke This book is perhaps the public debut of string theory – an attempt to explain how the best of the big and the small theories might be linked to explain the entire universe. (Source)

Steven Gubser The book works at many levels – I gave a copy to my mom when it came out, and I also received very positive impressions about the book from Norman Ramsey, who is a Nobel Prize physicist at Harvard. So it’s a great achievement, and part of why it’s a great achievement is that it covers not only string theory but also the accepted pillars of 20th-century theoretical physics, namely, quantum... (Source)

Imagined Communities

Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism (Revised Edition)

Benedict Anderson | 4.08

Jon Calame We looked into divided cities not because we had a morbid fascination with these traumatised cities, but because they seemed to be a keyhole through which you could glimpse this larger phenomenon relatively clearly. (Source)

Daring Greatly

How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

Brené Brown | 4.08

Chase Jarvis [Chase Jarvis recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

Chelsea Frank I read everything with an open mind, often challenging myself by choosing books with an odd perspective or religious/spiritual views. These books do not reflect my personal feelings but are books that helped shape my perspective on life, love, and happiness. (Source)

AnneMarie Schindler I suggest these [books] because they really open up 'how' you think about life and in turn work, success/challenges/setbacks, and in general, yourself. I believe that the more you can understand yourself and broaden your approach to work, the easier it will be to find work that energizes you. Finally, I'm a team player at heart, and love working with others to achieve a huge goal so a portion of... (Source)

Norse Mythology

out of 5 stars4,12 | 4.08

Introducing an instant classic—master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.

A People's History of the United States

Howard Zinn | 4.07

Lisa Ling I credit this book with propelling me to dig deeper, and to not always believe the narrative. (Source)

Alex Honnold Totally changed the way I look at politics. (Source)

Discipline and Punish

The Birth of the Prison

Michel Foucault, Alan Sheridan | 4.07

The Little Book of Research Writing

Varanya Chaubey | 4.07

The Gifts of Imperfection

Brené Brown | 4.07

Poverty and Profit in the American City

Matthew Desmond | 4.06

Bill Gates If you want a good understanding of how the issues that cause poverty are intertwined, you should read this book about the eviction crisis in Milwaukee. Desmond has written a brilliant portrait of Americans living in poverty. He gave me a better sense of what it is like to be poor in this country than anything else I have read. (Source)

Satya Nadella Nadella is using this season to learn more in a variety of subjects. By the looks of it, he is interested in, among other things, virtual reality, the refugee crisis, and housing for the urban poor. (Source)

Noah Kagan Surprising insights into the lives of people who were evicted. I make a lot of assumptions about these people. Turns out I was wrong WHY they get evicted. (Source)

Bad Science

Quacks, Hacks, and Big Pharma Flacks

Ben Goldacre | 4.06

Timothy Ferriss I agree wholeheartedly with a lot of the co-opted science, which people can read a book called Bad Science, which is by a doctor named Ben Goldacre. It’s great. (Source)

Tim Harford This book changed the way I thought about my own writing and it changed the way I thought about the world. It really is one of the best books I have ever read. (Source)

Sarah-Jayne Blakemore It’s just a brilliant book, and he’s a fearless defender of science. (Source)

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Llewellyn's Sourcebook Series)

Scott Cunningham | 4.05

The Republic

The Influential Classic

Plato | 4.05

Maria Popova Tim Ferriss: "If you could guarantee that every public official or leader read one book, what would it be?": "The book would be, rather obviously, Plato's The Republic. I'm actually gobsmacked that this isn't required in order to be sworn into office, like the Constitution is required for us American immigrants when it comes time to gain American citizenship." (Source)

Rebecca Goldstein Living today in Trump’s America, I am constantly reminded of specific passages in the Republic, most saliently his warnings of how a demagogue might arise in the midst of a democracy by fanning up resentments and fears. (Source)

David Heinemeier Hansson I’m about a third through this and still can’t tell whether Plato is making a mockery of Socrates ideas for the idyllic society or not. So many of the arguments presented as Socrates’ are so tortured and with so disconnected leaps of logic that it’s hard to take it at face value. Yet still, it’s good fun to follow the dialogue. It reads more like a play than a book, and again, immensely... (Source)

How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger - Second Edition with a New Chapter by the Author

Darrell Huff and Irving Gei | 4.05

Bill Gates I picked this one up after seeing it on a Wall Street Journal list of good books for investors. It was first published in 1954, but it doesn’t feel dated (aside from a few anachronistic examples—it has been a long time since bread cost 5 cents a loaf in the United States). In fact, I’d say it’s more relevant than ever. One chapter shows you how visuals can be used to exaggerate trends and give... (Source)

Tobi Lütke We all live in Malcolm’s world because the shipping container has been hugely influential in history. (Source)

Jason Zweig This is a terrific introduction to critical thinking about statistics, for people who haven’t taken a class in statistics. (Source)

The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures

The Ultimate A-Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic

John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews | 4.05

Stamped from the Beginning

The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

Ibram X. Kendi | 4.04

Bianca Belair For #BHM I will be sharing some of my favorite books by Black Authors 27th Book: Stamped from the Beginning Written by: @DrIbram When I found this book I couldn’t believe that I had never learned about the information in this book. A book everyone should read. Eye-opening! https://t.co/pLaifB8DFI (Source)

The Bell Jar

Sylvia Plath, Maggie Gyllenhaal, et al | 4.04

Bryony Gordon As a teenage girl, you have to read The Bell Jar. It’s a rite of passage. (Source)

The CEO Library Community (through anonymous form) One of the best 3 books I've read in 2019 (Source)

Tim Kendall Despite its subject matter, The Bell Jar is often a very funny novel. Perhaps we miss it because the pall of Plath’s biography descends across the whole work and reputation. But The Bell Jar is viciously funny. There are people still alive today who won’t talk about it because they were so badly hurt by Plath’s portrayal of them. (Source)

White Fragility

Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

Robin DiAngelo, Michael Eric Dyson | 4.04

Elizabeth C. Mclaughlin I've recommended the book White Fragility on here many times, and this interview is a great place to start. If you're a white person who believes you're not racist, please read this article. And then go read the book. https://t.co/S5plH3wS5m (Source)

Marshall Kirkpatrick @jhagel This is a great book btw! (Source)

Todd Nesloney @SarahSuggs13 I love that book, have spoken with the author, and did an entire staff book study. Again, had you even tried to see my work that I do, you'd have learned that. You seek to divide and that is it. Great lesson for our students. (Source)

Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit

John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker | 4.04

Gödel, Escher, Bach

An Eternal Golden Braid

Douglas R. Hofstadter | 4.04

Steve Jurvetson [Steve Jurvetson recommended this book on the podcast "The Tim Ferriss Show".] (Source)

Seth Godin In the last week, I discovered that at least two of my smart friends hadn't read Godel, Escher, Bach. They have now. You should too. (Source)

Kevin Kelly Over the years, I kept finding myself returning to its insights, and each time I would arrive at them at a deeper level. (Source)

Fermat's Enigma

The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem

Simon Singh | 4.03

Sarah-Jayne Blakemore The book is great because Simon Singh has this ability to write about the driest and most complex scientific or mathematical concepts and issues, and somehow make them come alive. (Source)

Kirk Borne New Perspective on Fermat's Last Theorem: https://t.co/YeaHQ6iadB by @granvilleDSC @DataScienceCtrl #abdsc #Mathematics See the best-selling book "Fermat's Enigma: The Epic Quest to Solve the World's Greatest Mathematical Problem": https://t.co/dqenmvUw0A by @SLSingh https://t.co/deyMhQTQLU (Source)

The Signal and the Noise

Why So Many Predictions Fail - But Some Don't

Nate Silver | 4.03

Bill Gates Anyone interested in politics may be attracted to Nate Silver’s The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail—but Some Don't. Silver is the New York Times columnist who got a lot of attention last fall for predicting—accurately, as it turned out–the results of the U.S. presidential election. This book actually came out before the election, though, and it’s about predictions in many... (Source)

The Brain that Changes Itself

Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science

Norman Doidge | 4.02

Carol Dweck For me it was exciting to read this book because while my research shows a growth mindset is really good for you, this book shows that a growth mindset also has a strong basis in modern neuroscience. It illustrates, though fascinating case histories and descriptions of recent research, the amazing power of the brain to change and even to reorganise itself with practice and experience. (Source)

Naveen Jain I think the book that I really, really enjoy was, "The Brain That Changes Itself." It's all about neuroplasticity, you'd really love that book. (Source)

Bogdana Butnar I don't have favourite books. I equate a favourite something with wanting to do it over and over again and I've never wanted to read a book too many times. I have favourite authors and I have books that changed me in significant ways because they moved me or taught me something or changed my view of the world. So, here's some of those books... (Source)

The Artist's Way

Julia Cameron | 4.02

Anand C STARTING FROM AUTHENTICITY: by observing, showing humility and being grateful - I started being open to what’s in the sub-conscious more (30+ sessions in). Speaking your truth is a powerful result of this. One great book to help explore this. https://t.co/sOAgAHhWsO (Source)

Emma Gannon Instead of all these fast paced books saying: ‘Here’s how to be amazing, here’s how to get a side hustle, here’s how to hustle, hustle, hustle.’ This is the total opposite. It’s about slowing right down and connecting with yourself again. (Source)

The Negative Trait Thesaurus

A Writer's Guide to Character Flaws

Angela Ackerman, Becca Puglisi | 4.02

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association(r)

American Psychological Association | 4.01

In addition to providing clear guidance on grammar, the mechanics of writing, and APA style, the Publication Manual offers an authoritative and easy-to-use reference and citation system and comprehensive coverage of the treatment of numbers, metrication, statistical and mathematical data, tables, and figures for use in writing, reports, or presentations.

The new edition has been revised and updated to include:

Writers, scholars, and professionals will also find:

New and experienced readers alike will find the 5th Edition a complete resource for writing, presenting, or publishing with clarity and persuasiveness.

Approximately 400 pages

The Poisoner's Handbook

Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York

Deborah Blum | 4.01

Michelle Francl Deborah Blum’s book reminds me that molecules are powerful witnesses, if only we have the skills to interrogate them, and sometimes they are killers. (Source)

A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

Scott Cunningham | 4.01

Georgette Heyer's Regency World

Jennifer Kloester | 4.01

From Here to Eternity

Traveling the World to Find the Good Death

Caitlin Doughty, Landis Blair | 4.01

Dylan Thuras Caitlin Doughty is razor sharp, and writes about death with exceptional clarity and style. From Here to Eternity manages to be both an extremely funny travelogue and a deeply moving book about what death means to us all. (Source)

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers

How to Edit Yourself Into Print

Renni Browne, Dave King | 4.00

Alina Varlanuta My professional path – copywriting – somehow intertwines with my unprofessional (hahaha) path – writing so I would recommend reading literature for both. Somehow reading and writing are two ways of doing the same thing: storytelling (even when you read you tell yourself a story in your own voice, bringing your personal emotion and empathy to the story you’re reading). The only difference is that... (Source)

Unmentionable

The Victorian Lady's Guide to Sex, Marriage, and Manners

Therese Oneill | 4.00

Top 13 Essential Research Methodology Books for Researchers and Academics

The best research methodology books can help research students, academics, and potential scholars, as academic research papers require a thorough reading of the research literature.

These books can help you start your research. They will teach you research methodology and how to build a study design.

1- Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

2- designing research for publication.

The book Designing Research for Publication discusses strategies for avoiding research related issues. It is intended in particular for academics who are just starting out in their careers and who must quickly understand the fundamentals of research and publication, as well as for those who wish to support them.

3- Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach

The book applies the TQF to creating, reviewing, and assessing qualitative research proposals and publications.

4- Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches

5- qualitative research: a guide to design and implementation.

A new part presents qualitative research findings in numerous ways. This reader-friendly, jargon-free book emphasizes the relevance of a theoretical framework in study design and provides practical help.

6- The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 3rd Edition

7- qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches.

John W. Creswell’s Third Edition of his bestselling text examines narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory , ethnography, and case study’s philosophical foundations, history, and major aspects.

8- Doing Your Research Project (Open Up Study Skills)

9- research methods in education.

‘Research Methods in Education is necessary reading for professional researchers and undergraduate and postgraduate education students who need to grasp how to plan, conduct, analyze, and use research.

10- Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner′s Guide to Doing a Research Project

11- the essential guide to doing your research project.

The book provides step-by-step instructions for conducting your study, from beginning to end, including data analysis and writing up. Each step is carefully outlined, stressing best practices while offering helpful hints and realistic advice for actually conducting research.

12- The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research

Their goal is to demonstrate how qualitative research techniques may lead to positive change in the world, just like in earlier editions.

13- The Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process

This book makes a very clear and precise connection between methodology and theory, guiding readers through the confusing terminology minefield.

10 Must-Read Books for Researchers That Changed My Life

Introduction

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
2. "Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds" by Carmine Gallo
3."The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy
4. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
5. "The Brain Audit" by Sean D'Souza
6."Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals" by Cole Nussbaumer
7. "The Professional" by Subroto Bagchi
8. "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson
9. "Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life" by Jim Kwik
10. "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda

Before You Conclude

Embarking on the path of a research scholar is an extraordinary journey that demands dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for knowledge. As researchers, our quest for excellence knows no bounds, and we are constantly seeking ways to enhance our skills, improve productivity, and make a lasting impact on our work. In this pursuit of academic growth, books become our loyal companions, guiding us through uncharted territories and offering profound insights that shape our perspectives.

In this blog post, I have curated a collection of ten exceptional books, carefully selected to inspire and empower research scholars on their academic odyssey. These books transcend the conventional reading lists, providing not only invaluable wisdom for academic life but also lessons that extend far beyond the realm of research. From personal development to communication skills and innovation, each book offers a unique and transformative experience.

So, whether you are a seasoned researcher seeking fresh perspectives or an aspiring scholar eager to embark on this scholarly expedition, these books hold the keys to unlocking your true potential. Join us as we delve into the pages of these literary treasures, drawing lessons from visionaries, leaders, and thinkers who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.

