Research Methodology in Applied
Economics
American Journal of Agricultural
Economics , Nov, 1995 by Josef M. Broder
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Against this background, Don Ethridge takes us on a compelling
journey through the science and art of research methodology. Appearing
almost ten years after Glenn Johnson's seminal work, Research Methodology
for Economists: Philosophy and Practice, Ethridge fills a long-awaited
hiatus in the research methodology literature. Much to his credit, the
book's treatment of the subject is well integrated and gives us broad
perspective of research methodology. As one of this generation's torch
bearers of research methodology, Ethridge fills a critical need to
maintain professional dialogue on the subject. At the outset, Ethridge
wonders whether our ability to solve increasing complex mathematical
formulations has led to a "false sense of confidence about the knowledge
we possess."
The book will make two major contributions to research methodology. First,
Ethridge will be credited with exporting Johnson's treatise on research
methodology to students removed from the Michigan State University
experience. Johnson's research methodology has had a profound impact on
his students and their students. Over time, Johnson's work has suffered
from replicative fading and translation errors, when removed from the
Michigan State lineage. Much like a classic movie, Johnson's work was in
need of being colorized to appeal to a new generation of students.
Second (and perhaps, most important), Ethridge will be credited with
providing students and faculty a time-tested reference for conducting
research, normally relegated to understudy and trial and error. While
reading the book I was reminded of my first research project and was left
wishing I had read this book before embarking on that frustrating
experience. His narrative style of writing distinguishes the book from
others on research methodology. This style will appeal to graduate
students, but may limit the book's appeal to faculty outside agricultural
and resource economics. Yet, the personal narrative is not without rigor