Includes bibliographical references (p. 251-260) and indexes.

Analytic contents of research techniques -- Part I. Preliminary considerations. The selection of a research approach ; Review of the literature ; The use of theory ; Writing strategies and ethical considerations -- Part II. Designing research. The introduction ; The purpose statement ; Research questions and hypotheses ; Quantitative methods ; Qualitative methods ; Mixed methods procedures -- Glossary.

"The eagerly anticipated Fourth Edition of the title that pioneered the comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research design is here! For all three approaches, Creswell includes a preliminary consideration of philosophical assumptions, a review of the literature, an assessment of the use of theory in research approaches, and reflections about the importance of writing and ethics in scholarly inquiry. He also presents the key elements of the research process, giving specific attention to each approach. The Fourth Edition includes extensively revised mixed methods coverage, increased coverage of ethical issues in research, and an expanded emphasis on worldview perspectives."--Publishers description.