Get ready to elevate your research prowess, enhance your personal growth, and embrace a new world of possibilities. Without further ado, let’s dive into the top ten books that will reshape the way you approach academia and life itself.

1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey

“ The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ” by Stephen R. Covey is a seminal self-help and personal development book that has had a profound impact on individuals and organizations worldwide. First published in 1989, the book continues to be a bestseller, and its principles remain highly relevant in various aspects of life, including academia and research.

The book is structured around seven essential habits that Stephen Covey identifies as the key to personal and interpersonal effectiveness. Covey advocates that true success comes from aligning one’s actions with timeless principles and values, rather than resorting to quick-fix solutions or external factors. By adopting these habits, individuals can transform their lives, become more proactive, and develop a deep sense of personal responsibility and accountability.

Here is an overview of the seven habits:

Be Proactive: Taking Initiative for Change The first habit encourages individuals to take control of their lives and be proactive in shaping their destinies. It emphasizes focusing on what can be controlled and taking responsibility for one’s actions and choices, rather than being reactive to external circumstances.
Begin with the End in Mind: Defining Your Life’s Mission Habit two urges individuals to clarify their long-term goals and values, ensuring that their actions align with their ultimate purpose. By visualizing and defining their life’s mission, researchers can work with purpose and direction, staying committed to their academic pursuits.
Put First Things First: Prioritizing and Time Management Habit three is all about time management and prioritization. Covey introduces the Time Management Matrix, which categorizes tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. By focusing on Quadrant II tasks (important but not urgent), researchers can dedicate time to strategic planning and long-term research goals.
Think Win-Win: Collaborative Problem-Solving Habit four promotes a mindset of win-win collaboration, where researchers seek mutually beneficial solutions and value the contributions of others. In academic settings, this habit fosters constructive teamwork and promotes an atmosphere of support and cooperation.
Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Empathetic Communication Habit five emphasizes empathetic listening and understanding before seeking to convey one’s own perspective. Effective communication is vital for researchers to build strong relationships with peers, mentors, and research participants, enabling them to connect more deeply with their academic community.
Synergize: Creativity and Collaboration Habit six encourages researchers to leverage the diverse strengths and perspectives of their colleagues to create innovative solutions. By fostering a culture of synergy, researchers can collectively achieve more significant results and generate groundbreaking insights.
Sharpen the Saw: Continuous Renewal and Growth The final habit emphasizes the importance of self-renewal and continuous growth in four dimensions: physical, mental, social/emotional, and spiritual. Researchers can enhance their productivity and well-being by investing in self-care, learning, and personal development.

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is more than just a self-help book; it is a roadmap for living a principled and purposeful life. By applying these habits to their academic journey, research scholars can improve their time management, communication skills, and ability to work effectively with others. Covey’s timeless principles provide a solid foundation for researchers to make a lasting impact in their academic pursuits and beyond.

2. “Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds” by Carmine Gallo

“Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds” by Carmine Gallo: Effective communication and presentation skills are crucial for researchers to disseminate their findings, engage their audience, and inspire others with their work. In “Talk Like TED,” Carmine Gallo analyzes some of the most popular TED Talks and identifies the key elements that make them compelling and impactful. The book highlights nine public-speaking secrets that researchers can apply to elevate their presentation style and effectively communicate their research.

By learning from successful TED speakers, researchers can refine their storytelling abilities, use compelling visuals, and convey complex ideas in an engaging and memorable way. This book provides practical tips on delivering powerful narratives, using humour effectively, and connecting with audiences on an emotional level. Researchers can apply these strategies to enhance their conference presentations, research seminars, and even classroom lectures, making their work more accessible and relatable to various audiences.

Including “Talk Like TED” in your reading list can help you to build confidence in public speaking, making you more effective in research and increasing the impact of your work. Whether you are presenting in front of peers, funding agencies, or the public, you can benefit from the communication techniques shared in this book, elevating your speaking skills to captivate and influence your listeners.

3.”The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy

“The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy is a compelling guide that underscores the transformative power of consistency and perseverance in achieving extraordinary results. At its core, the concept of the compound effect is simple yet profound: small actions, consistently practised over time, can yield remarkable and exponential outcomes. For research scholars, this philosophy holds immense promise as they navigate the intricate terrain of academia.

In the realm of research, where progress can sometimes appear slow and incremental, understanding the compound effect becomes a potent tool for success. By committing to small, daily improvements in their research practices, scholars can witness the gradual accumulation of knowledge, expertise, and breakthroughs. Whether it’s dedicating a few extra minutes each day to reading relevant literature, fine-tuning research methodologies, or nurturing collaborative partnerships, these consistent efforts create a snowball effect that ultimately propels their work to new heights.

“The Compound Effect” instils in researchers the invaluable virtue of discipline and unwavering perseverance. Research endeavours often demand patience and the ability to navigate challenges with resilience. By internalizing the concept of compounding, researchers can resist the allure of quick fixes and instead invest in the steady, deliberate progress that sets the foundation for lasting achievements.

In an era where instant gratification is prevalent, embracing the compound effect can be a transformative mindset shift. By recognizing that each seemingly small effort contributes to a greater whole, researchers can find motivation and satisfaction in the process of growth, even during times of uncertainty or setbacks. This steadfast commitment to continuous improvement fuels a sense of purpose, driving researchers to push boundaries, explore uncharted territories, and discover innovative solutions.

Moreover, “The Compound Effect” empowers researchers to become architects of their own success. By taking ownership of their choices and acknowledging the impact of daily decisions, researchers can make intentional adjustments that steer their work in a more meaningful direction. Embracing this principle also fosters a culture of accountability, encouraging researchers to hold themselves responsible for their progress and to celebrate the achievements, however small, along the way.

4. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear is a transformative book that delves into the mechanics of habit formation and offers actionable strategies to build positive habits while breaking free from negative ones. For research scholars seeking to optimize their daily routines and enhance their productivity, this book serves as a powerful resource that unravels the intricacies of habit formation.

At the heart of “Atomic Habits” lies the idea that small changes, when consistently practised, can lead to remarkable transformations. James Clear introduces the concept of “atomic habits,” where the term “atomic” refers to the tiny, fundamental units that make up more significant changes. By breaking down habits into their elemental components, researchers gain a profound understanding of how habits are constructed, empowering them to engineer their routines for greater effectiveness.

One of the key takeaways for researchers from “Atomic Habits” is the concept of habit stacking. This technique involves attaching a new habit to an existing one, creating a powerful chain of positive actions that reinforces consistency. For instance, researchers can stack the habit of reading relevant research articles immediately after having breakfast each morning. Over time, this small addition becomes an integral part of their daily routine, bolstering their knowledge and expertise.

Additionally, “Atomic Habits” emphasizes the importance of habit tracking as a means to measure progress and stay accountable. For researchers, this could involve keeping a research journal to record their daily activities, insights, and breakthroughs. Regularly reviewing these records not only provides valuable insights into their progress but also helps researchers identify patterns and areas that require improvement.

The book also delves into the concept of habit cueing, which involves creating environmental triggers that prompt positive habits. For example, researchers can place a notepad and pen next to their desks, signalling the habit of jotting down research ideas as they arise. Such cues serve as gentle reminders to engage in desired behaviours, ultimately leading to more consistent and productive work habits.

By incorporating the principles from “Atomic Habits” into their academic lives, researchers can create a conducive environment for sustained productivity and growth. The book encourages researchers to view habits not as isolated occurrences but as interconnected elements that shape their entire academic journey. As researchers cultivate a habit of continuous improvement, they set the stage for a transformative academic experience, where the cumulative effect of small positive actions yields substantial and lasting outcomes.

5. “The Brain Audit” by Sean D’Souza

“The Brain Audit” by Sean D’Souza: While conducting research is a cognitive and analytical process, understanding human psychology and communication is equally essential. “The Brain Audit” delves into the minds of customers and readers, explaining the psychological triggers that influence decision-making and engagement. For researchers, this book can be invaluable in crafting compelling research proposals, presentations, and papers that resonate with their audience. By applying the principles outlined in the book, such as targeting the right problem, presenting evidence, and addressing objections, researchers can effectively communicate their findings and ideas to a broader audience.

Including “The Brain Audit” in their reading list can help researchers develop their persuasive communication skills, making their research more accessible and impactful to fellow scholars, industry professionals, and the general public. By understanding the psychological triggers that drive engagement and decision-making, researchers can create content that captures the attention and interest of their audience, increasing the likelihood of their work being shared and recognized within their academic community and beyond.

6.”Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals” by Cole Nussbaumer

“Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals” by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic: In the age of data-driven research, effective data visualization is essential for researchers to communicate their findings clearly and persuasively. “Storytelling with Data” is a practical guide that equips researchers with the skills to create compelling and impactful data visualizations. Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic emphasizes the importance of presenting data in a coherent and narrative-driven manner, allowing researchers to turn complex information into actionable insights.

This book provides valuable lessons on choosing the right chart types, avoiding clutter in visuals, and incorporating storytelling techniques into data presentations. By following the principles outlined in “Storytelling with Data,” researchers can create data-driven narratives that resonate with their audience and facilitate better understanding and decision-making.

Incorporating data visualization best practices from this book into their research process can help researchers present their findings more effectively during conferences, seminars, and in research publications. Clarity in data visualization ensures that research is accessible to a broader audience, increasing the chances of recognition and impact within the academic and professional communities.

By understanding the art of data storytelling, researchers can present their work in a compelling and memorable way, making their research more engaging and influential in the academic world and beyond.

7. “The Professional” by Subroto Bagchi

“The Professional” by Subroto Bagchi: “The Professional” is a transformative book that provides valuable insights into personal and professional development. Subroto Bagchi shares practical wisdom on building a successful and fulfilling career by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, dedication to excellence, and a commitment to ethical conduct.

For researchers, “The Professional” can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance. The book encourages researchers to approach their work with a sense of purpose and integrity. It emphasizes the value of honing one’s expertise, staying curious, and constantly striving for growth in their chosen field of research.

By adopting the principles outlined in “The Professional,” researchers can foster a mindset of continuous improvement, which is vital for staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of academia. The book also emphasizes the significance of building meaningful relationships and effective communication skills, enabling researchers to collaborate more effectively with peers, mentors, and other stakeholders.

Moreover, “The Professional” highlights the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in managing personal and professional challenges. For researchers dealing with the pressures of academia, these insights can be particularly beneficial in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and managing stress.

Including “The Professional” in their reading list can help researchers gain a broader perspective on their academic journey, allowing them to grow not only as scholars but also as well-rounded professionals. By applying the principles discussed in the book, researchers can foster a successful and impactful career while maintaining their passion for their field of study.

8. “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson

“Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson : “Steve Jobs” is a biography of the co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs. Although not directly related to academia or research, this book offers invaluable lessons for researchers in terms of innovation, creativity, and visionary thinking. Walter Isaacson presents a detailed account of Jobs’ life, including his entrepreneurial journey, leadership style, and approach to problem-solving.

For researchers, “Steve Jobs” serves as an inspiring example of thinking beyond conventional boundaries and taking risks to achieve groundbreaking results. Jobs’ relentless pursuit of excellence, attention to detail, and focus on user experience are all qualities that researchers can aspire to emulate in their own work.

The book also highlights the importance of combining technology and the arts, a lesson that can be applied in various research fields. By embracing interdisciplinary approaches and incorporating creative elements into their work, researchers can create innovative solutions and address complex challenges in new and transformative ways.

Additionally, “Steve Jobs” showcases the significance of perseverance and resilience in the face of setbacks. Researchers often encounter obstacles in their pursuit of knowledge, and Jobs’ story serves as a reminder of the power of determination and the potential for breakthroughs even in the most challenging circumstances.

9. “Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life” by Jim Kwik

“Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life” by Jim Kwik is a game-changing book that taps into the immense potential of the human brain, offering research scholars invaluable tools to elevate their cognitive abilities and optimize their learning experiences. As researchers, where knowledge acquisition and problem-solving are constant endeavours, “Limitless” becomes an indispensable resource for unlocking the true potential of the mind.

At the core of “Limitless” lies the belief that the human brain is incredibly malleable and capable of continuous growth, a concept known as neuroplasticity. Jim Kwik, a renowned brain coach, distils complex neuroscience research into practical and actionable strategies that empower researchers to supercharge their cognitive function.

One of the central pillars of “Limitless” is memory enhancement. Jim Kwik demystifies memory techniques used by memory champions, demonstrating how these same methods can be harnessed by researchers to absorb and retain vast amounts of information more effectively. From the art of creating vivid mental images to mnemonic techniques that improve recall, these memory-enhancing strategies can revolutionize the way researchers absorb, process, and recall research findings and critical concepts.

Moreover, “Limitless” delves into the realm of focus and concentration—a precious commodity in a world filled with distractions. Jim Kwik shares insights on how to cultivate laser-like focus and eliminate mental clutter, allowing researchers to immerse themselves fully in their work and engage in deep, uninterrupted contemplation. By optimizing focus, researchers can make the most of their time, leading to more profound insights and innovative research outcomes.

The book also addresses the common learning obstacles faced by researchers, such as information overload, stress, and multitasking. Jim Kwik offers practical solutions to overcome these challenges, equipping scholars with the ability to navigate complex academic pursuits with clarity and ease.

“Limitless” extends its influence to problem-solving as well. By enhancing cognitive abilities, researchers can approach complex research questions with heightened analytical skills and creativity. Kwik’s insights on unlocking mental blocks and fostering innovative thinking can lead to breakthroughs and revolutionary contributions to their respective fields.

Implementing the techniques from “Limitless” goes beyond academic benefits; it can have a profound impact on researchers’ personal and professional lives. Improved memory and cognitive function lead to greater confidence and efficiency, enabling researchers to excel in various aspects of their academic and personal endeavors.

10. “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda

“Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda: “Autobiography of a Yogi” is a spiritual classic that provides profound insights into the life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, a renowned spiritual guru and yogi. While not directly related to academic research, this book can be a source of inspiration and perspective for researchers.

For researchers, “Autobiography of a Yogi” offers valuable lessons on introspection, mindfulness, and the pursuit of knowledge beyond the material realm. The book delves into the deeper aspects of human consciousness and spirituality, which can be relevant to researchers exploring topics related to human behavior, cognition, and well-being.

