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Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research
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Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research



November 2012 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
In this inspiring and engaging book, readers are presented with the key principles and practices of small-scale research. In addition, the book provides a peerless introduction to the key features involved in the process of research design and practice. Written in a clear, accessible way and drawing on exciting up-to-date examples, this book makes for a crucial companion on the way to research excellence.

Based on Derek Layder's solid background as a researcher, supervisor and teacher, Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research:
  • Leads the researcher through the actual process of doing a research project from start to finish
  • Offers a comprehensive outline of general areas and issues such as preparation and planning, developing research questions, interviewing and sampling
  • Reflects upon research as a social and human process
  • Provides systematic guidelines and advice above and beyond technical essentials
This book is invaluable to both students and researchers interested in social interaction - informing, guiding and inspiring them towards excellent small-scale research.

 
Overview of the Adaptive Approach
 
Finding a Research Topic and a Research Problem
 
Developing Questions from Research Problems
 
Preparation and Project Design
 
Qualitative Data and Mixed Strategies
 
Quantitative Data and Mixed Strategies
 
Imaginative Sampling
 
Data Analysis: Concepts and Coding
 
Writing the Research Report: Arguments and Explanations
 
Guidelines and Checklist for Adaptive Research

This is a really good text that I would certainly recommend to my third year undergraduate dissertation students and also my masters students. It is written in a friendly, down to earth format that students can engage with and it contains lots of concrete examples; which are useful and contribute to very practical and accessible handbook

Dr Dawn Mannay
SOCSI, Cardiff University
January 2, 2013

Some good pointers for students embarking on small research projects.

Dr Elaine Genders
Faculty of Laws, University College London
December 20, 2012

I will be recommending this very highly to students preparing their research propsals and moving into their Independent Study/Dissertation.

Ms Alison Fielding
Department of Professional Development, Canterbury Christ Church University
December 11, 2012

This is an excellent guide to small scale research which is ideal for those conducting qualitative research at a post graduate level but not social scientists by background. I will recommend this to those conducting design research.

Dr Val Mitchell
Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University
December 7, 2012

This is a clear and accessible text for students of all levels undertaking research.

The writing style is explanatory and in plain English which encourages the reader. There is a logical and clear organisation to the book which will be very helpful to small-scale researchers.

Mrs Janet Murray
Centre for Early Childhood, Worcester University
December 3, 2012

This book will be ideal for provoking ideas in undergraduate and foundation degree childhood studies and research.

It is particularly useful for my students to select relevant questions from data they have read.

Andre Kurowski
Childhood Studies : Early Years, Chichester University
November 22, 2012

The style is readable and creative, and provides an initial level introduction for qualitative research, but the book lacks rigour and clarity for teaching at postgraduate level. Good use of headings and bullets, but otherwise not very visually appealing for a modern audience.

Professor Brian Taylor
Social Work , University of Ulster
November 21, 2012

This is a really useful book which answers many of the questions from both undergrad and post grad students. It is well laid out, logically presented and written in a clear user-friendly style. I will be recommending this for Level 5, 6 and 7 students and also to members of staff who are starting out on or in the early stages of their research career

Ms Deb Hearle
Department of Occupational Therapy, Cardiff University
November 21, 2012

This is a book which will provide much food for thought for students who are at a stage of considering research methods and, more particularly, beginning their own small scale research project. It has an accessible feel to it but without dodging the complexities involved when embarking upon research.

Ms Sue Mills
The Lifelong Learning Institute, Leeds University
November 14, 2012
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Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


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