A critique on a methodology research publication

The process of scientific research has been considered a difficult task, limited to laboratory area and restricted to professionals, expertise in scientific field. Hernández Sampieri, R., Fernández Collado, C. and Baptista Lucio, P. (2006) agree that although methodology research appears as complex and isolated from daily life, it is strongly related to everyday events in any area of human interest.
New knowledge generated in different sciences and disciplines has been the result of carrying out scientific research studies, which involve three different models of design: qualitative, quantitative and mixed. Hernández Sampieri et al (2006) contend that “the choice of any of these methods does not seem to be relevant as long as researchers keep an ethical attitude in their search of the truth” (prologue section, p. xliv).
This manual-style book is intended for professional researchers, teachers, instructors and university students. It presents four sections: the first one states the backgrounds of scientific research; the second, the process of quantitative research; the third relates to qualitative research and the last one compiles the mixed method. Especially interesting are the extra resources: a CD and the Online Learning Center (OLC) for students and instructors.
The authors’ goal is to demystify the methodology of scientific research, since “any human being can do research work, and do it well, if the corresponding process of research is applied” (Hernández Sampieri et al., 2006, prologue section, p. xxxvii) and to discover new facts: “Research is very useful for different aims: to create new systems and products, to solve economic and social problems (. . .)” (prologue section, p. xxxviii).
A noteworthy feature is the clarity of presentation of the topics in the book. In fact, this is one of its major strengths: each chapter contains a conceptual map, a list of objectives to pursue, a synthesis, a theme development, a summary and opinions of different researchers. Hence, the information presented in the book shows a match between unit aims and authors’ goals. Unity is achieved via thematic cohesion and coherence among units.
From the point of view of classroom use, particularly useful is the practice section at the end of each unit, the CD contains the key to exercises. Teachers and instructors can use these segments to assess students, to encourage self evaluation and foster independent learning. In addition, students can use these samples of steps in methodological research to improve and consolidate their knowledge.
Broad focus could be a shortcoming of this book. Some learners may have extreme difficulty in getting the most of it. Though the vocabulary is easy to understand, some key concepts require a high level of theoretical knowledge from hard subjects like Mathematics and Statistics; i.e. chapters about data collection, analysis in the quantitative model. Students with Humanistic formation would probably struggle to cope with the demands of research study.
The complexity of the CD software in the CD might arouse problems. Many more than standard levels of computing skills are required to use it. A paper guide could help readers/users overcome skills limitations. Finally, the little expansion of the mixed model, which is the most popular among researchers, creates a hindrance. It would have been more practical if the authors had included more information about it.
To conclude, in this preliminary study, Hernández Sampieri et al. (2006) introduce readers in the challenging field of scientific discovery. In all, this book could be recommended to teachers and college/university students in search of professional growth and achievement of academic standards. Metodologia de la investigacion is an internationally renowned guide which contains a wide variety of items in relation to scientific study.

























Reference
Hernández Sampieri, R., Fernández Collado, C. & Baptista Lucio, P. (2006). Metodología de la investigación (4th ed.). México, D. F.: Mc Graw Hill Interamericana.