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The Foundations of Social Research
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The Foundations of Social Research
Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process

First Edition


October 1998 | 256 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Choosing a research method can be bewildering. How can you be sure which methodology is appropriate, or whether your chosen combination of methods is consistent with the theoretical perspective you want to take? This book links methodology and theory with great clarity and precision, showing students and researchers how to navigate the maze of conflicting terminology. The major epistemological stances and theoretical perspectives that colour and shape current social research are detailed and the author reveals the philosophical origins of these schools of inquiry and shows how various disciplines contribute to the practice of social research as it is known today.


 
Introduction
 
Positivism
The March of Science

 
 
Constructionism
The Making of Meaning

 
 
Interpretivism
For and against Culture

 
 
Interpretivism
The Way of Hermeneutics

 
 
Critical Inquiry
The Marxist Heritage

 
 
Critical Inquiry
Contemporary Critics and Contemporary Critique

 
 
Feminism
Re-Visioning the Man-Made World

 
 
Postmodernism
Crisis of Confidence or Moment of Truth?

 
 
Conclusion

An excellent resource for Social Science research

Ms Lorna Armitage
Department of Computing, Bradford University
November 24, 2014

This book is the essential introduction into the philosophical and historical background to social research- an absolute must for all researchers of any discipline

Dr Duncan Shrewsbury
Institute of Health and Soceity, Worcester University
July 23, 2015

An extremely pertinant book for those new to reserch and looking to develop their research perspectives.

Dr Robin Bown
Marketing, Gloucestershire University
October 14, 2014

This book has proved very useful for students conducting research. It is particularly relevant and helpful for those writing about theoretical and methodological perspectives.

Mr Sean Creaney
Centre for Childhood Studies, Stockport College
October 1, 2014

I found the format of this book a little disjointed but contained some good discussion regarding appropriate methodological choices

Ms Joanna Booth
Faculty of Education, Health, Sciences, Derby Univ.
July 6, 2014

Very easy to read text that goes through the complicated philosophical arguments behind research. An essential read for any student wanting a 1st class research project.

Dr Katherine Cartmell
Education and Early Childhood Studies, Liverpool John Moores Univ.
June 27, 2014

My students on a Master's programme have remarked on the 'readability' of this text. It provides a good historical context and promotes reflection of the differing perspectives.

Mrs Nicola Sowe
NBS Consultancy and Training, NBS Consultancy and Training (Teaching and Learning)
November 13, 2013

An excellent text full of useful information at a sufficient depth to support higher level learning without being too complex to understand. This is a vital text in my opinion

Mrs Teri Taylor
Sports, exercise and rehabilitation, Northumbria University
October 25, 2013

too broad for the need. Great text, however.

Professor Bryan McCullick
Kinesiology, University of Georgia
October 21, 2013

A recommended book that outlines the meaning and perspectives of the research process in a clear and concise manner.

Ms Louise Lawson
Dept of Nursing & Midwifery, Hertfordshire University
October 16, 2013

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