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As a bestselling introductory book on the basics of social research, The Good Research Guide provides an accessible yet comprehensive introduction to the main approaches to social research and the methods most commonly used by researchers in the social sciences
This bestselling introductory book offers practical and straightforward guidance on the basics of social research, ideal for anyone who needs to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. The book provides: • A clear, straightforward introduction to data collection methods and data analysis • Jargon-free coverage of the key issues • Checklists to guide good practice The sixth edition has been extensively updated and includes features such as: • A new chapter on the Life Course Perspective • A new chapter on Literature Reviews • New material on the Delphi Technique • An updated and expanded chapter on the analysis of Quantitative Data • New examples and illustrations throughout The Good Research Guide, 6th edition is a valuable resource for anyone conducting social research including those in applied areas such as business studies, health studies, nursing, education, social work, policy studies, marketing, media studies and criminology. "Denscombe's The Good Research Guide, now in its 6th edition, continues to be one of the leading books in the field. It covers the topics a student or practitioner doing a research project needs to know from project design, theoretical underpinnings of research, data collection and analysis to writing up your research. Its accessible and practical approach means that it is an excellent resource for those new to undertaking independent research." Liam Foster, Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Social Work, Sheffield University, UK "Martyn Denscombe's text continues to remain core reading for those undertaking small pieces of research and those who need to gain a firm grounding in the principles of research theory and practice. From deciding on a research approach to the process of writing up, this finely balanced edition offers a comprehensive and detailed guide to the research cycle. Pragmatic, and with the needs of the researcher always in mind, it makes social science research accessible, undaunting, and, what's more, a completely possible, stimulating, and enjoyable endeavour." Yunis Alam, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bradford, UK "The Good Research Guide provides a comprehensive view of the complex strategies and approaches of conducting social research, explained in simple terms. Relevant examples and check lists provided in each section not only helps to gain better understanding but also reflect on one’s own research. This book has tremendously helped me to gain knowledge and understanding of complex research strategies. It will provide clear guidance and direction for students and researchers in their research journey to achieve success." Deborah Ebenezer, Research Student "I think the book has a very good précis of areas relevant to the title. It outlines very well in a logical order the elements pertinent to 'social research'. Each chapter is relatively comprehensive and deals with subject material that is important, in a language that is accessible throughout. It does what it says on the tin and provides practical information and guidance as a 'how to' text' for those needing help with this type of research project. In particular I think the checklists are an excellent chapter ending to help plan and bring into sharp focus what is needed for any particular approach. The within chapter examples are excellent and help to further inform the reader what the author is trying to convey. Chapter links help further embed concepts and show how the various research elements may be associated. Overall an excellent introductory text that embodies a no-nonsense approach to a subject that can be at times complex. By breaking down topic areas and giving simple examples the subject is eminently accessible to the reader. Well done!" Stephen Pearson, Senior Lecturer in Human and Applied Physiology, School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, UK "This new edition provides comprehensive guidance to those undertaking small-scale social research projects including dissertations in business and management and the social sciences and I would recommend its use for all those new to research and also to refresh the thinking of those with prior research experience. Part 1 addresses a range of strategies for social research including surveys, sampling, case studies, experiments, ethnography, the life course perspective, grounded theory, action research, phenomenology, systematic review and mixed methods. There are few texts which address research strategies in such a comprehensive manner. The text develops in Part 2 by providing clear guidance on the selection and use of appropriate methods of data collection such as questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary analysis, taking into account the aims and objective of the research project. Part 4 considers both quantitative and qualitative data analysis with Part 4 providing essential information on research ethics, the reporting of research and on the conduct and presentation of the literature review essential to all research projects. I have no hesitation in commending this text for use by undergraduate and post-graduate students as well as those undertaking research projects independent of an academic programme." Dr. Bobby Mackie, Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Enterprise, University of the West of Scotland, UK
The Good Research Guidehas been a bestselling introduction to the basics of social research since it was first published in 1998. This new second edition of the book offers the same clear guidance on how to conduct successful small-scale research projects and adds even more value by including new sections on internet research, phenomenology, grounded theory and image-based methods. The book provides: a clear summary of the relevant strategies, methods and approaches to data analysis a jargon-free coverage of the key issues an attractive layout and user-friendly presentation checklists to guide good practice. Practical and comprehensive,The Good Research Guideis an invaluable tool for students of education, health studies, business studies and other social sciences, who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies.