Yogananda’s journey in seeking spiritual truth and understanding the mysteries of life can inspire researchers to approach their work with curiosity, open-mindedness, and a sense of wonder. By embracing a holistic view of knowledge and integrating spiritual insights into their research, scholars may uncover new avenues of exploration and innovative ways of approaching complex problems.

Moreover, “Autobiography of a Yogi” touches upon themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. These ideas can resonate with researchers seeking a sense of purpose and meaning in their academic pursuits, reminding them of the significance of their contributions to the world.

As an avid researcher, I am passionate about sharing knowledge and insights through my blog posts, which focus on various research topics, including research journals, conferences, PhD programs, patents, grants, research careers, research tools and Research Internships. Please visit my blog posts for further details.

All articles
Articles related to Conferences
Articles related to Journals
Articles related to Patents
Articles related to Grants
Articles related to Research Careers
Articles related to Research Tools
Research Internships

These ten must-read books for research scholars hold the key to unlocking untapped potential and fostering academic and personal growth. From cultivating effective habits to harnessing the power of storytelling, from embracing innovation to finding purpose amidst challenges, each book offers invaluable insights that transcend the boundaries of academia. As researchers, we are poised to make a profound impact on the world, and these literary treasures provide the guidance and inspiration needed to navigate this scholarly journey with wisdom, resilience, and a sense of purpose. So, let us embark on this transformative adventure armed with knowledge and equipped to leave an indelible mark on the realms of research and beyond.

Upcoming Events

Visit the Upcoming International Conferences at Exotic Travel Destinations with Travel Plan
Visit for Research Internships Worldwide

12 Good Books on Qualitative Research

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Published: June 20, 2023 | Updated: June 6, 2024

In today’s list, I am sharing with you some of the most impactful books that helped shape my understanding of qualitative research. These books are more than just academic texts; they are powerful tools that unlocked the secrets of data analysis, the art of crafting impactful narratives, and the science of asking the right questions.

Of all the wonderful resources listed, if I had to recommend just one indispensable guide, it would undoubtedly be John W. Creswell’s “ Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches “. This book offers an invaluable roadmap for any researcher, irrespective of their level of expertise, and forms the backbone of a successful research project. Creswell’s ingenious blend of methodologies is not just about theoretical knowledge; it instills the reader with a practical sense of how to design a robust and compelling research project.

For those of you interested in quantitative research, make sure to check out my other post entitled best books on quantitative research .

Books on Qualitative Research

Here are my picks for best books on qualitative research:

1. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, by John W. Creswell and J. David Creswell

This widely recognized book offers a comprehensive study of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies. Its distinguishing feature is its juxtaposition of all three research designs, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced researchers. The authors provide a meticulous guide that starts with a fundamental understanding of philosophical suppositions, essential aspects of the research process, literature review, theory application in research, and the significance of writing and ethics in academic inquiry.

The updated edition includes a detailed discussion on research proposal design and research study steps. It sheds light on the positioning of epistemological and ontological views in relation to the selected research question and methodology. It also delves into the transformative worldview and features expanded insights into case studies, participatory action research, visual methods, and action research in mixed methods.

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

2. The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research, by Norman K. Denzin, Yvonna S. Lincoln, Michael D. Giardina, Gaile S. Cannella (Editors)

The Sixth Edition of The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research is virtually a new volume, delivering an enriching dialogue on the discipline, practices, and conduct of qualitative inquiry. This edition pioneers fresh perspectives and techniques, with 27 out of 34 chapters focused on innovative topics or approaches not covered in the previous version.

The novel areas of study include intersectionality, critical disability research, postcolonial and decolonized knowledge, diffraction and intra-action, and social media methodologies. Other new chapters explore thematic analysis, collaborative inquiry from the borderlands, qualitative inquiry’s relationship with public health science, co-production and the politics of impact, qualitative research publishing, and academic survival.

3. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation, by Sharan B. Merriam, Elizabeth J. Tisdell

The fourth edition of this bestselling guide provides an in-depth understanding of qualitative research, from conceptualization to presentation. Emphasizing the importance of theoretical frameworks in designing a study, the book offers practical guidance in an accessible, jargon-free style that caters to both new and seasoned researchers.

The latest edition includes expanded coverage of mixed methods, action research, arts-based research, and online data sources. It also presents the newest developments in data analysis, encompassing both software packages and narrative and poetic analysis techniques. In addition, it offers a new section on diverse ways of presenting qualitative research findings, making it an indispensable resource for effective communication of results.

4. Qualitative Research from Start to Finish , by Robert K. Yin

This insightful book offers a comprehensive understanding of the practice of qualitative research. It guides readers through all significant research phases, from startup and design to data collection, analysis, and composition, covering newly emerging trends in the field. The unique aspect of the book is its portrayal of qualitative research as an adaptive craft, offering readers an array of methodological choices to tailor their studies according to different worldviews and genres.

The new edition provides an enhanced discussion on different worldviews, including constructivism, postpositivism, and pragmatism, and how these relate to methodological choices. There is a clearer emphasis on executing a generalized qualitative study while acknowledging the existence of 12 specialized genres, such as action-based research, arts-based research, autoethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, and others. The book also features expanded discussions of diverse qualitative study samples and mixed methods.

5. Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach, by Joseph A. Maxwell

Joseph A. Maxwell’s third edition of Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach offers a user-friendly, step-by-step guide to planning qualitative research. The book’s main strength is its interactive approach, which highlights the interplay among the various components of research design.

The author provides a strategic framework for creating coherent and viable relationships among these components, emphasizing key design issues. The book’s language is informal and free of heavy jargon, making it accessible to a broad range of readers.

The book is sprinkled with real-world examples and hands-on exercises designed to reinforce the concepts discussed and to provide practical insights into the planning and execution of qualitative research. This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for both students and researchers embarking on their qualitative research journey.

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

6. Qualitative Research: Bridging the Conceptual, Theoretical, and Methodological, by Sharon M. Ravitch, Nicole Mittenfelner Carl

The second edition of Qualitative Research emphasizes the harmonization of theoretical, methodological, and conceptual dimensions, providing deeper insights into their interplay in qualitative research. This comprehensive resource equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous, valid, and respectful qualitative research.

The book serves as an effective learning tool for both newcomers and those already familiar with qualitative research, helping students develop a comprehensive understanding of a research approach that seeks, designs for, and engages in criticality.

The new edition has amplified and relocated the discussion on research ethics to a prominent position, reflecting its importance in students’ inquiry. It offers more insights on reflexivity in data collection and specific methods for qualitative data collection. There is a more detailed chapter on coding and other types of qualitative data analysis. Additionally, the resource sections have been expanded, including links to the comprehensive appendices to further aid students on their qualitative research journey.

7. Qualitative Research , by David Silverman (Editor)

This edition of Qualitative Research serves as a comprehensive guide, providing students with a holistic view of qualitative research. It not only explains the rationale behind such research but also provides practical advice on how to get started, select appropriate methods, conduct research, and perform data analysis. Each chapter, akin to a masterclass from a leading scholar in qualitative research, comes with practical tips, summaries, exercises, and further reading to assist in understanding and application.

The fourth edition has been streamlined to guide readers through the research process in a step-by-step manner. A significant new section with four chapters has been added, focusing on the collection and analysis of online data. A new chapter on reflexive ethnography is also included, offering insights into this nuanced qualitative research method.

8. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design , by John W. Creswell, Cheryl N. Poth

The revised Fourth Edition of this best-selling text is a comprehensive exploration of the philosophical foundations, historical development, and crucial elements of five qualitative inquiry approaches: narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, and case study.

The Fourth Edition is enhanced with new content, articles, pedagogical features, and references. It provides a broader discussion on research ethics and serves as an excellent introduction to the theories, strategies, and practices of qualitative inquiry. This book is an ideal resource for those embarking on their qualitative research journey, offering nuanced understanding and practical strategies for choosing among these five significant approaches in qualitative research.

9. Qualitative Research Methods, by Sarah J. Tracy

This comprehensive guide brings together both theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of qualitative research in a way that is engaging and accessible. The book adopts a phronetic-iterative approach, leading readers through every phase of a qualitative research project, from design to data collection and analysis, through to theory development and effective communication of results.

The book provides in-depth coverage of a variety of topics, including qualitative theories, research ethics, sampling techniques, interviewing methods, and ensuring quality in qualitative research. Practical advice on fieldwork is also included, offering clear and concise guidance on how to design and conduct robust research projects.

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

10. Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods, by Michael Quinn Patton

Drawing from over 40 years of applied social science research and program evaluation experience, author Michael Quinn Patton presents the most systematic and comprehensive book on qualitative research and evaluation methods available. In this fourth edition, he offers a more balanced view of applied research and evaluation.

The book shines a light on all facets of qualitative inquiry, using new examples, stories, cartoons, and over a hundred new summarizing and synthesizing exhibits. For the first time, it includes full case studies that illustrate extended research and evaluation examples. Additionally, each chapter contains an in-depth “rumination” about a core issue of persistent debate and controversy, which is intended to be both emphatic and engaging.

12. Qualitative Data Collection Tools, by Felice D. Billups

This unique supplementary text guides students and new researchers to design, develop, and apply qualitative tools to gather qualitative data. This essential aspect of qualitative research, often overlooked in general textbooks, forms the backbone of the data collection process. Felice D. Billups uses her experience as a qualitative researcher and in teaching and advising students about qualitative research to develop the templates in this book as a starting point for those conducting original qualitative research.

The book briefly describes each method of data collection and offers readers suggestions for using and adapting the qualitative instrument templates within the text. The text is filled with templates for interview protocols, focus group moderator guides, content analysis tools, document analysis tools, reflective questionnaires, diary and journal logs, and observational rubrics.

Final thoughts

If you’re new to qualitative, consider this list your foundational toolkit. And for seasoned researchers, may these books provide fresh insights or perhaps remind you of important tenets you may have forgotten. The beauty of qualitative research is its ever-evolving nature, and these books offer lenses through which you can appreciate its many facets.

And don’t just stop at qualitative research. If your work leans into the quantitative side of things, make sure to circle back to my other post on the best books for quantitative research . It’s all about having a well-rounded toolset, right?

Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

Join our mailing list

Subscribe to our email list for bite-sized book summaries, curated recommendations, and exclusive content.

Subscribe for exclusive resources .

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Technical Support
Find My Rep

The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research

Norman K. Denzin - University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign, USA
Yvonna S. Lincoln - Texas A&M University, USA
Description

ISBN: 9781483349800	Hardcover	Suggested Retail Price: $160.00	Bookstore Price: $128.00
ISBN: 9781506365442	Electronic Version	Suggested Retail Price: $128.00	Bookstore Price: $102.40

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

SAGE 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 www.sagepub.com

New contributors offer 19 completely new chapter topics , including indigenous methodologies, methodologies in an age of new technologies, queer/quare theory, ethnodrama, data and its problematics, triangulation, collaborative inquiry, digital ethnography, the global audit culture, and much more.
Substantial revisions from returning authors provide reinvigorated content resulting in very different chapters.
Content on a wide range of key topics, diverse perspectives, and current controversies derived from members of an international and interdisciplinary editorial board ensure the timeliest revision.
Six classic chapters cover topics from paradigmatic controversies, contradictions, and emerging confluences, to performance ethnography, writing as a method of inquiry, strategies for composition, and creating narratives and research reports.
Contributions from well-known international scholars allow readers to study the differences in approach among European, Australian, and American practitioners and theoreticians, as well as to hear the voices of non-Western authors.
Coverage of state-of-the-art t opics include critical social science, critical pedagogy, mixed methods, narrative inquiry, qualitative research and technology, online ethnography, oral history, human rights, disability communities, queer theory, and performance ethnography.
Discussions on a wide range of methods expand the reader's repertoire of methodologies, enlarging the range of data that can be brought to bear on social and educational issues.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Select a purchasing option.

Shipped Options:

BUNDLE: Denzin: The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research 5E + Plano Clark: Mixed Methods Research

