Theory and Methods in Social Research

Second Edition

Edited by:

Bridget Somekh - Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
Cathy Lewin

Courses:
Research Methods | Research Methods

January 2011 | 368 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

This new edition provides a scholarly and readable introduction to all the key qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and methods, enabling postgraduate and masters-level students and new researchers to reflect on which ones suit their needs and to receive guidance on how to find out more.

With chapters written by experienced research practitioners, this second edition has been extensively expanded and updated. There are seven completely new chapters, as well as:

new material on literature reviews
a new introduction to quantitative methods
an expanded glossary
weblinks with free access to a wide range of peer-reviewed journal articles
an annotated bibliography with conversational notes from authors in each chapter.

This book will act as your 'expert friend' throughout your research project, providing advice, explaining key concepts and the implications for your research design, and illustrating these with examples of real research studies.

Praise for the first edition:

"Not merely a how-to book, it reviews the conceptual framework of research methods in the social and behavioural sciences and provides tangible stories from the field that illustrate the application of specific techniques and the process of conducting research. . . . This work affords a concise overview of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in the social science. . . . Highly recommended."

R.V. Labaree

University of Southern California

CHOICE

Available Formats

ISBN: 9781849200141	Hardcover	Suggested Retail Price: $195.00	Bookstore Price: $156.00
ISBN: 9781849200158	Paperback	Suggested Retail Price: $87.00	Bookstore Price: $69.60
ISBN: 9781446246320	Electronic Version	Suggested Retail Price: $78.00	Bookstore Price: $62.40

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PART ONE: READING, REVIEWING AND REFLECTING

Introduction

Bridget Somekh et al

Research in the Social Sciences

Barbara Kamler and Pat Thomson

Working with Literatures

Heather Piper and Helen Simons

Ethical Issues in Generating Public Knowledge

PART TWO: LISTENING, EXPLORING THE CASE AND THEORIZING

Introduction

Jo Frankham and Christina MacRae

Ethnography

Mary Louise Holly and Herbert Altrichter

Research Diaries

Charlotte Chadderton and Harry Torrance

Case Study

Rosaline SBarbour and John Schostak

Interviewing and Focus Groups

PART THREE: ADDRESSING ISSUES OF POWER AND RESEARCHING FOR IMPACT

Introduction

Diane Burns and Khatidja Chantler

Feminist Methodologies

Laurence Parker and Lorna Roberts

Critical Race Theory and Its Use in Social Science Research

Gloria Filax et al

Queer Theory / Lesbian and Gay Approaches

Susan Noffke and Bridget Somekh

Action Research

Tineke Abma and Thomas A Schwandt

The Purpose, Practice and Politics of Sponsored Evaluations

PART FOUR: OBSERVING, QUERYING, INTERPRETING

Introduction

Juliet Corbin and Nicholas L Holt

Grounded Theory

Angie Titchen and Dawn Hobson

Understanding Phenomenology through Reverse Perspectives

Liz Jones and Bridget Somekh

Observation

Alison Lee and Alan Petersen

Discourse Analysis

Colin Lankshear, Kevin M Leander and Michele Knobel

Researching Online Practices

PART FIVE: IDENTITY, COMMUNITY AND REPRESENTATION

Introduction

Scherto Gill and Ivor Goodson

Life History and Narrative Methods

Diane Mavers and Gunther Kress

Social Semiotics and Multimodal Texts

David Benzie and Bridget Somekh

Communities of Practice

Ines Langemeyer and Morten Nissen

Activity Theory

Jill Blackmore and Hugh Lauder

Researching Policy

PART SIX: QUANTITATIVE METHODS: THEORIES AND PERSPECTIVES

Introduction

Kelvyn Jones

The Practices of Quantitative Methods

Charles Crook and Dean Garratt

The Positivist Paradigm in Contemporary Social Research: The Interface of Psychology, Method and Sociocultural Theory

Cathy Lewin

Understanding and Describing Quantitative Data

Sally Barnes and Cathy Lewin

Differences and Relationships in Quantitative Data

Kelvyn Jones

An Introduction to Statistical Modelling

PART SEVEN: QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN ACTION

Introduction

Jennifer C Greene, Holly Kreider and Ellen Mayer

Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Social Inquiry

Kelvyn Jones

Random Reflections on Modelling, Geography and Voting

W J Pelgrum

Methodological Issues in International Comparative Assessments of Educational Progress

John Ainley

Evaluating Literacy Advance in the Early Years of School

Brian Doig

Working Backwards: The Road Less Travelled in Quantitative Methodology

PART EIGHT: RESEARCHING IN POSTMODERN CONTEXTS

Introduction

Erica Burman and Maggie Maclure

Deconstruction

Tony Brown and Daniel Heggs

From Hermeneutics to Post-Structuralism to Psychoanalysis

Lee Miller, Joanne 'Bob' Whalley and Ian Stronach

From Structuralism to Post-Structuralism

Bronwen Davies and Suzanne Gannon

Feminism/Post-Structuralism

Praise for the first edition:

'Not merely a how-to book, it reviews the conceptual framework of research methods in the social and behavioural sciences and provides tangible stories from the field that illustrate the application of specific techniques and the process of conducting research. . . . This work affords a concise overview of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in the social science. . . . Highly recommended' - R.V. Labaree

University of Southern California, CHOICE

The book is really good but more suited to higher levels of study - i.e PG. Developing PG Healthcare courses in 2021/2022 and this book will work perfectly for the programmes.

Mr Saikou Sanyang

Tower Hamlets Campus, Arden University

September 1, 2020

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Something in there for all social science researchers

Mrs Ann-marie Steele

Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University

September 15, 2016

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An excellent book that is well written explaining key concepts for the research. Highly recommended.

Ms Eva Mikuska

Deapartment of Childcare, Social Work and Social Care, University of Chichester

December 17, 2014

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A clear and comprehensive text which supports the development and understanding of research methods.

Mrs Branwen Bingle

Institute of Education, Worcester Univ.

September 11, 2014

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Good use of theory and research methods.

Mrs Christine Cattermole

UCO, University Campus Oldham

April 8, 2014

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Good range of methodologies presented in readbale form and in depth.

Dr Linda Morrice

Department of Education, Sussex University

November 21, 2013

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An impressive text that goes beyond the introductory' level. Good coverage of essential areas, written in a student-accessible language and format

Mr Andrew Holmes

Centre for Educational Studies, Hull University

October 15, 2013

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This text gives excellent coverage of many areas of social science research. A really useful introduction for students embarking on a postdoctoral course of study, answering many questions which will continue to arise as they progress through their research degree. A constantly useful companion.

Dr Candice Satchwell

Dept of Education and Social Science, University of Central Lancashire

May 15, 2013

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Fantastic book. With the nature of our students carrying out both qual and quant work, this book is highly recommended.

Mr Luke Gibson

Learning Resource Centre - Buxton, Derby University

November 8, 2012

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New to the second edition:

Seven new chapters
New material on literature reviews
A new introduction to quantitative methods
An expanded glossary
Weblinks with free access to a wide range of peer-reviewed journal articles
An annotated bibliography with conversational notes from authors in each chapter