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May examines the research process in general and aspects of its practice in particular, in order to bridge the gap between theory and methods. This expanded edition incorporates the latest developments in social research.
This revised and expanded edition of a bestselling text incorporates the latest developments in social research. Additions to each chapter do further justice to ideas on the research process in general and aspects of its practice in particular. Chapter summaries, questions for reflection and signposts to further reading are incorporated into a new textbook format. The aim of the book, however, remains the same: to bridge the gap between theory and methods in social research, each of which is essential to understanding the dynamics of social relations. The style remains clear and accessible and the basic structure, similar. This book will have wide appeals as an introduction for undergraduates studying the methods and techniques of social science, as well as for postgraduate courses in research methods. In addition, it will enable those practising and teaching social research to stay abreast of key developments in the field.
“In this era of bountiful visual, qualitative and informationalised knowledge of the social world a conscientious guide to social research is ever more valuable…this is a knowledgeably written, highly engaging and genuinely interesting book." Dr Pamela Odih BSoc.Sc. PhD. Senior Lecturer Goldsmiths University of London, UK “A timely focus on intersectionality, decoloniality, as well as digital, participatory, collaborative methods and the relationship between knowledge, power and action, are all compelling new additions” Anastasia Christou, Associate Professor of Sociology, Middlesex University, UK “This is the best kind of companion for social researchers: a clear, concise, and practical overview of the foundations of the field…grounded in critical reflection about ethics and power, and skilfully assembled to both support and inspire.” Dr Oliver Escobar, Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, UK “The longevity of May and Perry’s ‘Social Research’ is richly deserved…combining a sophisticated approach to the unity of theory, method, and context, with clarity and approachability.” Malcolm Williams, Professor and Co-Director of the Q-Step Centre, Cardiff University, UK “Equally valuable for the newcomer and the experienced researcher, the book is elegantly structured and beautifully written, as is always the case with May and Perry’s work.” Davydd J. Greenwood, Goldwin Smith Professor of Anthropology Emeritus, Cornell University, USA Corresponding Member, Spanish Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences Fully revised and updated, Social Research: Issues, Methods and Process 5th edition bridges the gap between theory and methods in social research and clearly illuminates these essential components for understanding the dynamics of social relations. The book is divided into three parts. Part One examines the issues and perspectives in social research, Part Two discusses the methods and Part Three is devoted to reflections on the process of research. Updates to this edition include: • Two new chapters on working across boundaries and digital research, reflecting critical developments that are shaping the landscape of social research • Broadening consideration of issues including intersectionality and de-colonial research methods, along with the relationship between knowledge, power, and action • Revised ‘Discuss, Discover, Do’ sections with expanded suggestions for follow-on activities • Carefully integrated reflections and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic throughout to draw attention to critical issues The authors aim to support and inspire, with a clear and accessible writing style that enables students to identify the key issues in social research and how to successfully navigate them. Social Research 5e is the ideal companion to social research for students across the social sciences and for academics and practitioners wishing to remain well-informed on key developments in the field. Beth Perry is Professor of Urban Knowledge and Governance, and Director of the Urban Institute at the University of Sheffield, UK. Tim May is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Sheffield, UK and an Honorary Distinguished Professor at the University of Cardiff, UK.
This book is designed to assist a broad variety of social researchers with the construction and application of unique measuring instruments, methods of data collection, specific statistical tools for analytical purposes, and particular approaches or study designs in order to fulfill their research objectives. The foremost objective is to help novice and professional social investigators by reviewing the traditional scientific method, examining common research strategies, providing examples to illustrate practical applications of these strategies, and to understand these strategies as tools--with both strengths and weaknesses--used to gather quantitative and qualitative data.
The Process of Social Research successfully meets two major challenges of teaching social science methods: to make the material interesting and accessible to students, and to provide them with the tools necessary to understand, evaluate, and conduct research. Authors Jeffrey C. Dixon, Royce A. Singleton, Jr., and Bruce C. Straits employ a conversational writing style that is engaging and student-friendly. Using everyday examples to introduce chapters and clarify complex concepts, they provide current research examples on such cutting-edge topics as immigration, family composition, prosecutorial misconduct, organized racism, homelessness, social inequality and education, and alcohol consumption and grades. Placing a unique emphasis on the research process, the book helps students understand the logic and mechanics of social research, giving them the tools and the power to evaluate the research of others and to conduct their own research. Beginning with the introduction, every chapter contains flowcharts of research processes. As each diagram is presented, the authors relate the specific method to the overall research process. Then, over the course of the chapter or section, they flesh out each step. This way, they convey information about the "nuts and bolts" of research while ensuring that students do not lose sight of the logic of inquiry. Comprehensive and up-to-date without attempting to be encyclopedic in its coverage, The Process of Social Research provides a balance between qualitative and quantitative research, taking a more integrated approach to describing the relationship between theory and research.
An introduction for undergraduates to every stage of sociological research, showing how to deal effectively with typical problems they might encounter. The book is fully updated to include examples from the LA riots and the 1992 presidential elections.
This book shows students the steps involved in the research process, the various strategies for conducting a valid social inquiry, and most importantly, the persuasiveness and elegance of reliable social research. It highlights the link between academic research and the real world. Included are carefully chosen examples of each of the major methodological techniques-survey, interviews, fieldwork observations, experiments, content analysis, secondary analysis and program evaluation. Also included are selections on sampling strategies, research ethics and both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
With the rapid growth of collaborative, indigenous, and community-based research, one of the key challenges researchers face is finding an effective way of involving non-researchers in the research process. Do It Yourself Social Research has been a best-selling methodology guide for action research projects and community groups in Australia for almost three decades. Always emphasizing the importance of a spirit of inquiry, it demystifies the research process, covering where to start, how to manage a research project, what methods, techniques and resources to use, and interpretation, analysis and reporting. This third edition has been thoroughly revised, adding the use of narrative and dialogue in research, rich research design, and what digital technology can (and can’t) contribute to the research process. With its hands-on, no-nonsense approach, Do It Yourself Social Research is an essential resource for community groups, college students, and other novice researchers in health, social welfare, education and related areas.
