Data Analysis: Research Methods Literature

The MSU Libraries have many books and articles about research methodologies in our collections that can help to inform your data analysis choices. Search for books in the library catalog and articles in our databases.

Sage Research Methods is a database dedicated to the research methods literature and is a wonderful resource. However, keep in mind that it is not comprehensive, as it only represents a single (albeit proliferate) publisher of research methods texts.

Books on Secondary Analysis

• There are a number of books written about conducting secondary analyses of published data sets.  These books will often list relevant studies.  General books on research methods within your discipline may also include a chapter that talks about secondary analysis and data sources.  Here are a few selected titles:
  • Unobtrusive measures / Eugene Webb
  • Secondary data analysis (Pocket guides to social work research methods) / Thomas P. Vartanian
  • Secondary data analysis: An introduction for psychologists / edited by Kali H. Trzesniewski, M. Brent Donnellan, and Richard E. Lucas
  • Secondary data sources for public health: A practical guide / Sarah Boslaugh
  • Using secondary data in educational and social research / Emma Smith
  • Research strategies for secondary data : a perspective for criminology and criminal justice / Marc Riedel
  • Secondary analysis of survey data / K. Jill Kiecolt, Laura E. Nathan (Note: Published in 1985, outdated but some issues are still relevant)
  • Reworking qualitative data / Janet Heaton