Sign in through your institution

Browse content in Arts and Humanities
Browse content in Archaeology
Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Archaeology
Archaeological Methodology and Techniques
Archaeology by Region
Archaeology of Religion
Archaeology of Trade and Exchange
Biblical Archaeology
Contemporary and Public Archaeology
Environmental Archaeology
Historical Archaeology
History and Theory of Archaeology
Industrial Archaeology
Landscape Archaeology
Mortuary Archaeology
Prehistoric Archaeology
Underwater Archaeology
Zooarchaeology
Browse content in Architecture
Architectural Structure and Design
History of Architecture
Residential and Domestic Buildings
Theory of Architecture
Browse content in Art
Art Subjects and Themes
History of Art
Industrial and Commercial Art
Theory of Art
Biographical Studies
Byzantine Studies
Browse content in Classical Studies
Classical History
Classical Philosophy
Classical Mythology
Classical Numismatics
Classical Literature
Classical Reception
Classical Art and Architecture
Classical Oratory and Rhetoric
Greek and Roman Epigraphy
Greek and Roman Law
Greek and Roman Archaeology
Greek and Roman Papyrology
Late Antiquity
Religion in the Ancient World
Social History
Digital Humanities
Browse content in History
Colonialism and Imperialism
Diplomatic History
Environmental History
Genealogy, Heraldry, Names, and Honours
Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
Historical Geography
History by Period
History of Agriculture
History of Education
History of Emotions
History of Gender and Sexuality
Industrial History
Intellectual History
International History
Labour History
Legal and Constitutional History
Local and Family History
Maritime History
Military History
National Liberation and Post-Colonialism
Oral History
Political History
Public History
Regional and National History
Revolutions and Rebellions
Slavery and Abolition of Slavery
Social and Cultural History
Theory, Methods, and Historiography
Urban History
World History
Browse content in Language Teaching and Learning
Language Learning (Specific Skills)
Language Teaching Theory and Methods
Browse content in Linguistics
Applied Linguistics
Cognitive Linguistics
Computational Linguistics
Forensic Linguistics
Grammar, Syntax and Morphology
Historical and Diachronic Linguistics
History of English
Language Acquisition
Language Variation
Language Families
Language Evolution
Language Reference
Lexicography
Linguistic Theories
Linguistic Typology
Linguistic Anthropology
Phonetics and Phonology
Psycholinguistics
Sociolinguistics
Translation and Interpretation
Writing Systems
Browse content in Literature
Bibliography
Children's Literature Studies
Literary Studies (Asian)
Literary Studies (European)
Literary Studies (Eco-criticism)
Literary Studies (Modernism)
Literary Studies (Romanticism)
Literary Studies (American)
Literary Studies - World
Literary Studies (1500 to 1800)
Literary Studies (19th Century)
Literary Studies (20th Century onwards)
Literary Studies (African American Literature)
Literary Studies (British and Irish)
Literary Studies (Early and Medieval)
Literary Studies (Fiction, Novelists, and Prose Writers)
Literary Studies (Gender Studies)
Literary Studies (Graphic Novels)
Literary Studies (History of the Book)
Literary Studies (Plays and Playwrights)
Literary Studies (Poetry and Poets)
Literary Studies (Postcolonial Literature)
Literary Studies (Queer Studies)
Literary Studies (Science Fiction)
Literary Studies (Travel Literature)
Literary Studies (War Literature)
Literary Studies (Women's Writing)
Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
Mythology and Folklore
Shakespeare Studies and Criticism
Browse content in Media Studies
Browse content in Music
Applied Music
Dance and Music
Ethics in Music
Ethnomusicology
Gender and Sexuality in Music
Medicine and Music
Music Cultures
Music and Religion
Music and Culture
Music and Media
Music Education and Pedagogy
Music Theory and Analysis
Musical Scores, Lyrics, and Libretti
Musical Structures, Styles, and Techniques
Musicology and Music History
Performance Practice and Studies
Race and Ethnicity in Music
Sound Studies
Browse content in Performing Arts
Browse content in Philosophy
Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
Epistemology
Feminist Philosophy
History of Western Philosophy
Metaphysics
Moral Philosophy
Non-Western Philosophy
Philosophy of Science
Philosophy of Action
Philosophy of Law
Philosophy of Religion
Philosophy of Language
Philosophy of Mind
Philosophy of Perception
Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
Practical Ethics
Social and Political Philosophy
Browse content in Religion
Biblical Studies
Christianity
East Asian Religions
History of Religion
Judaism and Jewish Studies
Qumran Studies
Religion and Education
Religion and Health
Religion and Politics
Religion and Science
Religion and Law
Religion and Art, Literature, and Music
Religious Studies
Browse content in Society and Culture
Cookery, Food, and Drink
Cultural Studies
Customs and Traditions
Ethical Issues and Debates
Hobbies, Games, Arts and Crafts
Natural world, Country Life, and Pets
Popular Beliefs and Controversial Knowledge
Sports and Outdoor Recreation
Technology and Society
Travel and Holiday
Visual Culture
Browse content in Law
Arbitration
Browse content in Company and Commercial Law
Commercial Law
Company Law
Browse content in Comparative Law
Systems of Law
Competition Law
Browse content in Constitutional and Administrative Law
Government Powers
Judicial Review
Local Government Law
Military and Defence Law
Parliamentary and Legislative Practice
Construction Law
Contract Law
Browse content in Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure
Criminal Evidence Law
Sentencing and Punishment
Employment and Labour Law
Environment and Energy Law
Browse content in Financial Law
Banking Law
Insolvency Law
History of Law
Human Rights and Immigration
Intellectual Property Law
Browse content in International Law
Private International Law and Conflict of Laws
Public International Law
IT and Communications Law
Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
Law and Politics
Law and Society
Browse content in Legal System and Practice
Courts and Procedure
Legal Skills and Practice
Legal System - Costs and Funding
Primary Sources of Law
Regulation of Legal Profession
Medical and Healthcare Law
Browse content in Policing
Criminal Investigation and Detection
Police and Security Services
Police Procedure and Law
Police Regional Planning
Browse content in Property Law
Personal Property Law
Restitution
Study and Revision
Terrorism and National Security Law
Browse content in Trusts Law
Wills and Probate or Succession
Browse content in Medicine and Health
Browse content in Allied Health Professions
Arts Therapies
Clinical Science
Dietetics and Nutrition
Occupational Therapy
Operating Department Practice
Physiotherapy
Radiography
Speech and Language Therapy
Browse content in Anaesthetics
General Anaesthesia
Browse content in Clinical Medicine
Acute Medicine
Cardiovascular Medicine
Clinical Genetics
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Dermatology
Endocrinology and Diabetes
Gastroenterology
Genito-urinary Medicine
Geriatric Medicine
Infectious Diseases
Medical Oncology
Medical Toxicology
Pain Medicine
Palliative Medicine
Rehabilitation Medicine
Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology
Rheumatology
Sleep Medicine
Sports and Exercise Medicine
Clinical Neuroscience
Community Medical Services
Critical Care
Emergency Medicine
Forensic Medicine
Haematology
History of Medicine
Browse content in Medical Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Paediatric Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics
Surgical Dentistry
Medical Ethics
Browse content in Medical Skills
Clinical Skills
Communication Skills
Nursing Skills
Surgical Skills
Medical Statistics and Methodology
Browse content in Neurology
Clinical Neurophysiology
Neuropathology
Nursing Studies
Browse content in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Gynaecology
Occupational Medicine
Ophthalmology
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Browse content in Paediatrics
Neonatology
Browse content in Pathology
Chemical Pathology
Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics
Histopathology
Medical Microbiology and Virology
Patient Education and Information
Browse content in Pharmacology
Psychopharmacology
Browse content in Popular Health
Caring for Others
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Self-help and Personal Development
Browse content in Preclinical Medicine
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Reproduction, Growth and Development
Primary Care
Professional Development in Medicine
Browse content in Psychiatry
Addiction Medicine
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Forensic Psychiatry
Learning Disabilities
Old Age Psychiatry
Psychotherapy
Browse content in Public Health and Epidemiology
Epidemiology
Public Health
Browse content in Radiology
Clinical Radiology
Interventional Radiology
Nuclear Medicine
Radiation Oncology
Reproductive Medicine
Browse content in Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Gastro-intestinal and Colorectal Surgery
General Surgery
Neurosurgery
Paediatric Surgery
Peri-operative Care
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Surgical Oncology
Transplant Surgery
Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Browse content in Science and Mathematics
Browse content in Biological Sciences
Aquatic Biology
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Developmental Biology
Ecology and Conservation
Evolutionary Biology
Genetics and Genomics
Microbiology
Molecular and Cell Biology
Natural History
Plant Sciences and Forestry
Research Methods in Life Sciences
Structural Biology
Systems Biology
Zoology and Animal Sciences
Browse content in Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Computational Chemistry
Crystallography
Environmental Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Materials Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Mineralogy and Gems
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Polymer Chemistry
Study and Communication Skills in Chemistry
Theoretical Chemistry
Browse content in Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Architecture and Logic Design
Game Studies
Human-Computer Interaction
Mathematical Theory of Computation
Programming Languages
Software Engineering
Systems Analysis and Design
Virtual Reality
Browse content in Computing
Business Applications
Computer Security
Computer Games
Computer Networking and Communications
Digital Lifestyle
Graphical and Digital Media Applications
Operating Systems
Browse content in Earth Sciences and Geography
Atmospheric Sciences
Environmental Geography
Geology and the Lithosphere
Maps and Map-making
Meteorology and Climatology
Oceanography and Hydrology
Palaeontology
Physical Geography and Topography
Regional Geography
Soil Science
Urban Geography
Browse content in Engineering and Technology
Agriculture and Farming
Biological Engineering
Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
Electronics and Communications Engineering
Energy Technology
Engineering (General)
Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
History of Engineering and Technology
Mechanical Engineering and Materials
Technology of Industrial Chemistry
Transport Technology and Trades
Browse content in Environmental Science
Applied Ecology (Environmental Science)
Conservation of the Environment (Environmental Science)
Environmental Sustainability
Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Environmental Science)
Management of Land and Natural Resources (Environmental Science)
Natural Disasters (Environmental Science)
Nuclear Issues (Environmental Science)
Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Environmental Science)
Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Environmental Science)
History of Science and Technology
Browse content in Materials Science
Ceramics and Glasses
Composite Materials
Metals, Alloying, and Corrosion
Nanotechnology
Browse content in Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Biomathematics and Statistics
History of Mathematics
Mathematical Education
Mathematical Finance
Mathematical Analysis
Numerical and Computational Mathematics
Probability and Statistics
Pure Mathematics
Browse content in Neuroscience
Cognition and Behavioural Neuroscience
Development of the Nervous System
Disorders of the Nervous System
History of Neuroscience
Invertebrate Neurobiology
Molecular and Cellular Systems
Neuroendocrinology and Autonomic Nervous System
Neuroscientific Techniques
Sensory and Motor Systems
Browse content in Physics
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
Biological and Medical Physics
Classical Mechanics
Computational Physics
Condensed Matter Physics
Electromagnetism, Optics, and Acoustics
History of Physics
Mathematical and Statistical Physics
Measurement Science
Nuclear Physics
Particles and Fields
Plasma Physics
Quantum Physics
Relativity and Gravitation
Semiconductor and Mesoscopic Physics
Browse content in Psychology
Affective Sciences
Clinical Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience
Cognitive Psychology
Criminal and Forensic Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Educational Psychology
Evolutionary Psychology
Health Psychology
History and Systems in Psychology
Music Psychology
Neuropsychology
Organizational Psychology
Psychological Assessment and Testing
Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction
Psychology Professional Development and Training
Research Methods in Psychology
Social Psychology
Browse content in Social Sciences
Browse content in Anthropology
Anthropology of Religion
Human Evolution
Medical Anthropology
Physical Anthropology
Regional Anthropology
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Theory and Practice of Anthropology
Browse content in Business and Management
Business Strategy
Business History
Business Ethics
Business and Government
Business and Technology
Business and the Environment
Comparative Management
Corporate Governance
Corporate Social Responsibility
Entrepreneurship
Health Management
Human Resource Management
Industrial and Employment Relations
Industry Studies
Information and Communication Technologies
International Business
Knowledge Management
Management and Management Techniques
Operations Management
Organizational Theory and Behaviour
Pensions and Pension Management
Public and Nonprofit Management
Social Issues in Business and Management
Strategic Management
Supply Chain Management
Browse content in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
Criminology
Forms of Crime
International and Comparative Criminology
Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice
Development Studies
Browse content in Economics
Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Resource Economics
Asian Economics
Behavioural Finance
Behavioural Economics and Neuroeconomics
Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
Economic Systems
Economic Methodology
Economic History
Economic Development and Growth
Financial Markets
Financial Institutions and Services
General Economics and Teaching
Health, Education, and Welfare
History of Economic Thought
International Economics
Labour and Demographic Economics
Law and Economics
Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
Microeconomics
Public Economics
Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics
Welfare Economics
Browse content in Education
Adult Education and Continuous Learning
Care and Counselling of Students
Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Educational Equipment and Technology
Educational Strategies and Policy
Higher and Further Education
Organization and Management of Education
Philosophy and Theory of Education
Schools Studies
Secondary Education
Teaching of a Specific Subject
Teaching of Specific Groups and Special Educational Needs
Teaching Skills and Techniques
Browse content in Environment
Applied Ecology (Social Science)
Climate Change
Conservation of the Environment (Social Science)
Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Social Science)
Management of Land and Natural Resources (Social Science)
Natural Disasters (Environment)
Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Social Science)
Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Social Science)
Sustainability
Browse content in Human Geography
Cultural Geography
Economic Geography
Political Geography
Browse content in Interdisciplinary Studies
Communication Studies
Museums, Libraries, and Information Sciences
Browse content in Politics
African Politics
Asian Politics
Chinese Politics
Comparative Politics
Conflict Politics
Elections and Electoral Studies
Environmental Politics
Ethnic Politics
European Union
Foreign Policy
Gender and Politics
Human Rights and Politics
Indian Politics
International Relations
International Organization (Politics)
Irish Politics
Latin American Politics
Middle Eastern Politics
Political Methodology
Political Communication
Political Philosophy
Political Sociology
Political Theory
Political Behaviour
Political Economy
Political Institutions
Politics and Law
Politics of Development
Public Administration
Public Policy
Qualitative Political Methodology
Quantitative Political Methodology
Regional Political Studies
Russian Politics
Security Studies
State and Local Government
UK Politics
US Politics
Browse content in Regional and Area Studies
African Studies
Asian Studies
East Asian Studies
Japanese Studies
Latin American Studies
Middle Eastern Studies
Native American Studies
Scottish Studies
Browse content in Research and Information
Research Methods
Browse content in Social Work
Addictions and Substance Misuse
Adoption and Fostering
Care of the Elderly
Child and Adolescent Social Work
Couple and Family Social Work
Direct Practice and Clinical Social Work
Emergency Services
Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
International and Global Issues in Social Work
Mental and Behavioural Health
Social Justice and Human Rights
Social Policy and Advocacy
Social Work and Crime and Justice
Social Work Macro Practice
Social Work Practice Settings
Social Work Research and Evidence-based Practice
Welfare and Benefit Systems
Browse content in Sociology
Childhood Studies
Community Development
Comparative and Historical Sociology
Disability Studies
Economic Sociology
Gender and Sexuality
Gerontology and Ageing
Health, Illness, and Medicine
Marriage and the Family
Migration Studies
Occupations, Professions, and Work
Organizations
Population and Demography
Race and Ethnicity
Social Theory
Social Movements and Social Change
Social Research and Statistics
Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
Sociology of Religion
Sociology of Education
Sport and Leisure
Urban and Rural Studies
Browse content in Warfare and Defence
Defence Strategy, Planning, and Research
Land Forces and Warfare
Military Administration
Military Life and Institutions
Naval Forces and Warfare
Other Warfare and Defence Issues
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
Weapons and Equipment

How to Do Research: and How to Be a Researcher

Cite Icon Cite
Permissions Icon Permissions

There are many textbooks on research methods, but these tend to be targeted at particular disciplines. Equally, there are plenty of books on popular science and other academic fields, but few that provide an overview of career opportunities or a framework for getting started. The principles underlying humanity’s past and continuing acquisition of knowledge are straightforward and are illustrated here across academic fields, from history to quantum physics—stories of clever and inventive people with good ideas, but also of personalities, politics, and power. This book draws together these strands to provide an informal and concise account of knowledge acquisition in all its guises. Having set out what research hopes to achieve, and why we are all researchers at heart, early chapters describe the basic principles underlying this—ways of thinking which may date back to the philosophers of the Athenian marketplace but are still powerful influences on the way research is carried out today. Drawing on a broad range of disciplines, the book takes the reader well beyond the pure ‘scientific method’, which might work well enough in physics or chemistry but falls apart in life sciences, let alone humanities. Later chapters consider the realities of carrying out research and the ways in which these continue to shape its progress—researchers and their personalities, their employers, funding, publication, political forces, and power structures.

