Malcolm Smith 
Research Methods in Accounting 

This unique and popular text, now in a sixth edition, clearly and succinctly guides Accounting students and researchers in their understanding and conducting of research from conception to completion, across a wide range of research methods, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research.



This latest edition provides new and extended coverage, including the role and impact of social media, big data analytics, data mining, and emerging and disruptive technologies, such as Blockchain. There is also a renewed focus on the role of ethics in Accounting research.



This text remains essential reading for those completing a research methods course, project/dissertation or other form of individual study in Accounting.




Malcolm Smith was Foundation Professor of Accounting at the University of South Australia.

Table of Content

Introduction and Overview

Developing the Research Idea

Theory, Literature and Hypotheses

Research Ethics in Accounting

Data Collection

Quantitative Data Analysis

Qualitative Data Analysis

Experimental Research

Survey Research

Qualitative Methods

Archival Research

Supervision and Examination Processes

Turning Research Into Publications

About the author

Professor Malcolm Smith Malcolm has held professorial positions in accounting at universities in both UK  and Australia. He was Foundation Professor of Accounting at the University of South Australia. Malcolm’s research output includes 16 books, 13 book chapters and over 180 journal articles, but he is best known for his publications in two areas: ·         Financial communication: concerned with the analysis and interpretation of corporate narratives, and ·         Strategic management accounting: concerned with the diffusion of accounting innovations. Malcolm has received numerous awards for teaching and supervision, and has supervised over 20 doctoral candidates to completion.