The Good Research Guide provides practical and straightforward guidance for those who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. The 7th edition covers topics in a clear, user-friendly style outlining the key points and explaining why they are important. The new edition has been updated throughout and has additional material on topics such as social media research, online surveys, image-based research and participatory action research. It also features new chapters on how to prepare for a research project, with specific guidance on: · how to undertake a literature review · how to write a research proposal · how to ensure the research is ethical · how to locate the project within a research paradigm Full of practical advice and valuable examples, this is the go-to book for students looking to improve their research skills. “Having this book at your side is like having your hand held from start to finish and every decision in between... I very much welcome a new edition for my students” Melanie Nind, Professor of Education, University of Southampton and Co-director, National Centre for Research Methods, UK "Comprehensively updated, this book remains the indispensable student guide to the research process… It's not just good, it's great!" Dr Tom Clark, Lecturer in Research Methods, The University of Sheffield, UK “The text is informative, concise, and attractive. Each chapter presents sections in an easy-to-read format with further reading ideas and link ups to the numerous topics covered throughout the book.” Dr Alaster Scott Douglas, Reader in the School of Education, University of Roehampton, UK Martyn Denscombe is Emeritus Professor at De Montfort University. He has a research background in the fields of sociology, education and business studies and has published widely on research methods in the social sciences.
The Good Research Guide is a best-selling introductory book on the basics of social research.
The Good Research Guide provides practical and straightforward guidance for those who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies, covering all the major issues and concerns from start to finish. This brand new 5th edition is thoroughly updated throughout and includes developments in research such as the use of social media, internet research and online surveys.
" ... Introductory book on the basics of social research. It provides practical and straightforward guidance for those who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. ... includes new material on: the use of social media in research, including guidelines on the use of social networking sites; more on internet research and how to run online surveys; how to conduct sytematic literature reviews; getting good response rates to a survey; writing research reports; research ethics. ... an invaluable resource for anyone conducting social research including those in applied areas such as business studies, health studies, nursing, education, social work, policy studies, marketing, media studies and criminology."--Back cover.
This fully revised and updated popular text successfully bridges the gap between theory and methods in social research, clearly illuminating these essential components for understanding the dynamics of social relations. The book is divided into two parts, with part one examining the issues and perspectives in social research and part two setting out the methods and processes. Updates to this edition include: A new chapter on case study research A new concluding chapter Links to additional websites and IT applications that are integrated throughout the book Updated experiential examples and scenarios More international examples The clear writing style, chapter summaries, questions for reflection and signposts to further readings continue to make this book the ideal companion to social research for students across the social sciences. In addition, it will be recognised as an invaluable source of reference for those practising and teaching social research who wish to keep abreast of key developments in the field. With contributions from Beth Perry (University of Salford) and Carole Sutton (University of Plymouth).
These proceedings represent the work of contributors to the 22nd European Conference on e-Learning (ECEL 2023), hosted by University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa on 26-27 October 2023. The Conference Co-Chairs Associate Professor Sarah Jane Johnston and Associate Professor Shawren Singh both from University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa. ECEL is now a well-established event on the academic research calendar and now in its 22nd year the key aim remains the opportunity for participants to share ideas and meet the people who hold them. The scope of papers will ensure an interesting two days. The subjects covered illustrate the wide range of topics that fall into this important and ever-growing area of research. It is especially relevant that the conference is being hosted by UNISA this year as the university celebrates its 150th anniversary. UNISA has been a pioneer in first distance and now e-Learning. The conference will also host the final round of the 9th e-Learning Excellence Awards where innovate case histories will be presented. The opening keynote presentation is given by Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Vice Principal for the Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation at University of South Africa who will speak on, “The Role of African Feminisms in Shaping a Sustainable Future of Being and Learning”. An afternoon keynote on Thursday will be made by Dr Zolile Martin Mguda, University of South Africa on the topic of “ChatGPT: The first year”. The second day of the conference will open with an address by Dr Isabel Tarling, MD, Limina, South Africa with the title “Developing Digital Standards for Learning and Teaching in South Africa’s Schools”. With an initial submission of 100 abstracts, after the double blind, peer review process there are 45 Academic research papers, 3 PhD research papers and 1 Masters Research paper published in these Conference Proceedings. These papers represent research from Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mozambique, Norway, Oman, Perú, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