Personal account

Sign in with email/username & password
Get email alerts
Save searches
Purchase content
Activate your purchase/trial code
Add your ORCID iD

Institutional access

Sign in with username/password
Recommend to your librarian
Institutional account management
Get help with access

Access to content on Oxford Academic is often provided through institutional subscriptions and purchases. If you are a member of an institution with an active account, you may be able to access content in one of the following ways:

IP based access

Typically, access is provided across an institutional network to a range of IP addresses. This authentication occurs automatically, and it is not possible to sign out of an IP authenticated account.

Choose this option to get remote access when outside your institution. Shibboleth/Open Athens technology is used to provide single sign-on between your institutionâ€™s website and Oxford Academic.

Click Sign in through your institution.
Select your institution from the list provided, which will take you to your institution's website to sign in.
When on the institution site, please use the credentials provided by your institution. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.
Following successful sign in, you will be returned to Oxford Academic.

If your institution is not listed or you cannot sign in to your institutionâ€™s website, please contact your librarian or administrator.

Enter your library card number to sign in. If you cannot sign in, please contact your librarian.

Society Members

Society member access to a journal is achieved in one of the following ways:

Sign in through society site

Many societies offer single sign-on between the society website and Oxford Academic. If you see â€˜Sign in through society siteâ€™ in the sign in pane within a journal:

Click Sign in through society site.
When on the society site, please use the credentials provided by that society. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.

If you do not have a society account or have forgotten your username or password, please contact your society.

Sign in using a personal account

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members. See below.

A personal account can be used to get email alerts, save searches, purchase content, and activate subscriptions.

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members.

Viewing your signed in accounts

Click the account icon in the top right to:

View your signed in personal account and access account management features.
View the institutional accounts that are providing access.

Signed in but can't access content

Oxford Academic is home to a wide variety of products. The institutional subscription may not cover the content that you are trying to access. If you believe you should have access to that content, please contact your librarian.

For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more.

Our books are available by subscription or purchase to libraries and institutions.

Month:	Total Views:
December 2022	2
December 2022	2
December 2022	2
December 2022	2
December 2022	3
December 2022	2
December 2022	2
December 2022	2
December 2022	3
December 2022	4
December 2022	3
December 2022	2
December 2022	2
December 2022	2
December 2022	3
December 2022	2
December 2022	2
December 2022	2
January 2023	1
January 2023	1
January 2023	4
February 2023	5
February 2023	1
February 2023	1
February 2023	1
February 2023	1
February 2023	1
February 2023	1
March 2023	4
March 2023	4
March 2023	4
March 2023	6
March 2023	4
March 2023	6
March 2023	13
March 2023	1
March 2023	4
March 2023	4
March 2023	4
March 2023	4
March 2023	2
March 2023	6
March 2023	5
March 2023	9
March 2023	4
March 2023	4
March 2023	4
March 2023	4
March 2023	6
March 2023	5
April 2023	2
April 2023	2
April 2023	1
April 2023	3
April 2023	1
April 2023	1
April 2023	2
April 2023	2
April 2023	5
April 2023	5
April 2023	2
April 2023	4
May 2023	64
May 2023	2
May 2023	3
May 2023	1
May 2023	1
May 2023	2
May 2023	1
May 2023	1
May 2023	1
May 2023	2
June 2023	74
June 2023	1
June 2023	4
June 2023	3
June 2023	4
June 2023	5
June 2023	4
June 2023	5
June 2023	4
June 2023	3
June 2023	4
June 2023	4
June 2023	4
June 2023	2
June 2023	4
June 2023	4
June 2023	4
June 2023	1
June 2023	4
June 2023	4
June 2023	4
June 2023	4
July 2023	2
July 2023	3
July 2023	2
July 2023	71
July 2023	2
July 2023	2
July 2023	2
July 2023	2
July 2023	1
July 2023	3
July 2023	2
July 2023	2
July 2023	2
July 2023	5
July 2023	2
July 2023	2
July 2023	3
July 2023	2
July 2023	4
July 2023	2
July 2023	1
July 2023	2
August 2023	18
August 2023	4
August 2023	1
August 2023	2
August 2023	3
August 2023	3
August 2023	2
August 2023	3
August 2023	2
August 2023	5
August 2023	3
August 2023	2
August 2023	2
August 2023	2
August 2023	2
August 2023	4
August 2023	2
August 2023	2
August 2023	9
August 2023	3
August 2023	1
August 2023	7
September 2023	2
September 2023	2
September 2023	2
September 2023	2
September 2023	5
September 2023	2
September 2023	4
September 2023	6
September 2023	8
September 2023	2
September 2023	3
September 2023	2
September 2023	7
September 2023	2
September 2023	3
September 2023	4
September 2023	2
October 2023	1
October 2023	2
October 2023	3
October 2023	1
October 2023	3
October 2023	1
October 2023	1
October 2023	4
October 2023	1
October 2023	7
October 2023	1
October 2023	3
October 2023	4
October 2023	1
November 2023	7
November 2023	5
November 2023	4
November 2023	6
November 2023	2
November 2023	4
November 2023	4
November 2023	5
November 2023	5
November 2023	2
November 2023	4
November 2023	4
November 2023	7
November 2023	5
November 2023	3
November 2023	4
November 2023	2
November 2023	4
December 2023	3
December 2023	1
December 2023	6
December 2023	4
December 2023	1
December 2023	4
December 2023	4
December 2023	5
December 2023	6
December 2023	4
December 2023	4
December 2023	5
December 2023	1
December 2023	4
December 2023	9
December 2023	4
December 2023	5
December 2023	4
December 2023	4
December 2023	4
December 2023	4
December 2023	7
January 2024	2
January 2024	1
January 2024	1
January 2024	3
January 2024	9
January 2024	1
January 2024	1
February 2024	2
February 2024	4
February 2024	2
February 2024	2
February 2024	2
February 2024	3
February 2024	2
February 2024	2
February 2024	2
February 2024	4
February 2024	1
February 2024	2
February 2024	2
February 2024	6
February 2024	2
February 2024	2
February 2024	3
February 2024	2
February 2024	2
February 2024	5
February 2024	2
February 2024	1
March 2024	1
March 2024	2
March 2024	2
March 2024	3
March 2024	2
March 2024	2
March 2024	3
March 2024	2
March 2024	2
March 2024	2
March 2024	2
March 2024	1
March 2024	2
March 2024	4
March 2024	2
March 2024	2
March 2024	2
March 2024	4
March 2024	2
March 2024	4
March 2024	2
March 2024	4
April 2024	3
April 2024	1
April 2024	2
April 2024	1
April 2024	2
April 2024	1
April 2024	2
April 2024	2
April 2024	1
April 2024	3
April 2024	1
April 2024	2
May 2024	1
May 2024	1
May 2024	1
May 2024	1
May 2024	3
May 2024	1
June 2024	4
June 2024	4
June 2024	4
June 2024	5
June 2024	4
June 2024	6
June 2024	3
June 2024	5
June 2024	3
June 2024	5
June 2024	6
June 2024	1
June 2024	4
June 2024	4
June 2024	4
June 2024	2
June 2024	4
June 2024	4
June 2024	7
June 2024	3
June 2024	6
July 2024	7
July 2024	7
July 2024	8
July 2024	2
July 2024	5
July 2024	7
July 2024	9
July 2024	8
July 2024	3
July 2024	7
July 2024	7
July 2024	2
July 2024	7
July 2024	8
July 2024	6
July 2024	9
July 2024	3
July 2024	13
July 2024	10
July 2024	6
July 2024	7
July 2024	7
August 2024	7
August 2024	9
August 2024	9
August 2024	9
August 2024	5
August 2024	7
August 2024	10
August 2024	5
August 2024	6
August 2024	9
August 2024	12
August 2024	7
August 2024	3
August 2024	5
August 2024	6
August 2024	9
August 2024	1
August 2024	8
August 2024	6
August 2024	7
August 2024	2
August 2024	9
September 2024	1

About Oxford Academic
Publish journals with us
University press partners
What we publish
New features
Open access
Rights and permissions
Accessibility
Advertising
Media enquiries
Oxford University Press
Oxford Languages
University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

Cookie settings
Cookie policy
Privacy policy
Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Best Sellers in Research Reference Books

A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers

← Previous page
Next page →

Project Management for Researchers: A Practical, Stress-Free Guide to Getting Organized

About Amazon
Investor Relations
Amazon Devices
Amazon Science
Sell products on Amazon
Sell on Amazon Business
Sell apps on Amazon
Become an Affiliate
Advertise Your Products
Self-Publish with Us
Host an Amazon Hub
› See More Make Money with Us
Amazon Business Card
Shop with Points
Reload Your Balance
Amazon Currency Converter
Amazon and COVID-19
Your Account
Your Orders
Shipping Rates & Policies
Returns & Replacements
Manage Your Content and Devices

Conditions of Use
Privacy Notice
Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
Your Ads Privacy Choices

Table of Contents

Tip 1: Start with Your Positioning and Outline

Tip 2: make a research plan, tip 3: ask the internet, tip 4: read books, tip 5: talk to experts, tip 6: collect survey data, tip 7: keep everything organized.

Tip 8: Set a Deadline & Stop Early

Tip 9: Write the First Draft

How to conduct research for your book: 9 tips that work.

If you’re like many first-time nonfiction writers, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I research for my book?”

I get this question a lot, and there are plenty of tips I can share. But before I dive into it, I’m going to throw you a curveball:

Don’t assume you have to do research for your book.

Because the purpose of nonfiction is to help the reader solve a problem or create change in their life (or both) by sharing what you know. If you can do this without a lot of research, then don’t do research.

We’ve had many Authors who knew their topic so inside and out that they didn’t need research. That is perfectly fine. They still wrote incredible books.

When it boils down to it, there are only 2 reasons to do research for your book:

You know enough to write the book, but you want to add sources and citations to make the book more persuasive to a specific audience.
You don’t know enough, and you need to learn more to make the book complete.

We’ve had many Authors who–despite knowing their stuff–wanted to include additional data, expert opinions, or testimonials to ensure that readers would find their arguments credible. This is important to consider if you’re writing for a scientific or technical audience that expects you to cite evidence.

Likewise, we see many Authors who know their industry but have a few knowledge gaps they’d like to fill in order to make their arguments more robust.

In fact, that’s the whole key to understanding how much research you should do. Ask yourself:

What evidence does a reader need to believe your argument is credible and trustworthy?

Research can be complicated, though. Many Authors don’t know where to start, and they get bogged down in the details. Which, of course, derails the book writing process and stalls them–or worse, it stops them from finishing.

The bad news? There’s no “right way” to make a book research plan.

The good news? The basic research tips apply for either person.

In this post, I’ll give you 9 effective research tips that will help you build a stronger, more convincing book.

More importantly, these tips will also show you how to get through the research process without wasting time.

9 Research Tips for Writing Your Book

Don’t jump into research blindly. Treat it like any other goal. Plan, set a schedule, and follow through.

Here are 9 tips that will help you research effectively.

Before you start researching or writing, you need to figure out two main things: your audience and your message.

This is called book positioning , and it’s an essential part of the book writing process.

Your job as an Author is to convince readers that your book will help them solve their problems.

Every piece of research you include in the book–whether it’s a survey, pie chart, or expert testimonial–should help you accomplish that.

Once your positioning is clear, you can put together your book outline.

Your outline is a comprehensive guide to everything in your book, and it is your best defense against procrastination, fear, and all the other problems writers face . It’s crucial if you don’t want to waste time on research you don’t need.

With an outline, you’ll already know what kind of data you need, where your information gaps are, and what kinds of sources might help you support your claims.

We’ve put together a free outline template to make the process even easier.

All this to say: without solid positioning and a comprehensive outline, you’ll wander. You’ll write, throw it away, write some more, get frustrated, and eventually, give up.

You’ll never finish a draft, much less publish your book .

If you don’t know your subject well enough to figure out your positioning and make a good outline, it means you don’t know enough to write that book—at least not right now.

Your plan will vary widely depending on whether you are:

An expert who knows your field well
Someone who needs to learn more about your field before writing about it

The majority of you are writing a book because you’re experts. So most of the information you need will already be in your head.

If you’re an expert, your research plan is probably going to be short, to the point, and about refreshing your memory or filling small gaps.

If you’re a non-expert, your research plan is probably going to be much longer. It could entail interviewing experts, reading lots of books and articles, and surveying the whole field you are writing about.

The outline should highlight those places where your book will need more information.

Are there any places where you don’t have the expertise to back up your claims?

What key takeaways require more evidence?

Would the book be stronger if you had another person’s point of view?

These are the kinds of gaps that research can fill.

Go back through your outline and find the places where you know you need more information. Next to each one, brainstorm ways you might fulfill that need.

For example, let’s say you’re writing a book that includes a section on yoga’s health benefits. Even if you’re a certified yoga instructor, you may not know enough physiology to explain the health benefits clearly.

Where could you find that information?

Ask a medical expert
A book on yoga and medicine
A website that’s well respected in your field
A study published in a medical journal

You don’t have to get too specific here. The point is to highlight where you need extra information and give yourself leads about where you might find it.

The kinds of research you need will vary widely, depending on what kind of nonfiction book you’re writing.

For example, if you’re giving medical advice for other experts, you’ll likely want to substantiate it with peer-reviewed, professional sources.

