Research methodology is a structured approach to collect and analyze data. It helps researchers stay on track and limit research scope. A good methodology ensures reliability and validity of findings
Research design outlines strategies to answer research questions. Strong designs yield valid answers, weak designs provide unreliable results. Design depends on researcher's epistemology and ontology beliefs
John W. Creswell, Nebraska-Lincoln professor, authored the book in 2014. His previous work includes Academic Chairperson's Handbook (1990). He also published 30 Essential Skills for Qualitative Researcher (2016)
Fourth edition provides comprehensive framework for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research. Intended for students and faculty preparing scholarly articles, dissertations, or theses. Covers essential features of research design rather than detailed methods
Mixed methods designs can be fixed or emergent, with mixed methods arising during research. Design approach should match research problem, purpose, and questions. Researchers must clearly identify reasons for mixing quantitative and qualitative methods
Book covers qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research approaches. Divided into two parts: proposal development and report writing. Each chapter includes summary, writing exercises and suggested readings