Written in uncommonly engaging and elegant prose, Practical Research:  Planning and Designis a "do-it-yourself, understand-it-yourself” manual designed to help students in any discipline understand the fundamental structure of quality research and the methodical process that leads to valid and reliable results.   The authors emphasize two things: 1) that quality research demands planning and design; and, 2) how research projects can be executed effectively and professionally. This text guides the reader, step-by-step, from the selection of a problem, through the process of conducting authentic research, to the preparation of a completed report, with practical suggestions based on a solid theoretical framework and sound pedagogy.  With broad coverage applicable to any discipline, Practical Research is valuable to students planning to conduct their own research projects as well as to anyone wanting to participate in thoughtful, methodical evaluation of published research reports.    Read Less