If you’re explaining how to grow a company, you might refer to statistics from your own company or recount specific anecdotes about other successful companies.

If you’re writing a memoir, you won’t need any quantitative data. You might simply talk with people from your past to fill in some gaps or use sources like Wikipedia to gather basic facts.

Different subject matter calls for different sources. If you’re having trouble figuring out what sources your subject needs, ask yourself the same question as above:

Ask yourself what evidence does a reader need to believe your argument is credible and trustworthy?

Generally speaking, an expert can do their research before they start writing, during, or even after (depending on what they need).

If you’re a non-expert, you should do your research before you start writing because what you learn will form the basis of the book.

It may sound obvious, but the internet is a powerful research tool and a great place to start. But proceed with caution: the internet can also be one of the greatest sources of misinformation.

If you’re looking for basic info, like for fact-checking, it’s fantastic.

If you’re looking for academic information, like scientific studies, it can be useful. (You might hit some paywalls, but the information will be there.)

If you’re looking for opinions, they’ll be abundant.

Chances are, though, as you look for all these things, you’re going to come across a lot of misleading sources—or even some that straight-up lie.

Here are some tips for making sure your internet research is efficient and effective:

Use a variety of search terms to find what you need. For example, if you’re looking for books on childhood development, you might start with basic terms like “childhood development,” “child psychology,” or “social-emotional learning.”
As you refine your knowledge, refine your searches. A second round of research might be more specific, like “Piaget’s stages of development” or “Erikson’s psychosocial theories.”
Don’t just stop with the first result on Google. Many people don’t look past the first few results in a Google search. That’s fine if you’re looking for a recipe or a Wikipedia article, but the best research sources don’t always have the best SEO. Look for results that seem thorough or reputable, not just popular.
Speaking of Wikipedia, don’t automatically trust it. It can be a great place to start if you’re looking for basic facts or references, but remember, it’s crowd-sourced. That means it’s not always accurate. Get your bearings on Wikipedia, then look elsewhere to verify any information you’re going to cite.
Make sure your data is coming from a reputable source. Google Scholar, Google Books, and major news outlets like NPR, BBC, etc. are safe bets. If you don’t recognize the writer, outlet, or website, you’re going to have to do some digging to find out if you can trust them.
Verify the credentials of the Author before you trust the site. People often assume that anything with a .edu domain is reputable. It’s not. You might be reading some college freshman’s last-minute essay on economics. If it’s a professor, you’re probably safe.

Using a few random resources from the internet is not equivalent to conducting comprehensive research.

If you want to dive deeper into a topic, books are often your best resources.

They’re reliable because they’re often fact-checked, peer-reviewed, or vetted. You know you can trust them.

Many Authors are directly influenced by other books in their field. If you’re familiar with any competing books, those are a great place to start.

Use the internet to find the best books in each field, and then dive into those.

Your book will have a different spin from the ones already out there, but think of it this way: you’re in the same conversation, which means you’ll probably have many of the same points of reference.

Check out the bibliographies or footnotes in those books. You might find sources that are useful for your own project.

You might want to buy the books central to your research. But if you aren’t sure if something’s going to be useful, hold off on hitting Amazon’s “one-click buy.”

Many Authors underestimate the power of their local libraries. Even if they don’t have the book you’re looking for, many libraries participate in extensive interlibrary loan programs. You can often have the books you need sent to your local branch.

Librarians are also indispensable research resources. Many universities have subject-specific research librarians who are willing to help you find sources, even if you aren’t a student.

Research doesn’t always require the internet or books. Sometimes you need an answer, story, or quotation from a real person.

But make sure you have a decent understanding of your field BEFORE you go to experts with your questions.

I’m an expert at writing nonfiction books, so I speak from personal experience. It’s annoying as hell when people come to you with questions without having done at least a little research on the topic beforehand—especially when you already have a 3,000 word blog post about it.

Experts love it when you’ve done some research and can speak their language. They hate it when you ask them to explain fundamentals.

But once you find a good expert, it condenses your learning curve by at least 10x.

To figure out who you need to talk to, think about the kind of nonfiction book you’re writing.

Is it a book about your own business, products, or methods? You may want to include client stories or testimonials.

In Driven , Doug Brackmann relied on his experience with clients to teach highly driven people how to master their gifts.

Is it a book that requires expert knowledge outside your own area of expertise (for example, a doctor, IT specialist, lawyer, or business coach)? You might want to ask them to contribute brief passages or quotations for your book.

Colin Dombroski did exactly that for his book The Plantar Fasciitis Plan . He consulted with various colleagues, each of whom contributed expert advice for readers to follow.

It’s much easier to contact people who are already in your network. If you don’t personally know someone, ask around. Someone you already know may be able to connect you with the perfect expert.

If that doesn’t work out, you can always try the cold call method. Send a polite email that briefly but clearly explains what your book is about and why you’re contacting them.

If you do this, though, do your research first. Know the person’s name. Don’t use “To whom it may concern.” Know their specialty. Know exactly what type of information you’re seeking. Basically, know why they are the person you want to feature in your book.

Some Authors like to collect surveys for their books. This is very optional, and it’s only applicable in certain books, so don’t assume you need this.

But if you want to include a section in your book that includes how people feel about something (for example, to back up a point you’re making), you might want to have survey data.

You might have access to data you can already cite. The internet is full of data: infographics, Pew data, Nielsen ratings, scholarly research, surveys conducted by private companies.

If you don’t have access to data, you can conduct your own surveys with an online platform like SurveyMonkey. Here’s how:

Consider your research goals. What are you trying to learn?
Formulate the survey questions. Most people prefer short, direct survey questions. They’re also more likely to answer multiple-choice questions.
Invite participants. If you want a reliable survey, it’s best to get as many participants as possible. Surveying three family members won’t tell you much.
Collect and analyze the data.

That will work for more informal purposes, but surveys are a science unto themselves. If you require a lot of data, want a large sample size, or need high statistical accuracy, it’s better to hire pros. Quantitative data is more effective and trustworthy when it’s properly conducted.

Don’t go overboard with statistics, though. Not all books need quantitative data. There are many other ways to convince readers to listen to your message.

Organize your research as you go. I can’t stress this enough.

If you research for months on end, you might end up with dozens of articles, quotations, or anecdotes. That’s a lot of material.

If you have to dig through every single piece when you want to use something, it’ll take you years to write.

Don’t rely on your memory, either. Three months down the line, you don’t want to ask, “Where did I find this piece of information?” or “Where did that quotation come from?”

I suggest creating a research folder on your computer where you collect everything.

Inside the main folder, create subfolders for each individual chapter (or even each individual subsection of your chapters). This is where your outline will come in handy.

In each folder, collect any pdfs, notes, or images relevant to that section.

Every time you download or save something, give the file a clear name.

Immediately put it into the correct folder. If you wait, you might not remember which part of your book you found it useful for.

Also, be sure to collect the relevant citation information:

Author’s name
Title of the book, article, etc.
The outlet it appeared in (e.g., BBC or Wired) or, if it’s a book, the publisher
The date it was published
The page number or hyperlink

If you have photocopies or handwritten notes, treat them the same way. Label them, file them, and add the necessary citation information. This will save you a lot of time when you sit down to write.

Some Authors use programs like Scrivener or Evernote to keep track of their research. I personally use the software program Notion, which is similar to Evernote.

These programs allow you to collect references, notes, images, and even drafts, all in one convenient place.

They save you from having to create your own digital organizational system. They also make it easier to consult documents without opening each file individually.

Once you’ve got a system in place, don’t forget: back up your data. Put it on the cloud, an external hard drive, or both. There’s nothing worse than spending hours on research just to have it disappear when your computer crashes.

book pages on computer screen with bullet holes

All of this takes time, and it may seem tedious. But trust me, it’s a lot more tedious when you’re racing toward your publication deadline, and you’re hunting down random data you quoted in your book.

Tip 8: Set a Deadline & Stop Early

Research is one of the most common ways Authors procrastinate.

When they’re afraid of writing or hit roadblocks, they often say, “Well, I just need to do a little more research…”

Fast-forward two years, and they’re still stuck in the same spiral of self-doubt and research.

Don’t fall into that trap. Learn when to stop.

When I’m writing, I set a research deadline and then stop EARLY. It’s a great way to beat procrastination , and it makes me feel like I’m ahead of the curve.

Here’s the thing: there’s always going to be more information out there. You could keep researching forever.

But then you’d never finish the book—which was the point of the research in the first place.

Plus, excessive research doesn’t make better books . No one wants to read six test cases when one would have worked.

You want to have enough data to convincingly make your case, but not so much that your readers get bogged down by all the facts.

So how will you know when you’ve done enough?

When you have enough data, anecdotes, and examples to address every point on your outline.

Your outline is your guide. Once it’s filled in, STOP .

Remember, the goal of data is to support your claims. You’re trying to make a case for readers, not bludgeon them with facts.

If you feel like you have to go out of your way to prove your points, you have 1 of 2 problems:

You’re not confident enough in your points, or
You’re not confident enough in your readers’ ability to understand your claims.

If you’re having the first problem, you may need to go back and adjust your arguments. All the research in the world won’t help support a weak claim.

If you’re having the second problem, ask yourself, If I knew nothing about this subject, what would it take to convince me? Follow through on your answer and trust that it’s enough.

When you think you have enough research, start writing your vomit draft.

If it turns out you’re missing small pieces of information, that’s okay. Just make a note of it. Those parts are easy to go back and fill in later.

Notice: I said “later.” Once you start writing, stop researching.

If you stop writing your first draft to look for more sources, you’ll break the flow of your ideas.

Research and writing are two completely different modes of thinking. Most people can’t switch fluidly between them.

Just get the first draft done.

Remember, the first draft is exactly that—the first draft. There will be many more versions in the future.

It’s okay to leave notes to yourself as you go along. Just be sure to leave yourself a way to find them easily later.

I recommend changing the font color or highlighting your comments to yourself in the draft. You can even use different colors: one for missing data and another for spots you need to fact-check.

You can also use the “insert comment” feature on Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any other writing software you prefer.

Another useful tip is to simply type “TK.” There’s no word in the English language where those two letters appear together. That means, when you’re ready to go back through your draft, you can use the “Find” option (Control+F). It will take you back to all the spots you marked.

Whatever method you choose, don’t stop writing.

Also, don’t worry about how “good” or “bad” it is at this point. No one ever wrote an amazing first draft. Not even bestselling Authors.

Just keep at it until you have a complete first draft.

That won’t be hard because you won’t be missing any huge pieces. The whole point of the outline was to zero in on exactly what you want to write for the exact audience you want to reach. If you followed that outline when you researched, you’ll be able to stay on track during the writing process.

Read This Next

Elevating Your Nonfiction Audiobook: 7 Strategies for an Engaging Listening Experience

How James Patterson Uses Co-Authors to Write Dozens of Books Per Year

Never Stop Launching [How to Make Your Book Successful]

HIS 400: International History [Fall 2024]

Finding a topic for your JP

Finding books

Finding journal articles, other article indexes.

Resource Spotlight: secondary sources
Finding primary sources
Footnotes made easy This link opens in a new window
Getting help

Most historians publish their work in books. So, for many topics in history, your best starting point is a good recent scholarly book. The easiest way to find that book is to ask someone else who is knowledgeable about your topic -- for example, your junior seminar instructor or spring JP advisor. But a thorough search of the library catalog is also essential. Here are some tips on finding books about historical topics in the Princeton University Library Catalog .

Identify the Library of Congress Subject Heading for your topic, and use it in a subject search. You can look up LC Subject Headings in the big red books in the Trustee Reading Room (and elsewhere in the library) or search for them online . You can also look up a known book on your topic and check the long view for the subject headings assigned to that book.
Use the word " history " as part of a keyword search.
To find material about a person, an government agency, or an organization, search for it as a subject
To limit your search results to English-language materials, limit by language.
Didn't find enough? Expand your search in WorldCat to identify items not held by Princeton, then use Borrow Direct or Interlibrary loan to get the books you discover there.

Assessing what you find -- is this book worth your time?

Who is the author? Is he/she associated with an academic institution?
Who is the publisher? Most good history books are published by academic presses, e.g. Princeton University Press or Oxford University Press.
When was the book published? Your first choice will probably be a book published in the last ten years or so, because a recent book will refer to all the previous work on your topic. But some older books are still very valuable, so do not worry if the most recent book you can find on your topic was published long ago.
Does the book include the scholarly apparatus that will enable you to verify the author's work? Look for footnotes or endnotes plus a bibliography. A book with no notes or bibliography will not be helpful to you at this stage of your research.

Once you have a book in hand, read it. Alas, there are no shortcuts to this part of the research process.

Some topics to search in the catalog:

International+relations—History

International Labour Organisation

International Labour Office

Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951 July 28)

Self-determination, National

Self-determination, National — Bibliography

While books are very important, historians also publish their work in articles in academic journals. And the easiest way to find journal articles is to search a bibliographic database that covers your topic:

America: History and Life with Full Text This link opens in a new window Indexes books and journal articles on the history of the United States and Canada from prehistory to the present. 1954+ more... less... Print predecessor Writings on American History covering 1904-1954 is in Firestone's General & Humanities Reference (DR) Z1236.L331.
Historical Abstracts with Full Text This link opens in a new window Indexes books and journal articles on the history of the world (excluding the U.S. and Canada) from 1450 to the present. Index 1954+
Oxford Bibliographies This link opens in a new window Detailed guides to a wide variety of disciplines.
Google Scholar This link opens in a new window Index of full-text and scholarly materials.
History of Science, Technology, and Medicine This link opens in a new window Indexes journal articles, conference proceedings, books, book reviews, and dissertations on the history of science and technology and allied fields. Coverage includes all languages in which these materials are published.
Oxford Art Online This link opens in a new window Gateway to several important art historical reference tools, most notably, the Grove Dictionary of Art (Grove Art Online) and Benezit Dictionary of Artists (2006 English ed.). Also includes The Oxford Companion to Western Art (2001), The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2001), The Encyclopedia of Aesthetics (1998), a database of images and more.
International Bibliography of Theatre & Dance with Full Text This link opens in a new window Provides extensive full-text of articles, reviews, & other content from many leading, primarily English-language journals & magazines in theater, dance, & the performing arts (1995+). Also offers citations, abstracts, & some full text for articles, books, book chapters, & dissertations back to 1982, including the complete International Bibliography of Theatre (1982-99). Additional selective content dates back to 1929.

