Research Methods for Public Administrators

Third Edition

Gail Johnson

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2014
• Print ISBN:
  9780765637147
• eBook ISBN:
  9781317460930
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Politics
• Index: Politics & International Relations

As in previous editions, this highly practical book is written with beginning MPA students and practitioners in mind. It focuses on the interpretation and use of research findings, not just number crunching. It covers the entire research process, from initial questions to final report, in clear, jargon-free language, and includes numerous easy-to-understand examples and exercises that provide opportunities for concrete applications of the concepts. It is solidly grounded in public administration and recognizes both the promise and limitations of research within a political environment.

Key features of the book:

--It is highly practical and written to accommodate a mix of readers: those who want to become analysts, managers who will oversee research contracts, and citizens who need to know whether to believe the facts and data they read in today's news;

--It minimizes the use of jargon and explains difficult concepts in clear language. Plentiful end-of-chapter exercises provide opportunities for concrete application of the concepts;

--Key points are highlighted as "takeaway lessons" so readers are reminded about what really matters. The tough questions to ask are suggested in every chapter;

--Examples and applications are used throughout the book to illustrate concepts and add topical interest;

--It covers the entire research process, from initial questions to the final report.

This book demystifies and makes practical the research every public administrator and policy analyst needs to do the job well. Online instructor's materials, including a Test Bank, PowerPoint slides, and a Survey and Documental Analysis (SDA) guide, are also available to adopters.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• List of Illustrations
• Preface and Acknowledgments
• 1. Introduction: Research Methods for Public Administrators
• 2. Basic Research Concepts
• 3. What Is the Question?
• 4. Identifying Measures and Measurement Strategy
• 5. Designs for Research: The Xs and Os Framework
• 6. Other Research Approaches
• 7. Data Collection I: Available Data and Observation
• 8. Data Collection II: Interviews and Focus Groups
• 9. Data Collection III: Surveys
• 10. Sampling Demystified
• 11. Qualitative Data Analysis
• 12. Data Analysis for Description
• 13. Analyzing Survey Scales
• 14. Data Analysis: Exploring Relationships
• 15. Data Analysis: Regression
• 16. Data Analysis Using Inferential Statistics
• 17. Communicating Research Results
• 18. Conclusion: Research at the Intersection of Politics and Administration
• Appendix A. Mathematical Formulas for Selected Statistics
• Appendix B. Statistics as a Second Language
• Appendix C. Bibliography
• Appendix D. Logic Model Template
• Appendix E. The Generic Design Matrix
• Index
• About the Author