eBook downloads, eBook resources & eBook authors
In this book the contributors introduce all the key qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and methods and draw readers into a community of researchers engaged in reflection on the research process
`This book provides an excellent balance between theory and practical application in social research. The book works well to develop students′ understanding of particular methods of inquiry, embedding them within "real world" settings. I enviSAGE that it will help students to understand the nuances of particular approaches, the complimentarity of certain methods, and the areas of conflict/contention within social research in a way that overcomes the sometimes abstract nature of these discussions′ - Dr Jon Tan, School of Education and Professional Training, Leeds Metropolitan University `This book unlocks all of the important areas of social science research in an easily digestible and stimulating style. Both students and supervisors in a range of disciplines will find this an excellent resource′ - Fazal Rizvi, Professor in Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Rather than being written by one or two `generalists′, this innovative book is written by a large number of active researchers about their specialisms in methods/methodologies. The book introduces all the key qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and methods and seeks to draw readers into a community of researchers engaged in reflection on the research process. Included are narrative accounts of carrying out a research study that explore the way in which the research design and methods are shaped by the methodology, discussing problematic issues, and reflecting on the way in which knowledge and understanding develop. Aimed at researchers and postgraduate students, it will also be invaluable for students at masters level. Click on the companion website logo above to access additional resources and links to accompany each chapter in the book. `Research Methods in the Social Sciences is a valuable pedagogical tool. It is organized as a dialogue between theory and key concepts, and practice - stories from the field allowing novices and scholars alike to see how critical interpretive research is actually conducted′ - Norman K Denzin, University of Illinois
The aim of this book is to provide an introductory but not simplistic guide to research in the social and behavioural sciences. The book sets out to tackle difficult issues and concepts in a scholarly but accessible manner, providing ample guidance and signposts to further reading. We explore a wide range of questions about research and research methods, including: * What counts as 'good research'? * Research approaches, paradigms, methods and methodology: what are they and what is the difference? * What is the so-called 'qualitative/ quantitative'? * When and where is quantitative research indispensable? * If one suggests that research should be 'scientific' what does that mean? * What methods and methodologies are used in social research? * What is the role of statistics in social and behavioural research? How should statistical evidence be interpreted? * What are the ways in which research can, and should, be disseminated and presented? This book is aimed as much at the reflective, researching professional as for the professional researcher.
Yet Research May Be Regarded As A Useful Form Of Activity. Research, In The Sense Of Development, Elaboration And Refinement Of Principles, Together With The Collection And Use Of Empirical Materials To Help In These Processes, Is One Of Die Highest Activities Of A University And One In Which All Its Professors Should Be Engaged. Research Need Not Be Thought Of As A Special Prerogative Of Young Men And Women Preparing Themselves For A Higher Degree. Nobody Needs The Permission Of A University To Do Research And Many Of The Great Scholars Did Not Any Research In The Ordinary Sense Of The Term. Yet They Succeeded In Contributing Significantly To The Existing Realms Of Knowledge. Research Is A Matter Of Realising A Question And Then Trying To Find An Answer. In Other Words, Research Means A Sort Of Investigation Describing The Fact That Some Problem Is Being Investigated To Shed For Generalization. Therefore, Research Is The Activity Of Solving Problem Which Adds New Knowledge And Developing Of Theory As Well As Gathering Of Evidence To Test Generalization.In View Of This, The Present Attempt Is Made To Describe The Different Aspects Of Research Generally Being Conducted By The Social Scientists And It Is Hoped That It Will Be Of Great Use For All Those Concerned With Social Research.
Research Methods in the Social Sciences is a comprehensive yet compact A-Z for undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking research across the social sciences, featuring 71 entries that cover a wide range of concepts, methods, and theories. Each entry begins with an accessible introduction to a method, using real-world examples from a wide range of academic disciplines, before discussing the benefits and limitations of the approach, its current status in academic practice, and finally providing tips and advice for readers on when and how to apply the method in their own research. Wide ranging and interdisciplinary, the text covers both well-established concepts and emerging ideas, such as big data and network analysis, for qualitative and quantitative research methods. All entries feature extensive cross-referencing, providing ease of navigation and, pointing readers to related concepts, and to help build their overall understanding of research methods.
This acclaimed text offers a comprehensive, systematic treatment of the scientific approach to research within the context of the social sciences. It leads students through seven major, interrelated stages of research methods: definition of the research problem, statement of hypothesis, research design, measurement, data collection, data analysis, and generalization.The new edition features a new Data Bank CD and an appendix introducing students to SPSS.
Research Methodology for Social Sciences provides guidelines for designing and conducting evidence-based research in social sciences and interdisciplinary studies using both qualitative and quantitative data. Blending the particularity of different sub-disciplines and interdisciplinary nature of social sciences, this volume: Provides insights on epistemological issues and deliberates on debates over qualitative research methods; Covers different aspects of qualitative research techniques and evidence-based research techniques, including survey design, choice of sample, construction of indices, statistical inferences and data analysis; Discusses concepts, techniques and tools at different stages of research, beginning with the design of field surveys to collect raw data and then analyse it using statistical and econometric methods. With illustrations, examples and a reader-friendly approach, this volume will serve as a key reference material for compulsory research methodology courses at doctoral levels across different disciplines, such as economics, sociology, women's studies, education, anthropology, political science, international relations, philosophy, history and business management. This volume will also be indispensable for postgraduate courses dealing with quantitative techniques and data analysis.
