Finally a Social Research textbook that provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the field, one that considers the origins of approaches and addresses epistemological and ethical contexts, and offers thoughtful discussion of and practical guidance on both quantitative and qualitative methods. This book will prove to be an invaluable resource for students and teachers and deserves to become the benchmark for texts in the fieldBarry Smart Professor of Sociology, University of Portsmouth
This is a very interesting book on research methods, particularly for teachers. The main elements of the social research process are clearly presented but in an original way: every chapter is about a different research method or approach but all of them have the same structure. This structure includes the more usual sections on how-to-do but also other sections as “Some issues in research” and “Putting the approach in context” that I find especially valuable.
A clear and practical introductory text book on social research methods, good use of tables which summarize the key points. however, no websites for students and lecturers, no end of the chapter exercises or highlights.
I prefer a book that only addressing qualitative methods. This one is too comprehensive and as such contains overlap with what my colleagues are teaching.
good introduction
Good overview. Helpful overall and easy to read. The topics are fairly comprehensive and the book is well designed and well written.
Good book, provides insight into social research
Useful insights on areas such as epistemology and ethics. Also the chapter on secondary research which is often given less of a porofile in research texts.
This book is full of useful ideas about how to conduct social research.
The section on secondary research and literature reviews is especially enlightening.
I have recommended this to our skills workshops' students because it really does adopt a practical take on social research - it's as useful for serious undergraduates wanting to excel on their final project as well as some of our PG students who are prepping dissertations.
Valuable text
This is a book that actually lives up to its title - a practical guide to carrying out social research. The chapters on secondary research and autoethnograhic research are particularly useful.
Practical and applicable to many studies, this covers some - though importantly not the whole range - of approaches that can be taken, written in an accessible and useful form.
offers clear and good direction
Recommended text for research methods module on the psychology and marketing degree. Good overview of a range of research methods suitable for the psychology and marketing elements of the course. Library copies ordered.
A very student friendly book. I found the chapter on focus groups particularly useful.
This would of value to the student requiring a foundation in social research and is also accessible to students from level 4 onwards.
Very good practice-focused reading in the challenges and opportunities of social research from design through to close-out. Clear, accessible, and authoritative.
Useful text for students undertaking a research module.
It provides basic knowledge in a clear and understandable way for undergraduates.
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