Research Methods for Public Administrators

Research Methods for Public Administrators introduces students to the methodological tools public administrators and policy analysts use to conduct research in the twenty-first century. Full of engaging examples and step-by-step instructions to illustrate common research methods and techniques, this book provides future administrators with an unshakeable foundation in model building, research design, and statistical applications.

New to the Sixth Edition:

• Sections addressing recent developments in research methods, such as Big Data and Exploratory Data Analysis
• Expanded coverage of digital media, including internet surveys and survey data collection by tablet computers
• Greater focus on qualitative research methods and their strengths and weaknesses relative to quantitative methods
• Updated study items, knowledge questions, homework exercises, and problem assignments for each chapter

Elizabethann O'Sullivan, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, passed away in 2014.

Gary Rassel is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Maureen Berner is Professor of Public Administration and Government in the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jocelyn DeVance Taliaferro is Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at North Carolina State University.