Records on all subjects (especially humanities and social sciences) pertaining to East, Southeast, and South Asia published worldwide in Western languages. Includes chapters in edited volumes, conference proceedings, etc. 1971+

Print back to 1946 at Firestone Reference (DR) & East Asian Library: (GEST) Z3001 .B49. Prior title covering 1936-40 at Gest Z3001.xB8; Cumulative bibliographies covering 1941-65 at GEST Z3001.C94 & Z3001.C93.

Oxford research encyclopedias. African history This link opens in a new window Substantive, peer-reviewed, and regularly updated, the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History combines the speed & flexibility of digital with the rigorous standards of academic publishing.
Oxford research encyclopedias. Asian history This link opens in a new window Substantive, peer-reviewed, and regularly updated, the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Asian History combines the speed & flexibility of digital with the rigorous standards of academic publishing.

Substantive, peer-reviewed, and regularly updated, the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History combines the speed & flexibility of digital with the rigorous standards of academic publishing.

<< Previous: Finding a topic for your JP
Next: Finding primary sources >>
Last Updated: Sep 6, 2024 3:07 PM
URL: https://libguides.princeton.edu/International_History

Seven Books That Demystify Human Behavior

Other people can be baffling; these titles attempt to unravel a bit of their mystery.

A black and white photo of a shocked woman

Produced by ElevenLabs and News Over Audio (NOA) using AI narration.

Other people can be baffling. Even in our closest relationships, loved ones frequently behave in ways that can seem inexplicable. Why can’t your friend recognize her self-destructive foibles? Why do you find your co-worker so grating? Partners insist on misinterpreting each other; voters are convinced that their political opponents are irredeemably wrong—and in these disputes, the other side’s point of view feels not just incorrect but also completely alien. In short, why are other people like this?

We can’t read people’s minds, but we can do the next best thing: read books. A perceptive memoir or work of fiction, for example, can help you see the actions of others anew. A deep dive into the science of the brain can offer fresh ways to understand our fellow humans—as individuals who are influenced by their upbringing, their social networks, and the places they’ve lived. The selections below lay bare the fundamental mental equipment we all share; they suggest frameworks for appreciating different personalities. The most entrancing literature can even feel like quality time with someone—the kind that allows their idiosyncrasies to become deeply familiar. These books do their part in clearing up the mysteries of human behavior. Reading them may help you make sense of another’s actions—and perhaps even your own.

Behave , by Robert M. Sapolsky

What happens in our brain before we perform certain acts—moves as minor yet consequential as pulling a trigger, or as quick and instinctual as touching someone else’s arm? In this revelatory, 800-page book, Sapolsky, a neuroscientist and primatologist, dedicates himself to teasing out why we behave the way we do. And the realms he traverses are many: Readers will get a detailed course on how neurons and neurotransmitters work, the effects of stress on cognition, and the ways that fetal exposure to certain hormones can shape the brain. But Sapolsky also zooms out to cover the roles of culture and evolution. His aim is to explore people at “our best and worst,” and certain key questions recur throughout the book. How does our brain make moral decisions? How should we interpret our tendencies toward violence, hierarchy, and tribalism? And—a doozy—do we have free will? (In his most recent—and controversial—book, Determined , he argues that we do not.) Sapolsky leads us with a comforting chattiness through the mazes of overlapping scientific debates; his prose is rigorous but surprisingly fun. Reading Behave can feel like paging through an operating manual for our bewildering human machinery: Its insights are useful, eye-opening, and important.

Middlemarch , by George Eliot

Those craving an immersive exploration of the human psyche should look no further than this towering classic novel. Although most readers wouldn’t describe Eliot’s study of a provincial 19th-century English town as a work of psychology, it dissects the interlocking lives of the residents with an astute eye toward what drives them. The characters in its sprawling cast—among them the ardent, generous Dorothea Brooke and the ambitious doctor Tertius Lydgate—make ill-advised marriages, run up against obstacles to their ambitions, allow their reputations to be besmirched, and fall into debts that they struggle to repay. Much of the novel’s drama comes from the mutual incomprehension that arises between individuals (particularly married couples), and Eliot tracks with riveting detail the feelings and thoughts on both sides of a disagreement. Even the briefest flash of emotion on a face or the intonation of a phrase can set off a chain of misunderstandings, and the reader is privy to each character’s shortcomings as they form unrealistic expectations and read their own preoccupations into their interlocutors’ words. Total understanding of others is impossible, the novel suggests. And yet, thanks to Eliot’s keen sensitivity, reading Middlemarch might just enlarge your capacity to imagine other people’s state of mind.

Read: Why it’s nice to know you

Darkness Visible , by William Styron

At 60, Styron was stricken with an episode of severe depression, one that incapacitated him and brought him to the brink of suicide. In this slim book, he attempts to put words to his experience of a disease that is “so mysteriously painful and elusive,” he writes, “as to verge close to being beyond description.” We gain an intimate sense of the illness from its beginnings, when Styron found that alcohol—a substance he had been “abusing for forty years”—suddenly triggered nausea and revulsion. His abstention kicked off a malaise that culminated in a determination to kill himself in his Connecticut farmhouse, ending only with his subsequent hospitalization and recovery. Sections about depression’s causes and treatment are woven in elegantly among meditations on suicide, an act that, Styron argues, should have “no more reproof attached than to the victims of terminal cancer.” The depths of depression are nearly incomprehensible to those who haven’t experienced it, yet Styron’s rich, precise language allows his readers to grasp his suffering—and gives us a glimpse into the workings of his particular mind.

Connected , by Nicholas A. Christakis and James H. Fowler

To truly understand people, don’t focus on individuals or groups, the social scientists Christakis and Fowler write. What matter are the connections between people: the branching paths that extend from you and your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors to, say, Kevin Bacon. The book sketches out the surprising ways that these social networks sway our behavior, moods, and health, and its conclusions can be mind-bending. If your best friend’s sister gains weight, for example, you’re more likely to gain weight too, they write. Who we know significantly affects whether we smoke, die by suicide, or vote, thanks to our human tendency to copy one another. Happiness and sadness also spread among groups, so that the mood of a person you don’t know can sway your own emotions—even though we often imagine that our internal states are under our personal control. “No man or woman is an island,” the authors write. Their book makes a convincing case that our tangled relationships determine nearly everything about how our life plays out—and reminds us that we can’t be meaningfully understood in isolation.

Read: The complex psychology of why people like things

Milkman , by Anna Burns

Milkman takes place in what appears to be 1970s Northern Ireland during the Troubles—hijackings, car bombs, and “renouncers-of-the-state” form its tumultuous backdrop—and it paints a chillingly sharp portrait of a community consumed by paranoia and violence. When its unnamed narrator appears in public with a menacing figure known only as Milkman, rumors begin to spread that she’s his mistress. Never mind the fact that the attentions of Milkman, a high-ranking paramilitary member who seems to follow her everywhere and utters oblique threats, are entirely unwanted. Where she lives, the narrator tells us, “you created a political statement everywhere you went, and with everything you did, even if you didn’t want to.” To protect herself from the gossip and from Milkman himself, the narrator is forced to become a “carefully constructed nothingness.” She adopts a blank expression and confides in no one—an emotional state that mirrors the hollowed-out hopelessness and self-deception of her neighbors. Burns’s dense, discursive style captures the narrator’s psyche intimately: We feel with her as she wrestles with the fear, suspicion, and longing she hides from the world, and as she observes the corrosion of an entire city under duress.

The Personality Brokers , by Merve Emre

We often speak of “personality types” and take for granted that individuals’ inherent qualities can be categorized, predicted, and analyzed. In this intriguing book, Emre traces the development of this idea by recounting the history of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the world’s most popular personality test. Katharine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers, a mother-daughter duo, spent much of the 20th century developing their system’s dichotomies: introversion and extroversion, feeling and thinking, intuition and sensing, judging and perceiving. Their story is a strange, sprawling narrative marked by religious fervor and a fixation on the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, and set against the historical rise of postwar white-collar work. Emre’s account is shot through with necessary skepticism—the Myers-Briggs system isn’t substantiated by scientific research, and its creators were “desperate amateurs” relying mostly on quixotic faith, she writes. At the same time, she articulates why the framework holds such enduring appeal: It provides its adherents with language to parse the murky world of their own and others’ personalities, and many use it to arrive at a self-knowledge that can be genuinely liberating. The quest to know ourselves, this book makes clear, is an ongoing one.

Read: I gave myself three months to change my personality

Reclaiming Conversation , by Sherry Turkle

“Face-to-face conversation is the most human—and humanizing—thing we do,” the sociologist Turkle writes at the beginning of her incisive 2015 book. Our reliance on digital tools that replace such interactions erodes our ability to engage in deep, open-ended discussions, she argues. Reclaiming Conversation is full of dismaying examples of this diminishment, drawn from countless interviews with teenagers and young adults, teachers, corporate executives, and families. Parents can’t tear their eyes away from their phone at family dinners; students have trouble focusing and shy away from substantive dialogue in classrooms; professionals have meetings that barely function as meetings, because every participant is also checking their email. We’ve replaced talking with texting, emailing, and posting on social media, Turkle points out, in order to sidestep the boredom, embarrassment, and vulnerability that come with real conversation. And yet, those kinds of discomfort beget intimacy—the foundation of understanding other people, and thus of empathy. Turning to those around us, she concludes, is still the best way to comprehend one another. If you want to know why people behave the way they do, the shortest path to the answer is simply to ask them.

When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.

About the Author

Hist 100: Children’s History and the History of Children (Fall 2024)

Introduction
Children in the Archives
How do we have so many Resources?
Primary V. Secondary [Activity]
Finding Encyclopedias
What is Peer Review?
Types of Sources
What IS a "good" Secondary Source? [Activity]
How to order articles we don't own?
Worldcat: Accessing books we don't own
Primary Source Databases
Evaluating Sources
Stuck or need help? No problem!

Finding Books at Swem

The W&M Library looks small from outside, but the collection of books is massive (part of the library is underground, and we use high-density shelving).

Library Catalog Homepage

Begin with Keywords

When searching, break your topic into simple keywords -- don't over think it! If you're interested in the History of Children's toy, try a simple search for

children AND toys AND history

Books not at Swem

In the catalog you'll see that not all the books are in Swem. Thats ok!

Use the request option to order them from other libraries, and pick them up at the main library desk.

Remember to use Interlibrary Loan to order books from libraries outside of Swem - for free! Interlibrary Loan (ILL) lets us get items for you from other libraries. Ready to make a request? You can login to our system with your W&M ID.

Really Stuck? Try WorldCat!

No joke, WorldCat is an absolute triumph of engineering & planning, and it has enabled incalculable amounts of research.

Including 3 billion items across 500 million records in 483 languages by 100 million authors, it is the most complete record of books known to exist. Before it was set up in 1998, people had to use the 754-volume National Union Catalog.

WorldCat works the exact same way as our catalog:

Search your keywords or subject and it'll generate a list of books.

It'll tell you if WM owns the book, and if not, who Does own it.

In most cases, WM can order it from the other library & you can pick it up right here in Swem - at no charge!

Only use a few search terms at once, connected by AND
Use nouns (people/place/thing/film) as search terms in the search
Limit to books and ebooks.
Use Boolean!
When you find a book on your topic, open it and pay attention to the subject terms !
Skim books to see why they are in the results.
<< Previous: How to order articles we don't own?
Next: Worldcat: Accessing books we don't own >>
Last Updated: Sep 6, 2024 8:34 AM
URL: https://guides.libraries.wm.edu/HIST100ChildrenFa24

(Mis)Information Lab | Critical Race Theory and Book Bans

Published: September 6, 2024

In 2023 the number of books banned in the United States rose to 4,250 unique book titles (as reported by the American Library Association), a national record. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is one umbrella term by which multiple, and sometimes over a hundred books are banned at once. Learn the history of CRT, how it is conflated with other topics, and why CRT is the target of book bans nationwide.

Conversation Questions

What is CRT?
What are “divisive concepts”?
How are CRT and “divisive concepts” perceived in the media?

Key Definitions

Critical race theory (from Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

: a group of concepts (such as the idea that race is a sociological rather than biological designation, and that racism pervades society and is fostered and perpetuated by the legal system) used for examining the relationship between race and the laws and legal institutions of a country and especially the United States

—abbreviation CRT

Research and Learn with Online Resources

Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints

QuickSearch

National Newspaper Core

Other resources.

Critical Race Theory: Frequently Asked Questions , Legal Defense Fund

Critical Race Theory , Encyclopedia Britannica

The War on Books: Parent and Educator Perspectives, Abbey Bachmann and Aimee Tellez, Vol. 6 No. 1 (2023): Censorship and Young Adult Literature: Intellectual Freedom, Reading Rights, & Reading Activism

Aimee Tellez of Katy, Texas discovers that her local school district is seeking to ban the book, New Kid and cancel a virtual visit with its author, Jerry Craft. Aimee shares the book with her 5th grade son which both enjoy. The article describes what they and others in Katy ISD found readable and relatable about the book and how the community fought to reinstate the book and Jerry Crafts visit. University of Houston lecturer, Abbey Bachmann follows the story with information about CRT and parent opposition to New Kid.

Pen American Index of Educational Gag Orders

Contains links to state bills using the language of Executive Order 13950 (January 20, 2021) and the state’s version of divisive concepts.

Videos and Podcasts

Joy Reid Schools Critical Race Theory Critic on Legal Scholarship

The Debate Over Critical Race Theory , The Daily Podcast, July 2, 2021

Discussion over teacher diversity training in response to reported racial issues in Loudoun County sheds light on how the public views CRT. The episode provides a history of CRT and brings the little known topic up to the 1776 Commission, the repeal of Executive Order 13950, and President Biden’s statements on the Tulsa Oklahoma Massacre. The Daily is a product of The New York Times and the expert interviewed, Tip Gabriel, is a national correspondent who has covered presidential campaigns.

