Research Methods for Public Administrators

Book Details:

• Author: Gail Johnson

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2012

• ISBN: 9788131605455

• Pages: 280

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches

About the Book
This accessible and practical guide empowers students and professionals in public administration to understand and use research effectively—without requiring deep knowledge of mathematics or statistics. Written in clear language and filled with real-world examples, the book introduces essential tools and techniques for conducting or evaluating research in the public sector.

Author Gail Johnson explains the growing importance of research literacy among public administrators, who may not conduct research themselves but are increasingly expected to interpret findings and apply them in areas such as performance measurement, program evaluation, benchmarking, and customer satisfaction analysis.

The book emphasizes how to do research, how to assess its quality, and how to interpret results accurately. From understanding the fundamentals of research design to using basic statistical tools, this book equips readers with the skills necessary for evidence-based policy and program management.

Ideal for students enrolled in courses such as research methods, applied statistics, and policy analysis in undergraduate and graduate public administration programs, this volume also serves as a vital resource for practitioners navigating research-related responsibilities in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction

• Basic Concepts

• What’s Your Question?

• Designing a Research Study

• Choosing Measures

• Data Collection: Observation and Available Data

• Data Collection: Surveys and Focus Groups

• Sampling Demystified

• Data Analysis for Description

• Analyzing Data: Exploring Relationships

• Analyzing Data: Inferential Statistics

• Conclusion

About the Author
Dr. Gail Johnson is a faculty member of the Master of Public Affairs program at Evergreen State College, Washington. She holds a PhD in Political Science and a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Connecticut. She has also served as an assistant professor at Old Dominion University and has held positions at several U.S. federal agencies, including the U.S. General Accounting Office.