(mis)information lab | cell phones and cancer.

Because cell phones give off radiation and certain types of radiation are known to cause cancer, some people are concerned that cell phones may cause cancer. There have also been a few studies that show that it is possible that cell phones may cause cancer, but there have been problems with those studies. Most studies, organizations and government agencies agree that there is no current evidence that suggests that cell phones cause cancer.

(Mis)Information Lab | Vaccines

Vaccines help keep everyone safe from diseases, both individually and on a community level, and have been used in some form since the 18th century. But in the last few decades, misinformation about the safety and efficacy of vaccines has been spreading, leading to lower vaccination rates.

Julie A. O’Connell, D.Litt.

Department: English

Office Hours : Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m.; and by appointment.

Email: [email protected]

D.Litt., Drew University

M.A.T., Brown University

B.A., Georgetown University

Research Interests

Research interests include: Developmental Writing, Community Writing, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, and ELL.

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test Preparation . Co-authored with Sandra Rush, M.A. Reading and Writing sections. Research and Education Association, 2014. 2nd Edition, 2018.

Praxis PPST . Research and Education Association, 2010.

Praxis II Elementary Education Content Area Exercises (Test Code 0012) . Research and Education Association, 2009.

Scholarly Articles

“The Body Organic: Identity and the Natural World in Selected Poems from Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair by Pablo Neruda”, Visionary Pedagogy Series: Facilitating the Transformation of the 21st Century Leader , Volume Two.

“Scaffolding Close Reading in the Developmental English Classroom,” in Transforming Students into Leaders through the Literary Arts and the Social Sciences Eds. Mary Alice Trent, Don Pardlow, Meaghan Peggy Stevenson Ratliff. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Mar 24, 2020. Link.

“The Power of a Slave Narrative.” “Connecting” section of JAEPL: Journal of the Assembly of Expanded Perspectives on Learning . Joonna Smitherman Trapp and Brad Peters, editors. Vol. 21 : Issue. 1, Article 1. http://trace.tennessee.edu/jaepl/vol21/iss1/1

Presentations/Invited Talks

Atlas University, Istanbul, Turkey. Lecturer: “East Meets West: Huzun in Orhan Pamuk’s Istanbul: Memories and the City and Robert Frost’s “Acquainted with the Night.”

George Washington University, Washington, DC. Conference on Community Writing. “Prism Paterson: A Counter-Narrative.” My portion of the panel: “Community Writing: The Great Falls.” October 21-23, 2021. Virtual.

“A Theme-Based Humanities Course on Climate Change.” Faculty Resource Network Virtual National Symposium, New York University, New York, NY. November 19-20, 2020. https://facultyresourcenetwork.org/virtual-national-symposium-2020/

“Therapeutic Creative Writing for Young Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome,” International Higher Education Teaching and Learning (HETL) Conference on Creating Inclusion and Diversity in Higher Education, University of Western Scotland, Paisley, Scotland, UK, June 2017.

“Ten Years After Katrina: The Flooded Physical and Rhetorical Ecosystems of New Orleans,” Second Conference of Community Writing, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO. Co-presented with Professor Melissa McAlpin, Associate Professor of Art, Felician University. October 2017.

Additional Information

Currently teaches English to Haitian refugees in Neptune, NJ.

Professor Emerita, Felician University.

Participant, Faith and Politics Institute 2018 Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage, Montgomery and Selma, AL. March 20118.

Pilgrim, Leadership Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, Felician College, October 18-28, 2012.

Recently Taught Classes

College Composition I – EN 101

Maintenance work is planned from 22:00 BST on Monday 16th September 2024 to 22:00 BST on Tuesday 17th September 2024.

During this time the performance of our website may be affected - searches may run slowly, some pages may be temporarily unavailable, and you may be unable to access content. If this happens, please try refreshing your web browser or try waiting two to three minutes before trying again.

We apologise for any inconvenience this might cause and thank you for your patience.

Catalysis Science & Technology

Advancing catalysis research through fair data principles implemented in a local data infrastructure - a case study of an automated test reactor.

Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data is currently emerging as an indispensable element in the advancement of science and requires the development of new methods for data acquisition, storage and sharing. This is becoming even more critical as the increasing application of artificial intelligence demands significantly higher data quality in terms of reliability, reproducibility and consistency of datasets. This paper presents methods for the digital and automatic acquisition and storage of data and metadata in catalysis experiments based on open-source software solutions. The successful implementation of a digitalization concept, which includes working according to machine-readable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is outlined using a reactor for catalytic tests that has been automated with the open source software tool EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System). The process of data acquisition, standardized analysis, upload to a database and generation of relationships between database entries is fully automated. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) have been developed to enable data exchange within the local data infrastructure and beyond to overarching repositories, paving the way for autonomous catalyst discovery and machine learning applications.

This article is part of the themed collection: Digital Catalysis

Supplementary files

Supplementary information PDF (1047K)

Article information

Download Citation

Permissions.

A. Moshantaf, M. Wesemann, S. Beinlich, H. Junkes, J. Schumann, B. Alkan, P. Kube, C. P. Marshall, N. Pfister and A. Trunschke, Catal. Sci. Technol. , 2024, Accepted Manuscript , DOI: 10.1039/D4CY00693C

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence . You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content .

Social activity

Search articles by author.

This article has not yet been cited.

IMAGES

The Everything Guide To Writing Research Papers Book eBook by Cathy
Must Read Research Methodology Books for Graduate Students
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
12 Good Books On How To Write And Publish Research Papers
Practical Research 1 for Senior High School
Learn How To Research Your Book With This Beginner's Guide

VIDEO

Open your Books: Research and Thinking about Life Clip92
Content analysis of NCERT Book of secondary education
every book i read in april & may
20 books everyone should read (recs from an author)
Top 17 Books to Read If You are in a Reading Slump
7 Books to Understand the Science of Reading

COMMENTS

10 Best Research Books For Qualitative And Quantitative
9. The SAGE Handbook Of Qualitative Research, 5th Edition. This book focuses more on research regarding social justice therefore, this is better for people in the social sciences. The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research by Norman K. Denzin and Yvonna S. Lincoln focuses on global research.
100 Best Research Books of All Time (Updated for 2021)
With more than 400,000 copies now in print, The Craft of Research is the unrivaled resource for researchers at every level, from first-year undergraduates to research reporters at corporations and government offices. Seasoned researchers and educators Gregory G. Colomb and Joseph M. Williams present an updated third edition of their classic handbook, whose first and second editions were ...
Top 13 Essential Research Methodology Books for Researchers and
1- Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. The Fifth Edition of the bestselling Research Methodology has reimagined, rebuilt, and completely renovated how a textbook may help students succeed in methods courses and research projects. The book simplifies research project conception and execution for novices.
Open Research Library
The Open Research Library (ORL) is planned to include all Open Access book content worldwide on one platform for user-friendly discovery, offering a seamless experience navigating more than 20,000 Open Access books.
10 Must-Read Books for Researchers in 2024
8. "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson. "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson: "Steve Jobs" is a biography of the co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs. Although not directly related to academia or research, this book offers invaluable lessons for researchers in terms of innovation, creativity, and visionary thinking.
12 Good Books On Qualitative Research
Here are my picks for best books on qualitative research: 1. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, by John W. Creswell and J. David Creswell. This widely recognized book offers a comprehensive study of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies. Its distinguishing feature is its juxtaposition ...
Research Methods Books
Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (Paperback) by. John W. Creswell. (shelved 30 times as research-methods) avg rating 3.82 — 2,680 ratings — published 1994. Want to Read. Rate this book. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars.
The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research
The substantially updated and revised Fifth Edition of this landmark handbook presents the state-of-the-art theory and practice of qualitative inquiry. Representing top scholars from around the world, the editors and contributors continue the tradition of synthesizing existing literature, defining the present, and shaping the future of qualitative research.
Research Books
Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (Paperback) by. John W. Creswell. (shelved 113 times as research) avg rating 3.82 — 2,679 ratings — published 1994. Want to Read. Rate this book. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars.
Research Methods: The Essential Knowledge Base
From an expert team in the research methods field, RESEARCH METHODS: THE ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE BASE, 2nd Edition, is written specifically for users who are new to research methods. The book streamlines and clarifies explanations of fundamental, yet difficult, concepts in a familiar, engaging style.
Research Methodology Books
Research Methodology and Biostatistics: A Comprehensive Guide for Health Care Professionals (Kindle Edition) Books shelved as research-methodology: The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches ...
Research Methodology and Strategy
Research Methodology and Strategy Provides comprehensive coverage of the entire research process, methodologies, strategies and their applications, ideal for final-year undergraduate, Masters and PhD students, academics, researchers and professionals. Research Methodology and Strategy: Theory and Practice is designed to help readers understand the research process and equip them with the ...
Sage Research Methods
Reference & Academic Books. Search. Browse by. Find practice datasets to help you master qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Use the Methods Map to browse the resources in SAGE Research Methods. Learn how methods are related and find definitions of key terms. Find stories of real research to learn from and be inspired by.
Research Methods: The Basics: 2nd edition
Research Methods (The Basics) $19.19. (17) Only 15 left in stock - order soon. Research Methods: The Basics is an accessible, user-friendly introduction to the different aspects of research theory, methods and practice. This second edition provides an expanded resource suitable for students and practitioners in a wide range of disciplines ...
Research Methodology : A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Google Books
Google Books ... كتب Google
JSTOR Home
JSTOR Home ... JSTOR Home
Wiley Online Library
Wiley Online Library | Scientific research articles, journals ...
Books by John W. Creswell (Author of Research Design)
BUNDLE: Creswell: Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design Choosing Among Five Approaches 2e + Crotty: The Foundations of Social Research + Saldana: ... Researchers + Kvale: InterViews 2e. by. John W. Creswell, Michael J Crotty, Johnny Saldaña, Steinar Kvale. it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 1 rating — published 2009.
How to Do Research: and How to Be a Researcher
This book draws together these strands to provide an informal and concise account of knowledge acquisition in all its guises. Having set out what research hopes to achieve, and why we are all researchers at heart, early chapters describe the basic principles underlying this—ways of thinking which may date back to the philosophers of the ...
Best Sellers in Research Reference Books
Best Sellers in Research Reference Books. #1. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing) Kate L. Turabian. 3,904.
How To Conduct Research For Your Book: 9 Tips That Work
Tip 3: Ask the Internet. It may sound obvious, but the internet is a powerful research tool and a great place to start. But proceed with caution: the internet can also be one of the greatest sources of misinformation. If you're looking for basic info, like for fact-checking, it's fantastic.
Research Guides: HIS 400: International History [Fall 2024]: Finding
A book with no notes or bibliography will not be helpful to you at this stage of your research. Once you have a book in hand, read it. Alas, there are no shortcuts to this part of the research process. Some topics to search in the catalog: International+relations—History. International Labour Organisation. International Labour Office.
Seven Books That Demystify Human Behavior
Produced by ElevenLabs and News Over Audio (NOA) using AI narration. Other people can be baffling. Even in our closest relationships, loved ones frequently behave in ways that can seem ...
Books
No joke, WorldCat is an absolute triumph of engineering & planning, and it has enabled incalculable amounts of research. Including 3 billion items across 500 million records in 483 languages by 100 million authors, it is the most complete record of books known to exist. Before it was set up in 1998, people had to use the 754-volume National Union Catalog.
(Mis)Information Lab
In 2023 the number of books banned in the United States rose to 4,250 unique book titles (as reported by the American Library Association), a national record. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is one umbrella term by which multiple, and sometimes over a hundred books are banned at once. Learn the history of CRT, how it is conflated with other topics, and why CRT is the target of book bans nationwide.
Julie A. O'Connell, D.Litt.
Research Interests. Research interests include: Developmental Writing, Community Writing, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, and ELL. Books. Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Test Preparation. Co-authored with Sandra Rush, M.A. Reading and Writing sections. Research and Education Association, 2014. 2nd Edition, 2018.
Advancing Catalysis Research through FAIR Data Principles Implemented
Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data is currently emerging as an indispensable element in the advancement of science and requires the development of new methods for data acquisition, storage and sharing. This is becoming even more critical as the increasing application of artificial Digital Catalysis

10 Best Research Books For Qualitative And Quantitative Research

1. Qualitative Research: A Guide To Design And Implementation, 4th Edition

Popular Research Books to Read

Books About Research FAQs

100 Best Research Books of All Time

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Man's Search for Meaning

The Craft of Research (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)

The Art of War

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Hero With a Thousand Faces

Don't have time to read the top Research books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

The Body Keeps the Score

How to Win Friends & Influence People

The New Jim Crow

The Demon-haunted World

The Power of Habit

The Tipping Point

Research Design

A Brief History of Time

The Elements of Style

The Hot Zone

Freakonomics

Guns, Germs and Steel

Bird By Bird

Emotional Intelligence

Think and Grow Rich

An Unquiet Mind

Amusing Ourselves to Death

How to Be a Victorian

Between the World and Me

Inside the Victorian Home

The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers

Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design

The Emotion Thesaurus

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection

What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

David and Goliath

Predictably Irrational

The Emperor of All Maladies

Case Study Research

The Design of Everyday Things

Brave New World

Understanding Comics

The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England

The Handmaid's Tale

A Short History of Nearly Everything

The Power of Myth

On Writing Well

Women Who Run With the Wolves

Gender Trouble

Invisible Women

A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations

Just Enough Research

The Prince [with Biographical Introduction]

The Better Angels of Our Nature

Save the Cat

The Elegant Universe

Imagined Communities

Daring Greatly

Norse Mythology

A People's History of the United States

Discipline and Punish

The Little Book of Research Writing

The Gifts of Imperfection

Bad Science

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Llewellyn's Sourcebook Series)

The Republic

The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures

Stamped from the Beginning

The Bell Jar

White Fragility

Gödel, Escher, Bach

Fermat's Enigma

The Signal and the Noise

The Brain that Changes Itself

The Artist's Way

The Negative Trait Thesaurus