`This book offers an excellent description of quantitative and qualitative design and analysis taught in the context of three inquiry pathways: knowledge development, social inquiry, and social research. Furthermore, it provides an excellent overview of both quantitative and qualitative methods with regard to their different epistemologies, methods and techniques. Additionally, Punch provides (a) information guiding students in the use of computers for quantitative and qualitative analysis and (b) a wide range of illustrative examples to give the book a practical flavour.... I would not hesitate to recommend it to my undergraduate students' - Forum: Qualitative Social Research (www.qualitative-research.net) `A carefully crafted introduction to social research methodology. The author guides the reader through the research process in a comprehensive and logical way which is particularly helpful for the new researcher. A great resource for anyone involved in social research - novice or experienced' - Dr Mary Kellett, Open University Building on the success of An Introduction to Social Research, this Second Edition has been fully revised and updated to provide a broader coverage of a range of methodological approaches for third year and postgraduate students across the social sciences. New features include: - Wider coverage of qualitative research methods, including sections on action research and discourse analysis. - More pedagogical features such as student exercises and illustrative examples to ensure this is a practical, student-friendly guide. - More in-depth examination of the ethical issues involved in social research. A comprehensive and accessible introduction to qualitative, quantitative and mixed empirical methods, An Introduction to Social Research is an ideal starting point for all students and researchers in the social sciences.

This book introduces students and researchers to the key ideas and issues that inform research practice. Authors Matt Henn, Mark Weinstein, and Nick Foard provide a clear and easy-to-understand roadmap to help the reader plan their research project from beginning to end. This book is perfect for use on introductory methods courses and is also an invaluable guide for the first time researcher embarking on their own small-scale research project. It is the intention of this book to prepare students and new researchers for their research project. Brilliantly written throughout, this is your essential guide to the theory of research, the practice of research and the best ways to plan and manage your research.

Based on the popular Introduction to Social Research Methods, this book offers a highly accessible, clear and engaging introduction to research in education, which has been carefully and extensively developed to fully meet the needs of those studying in education and related fields. Introduction to Research Methods in Education assumes no previous knowledge of the subject, and focuses on helping the reader develop a clear conceptual understanding of the nature of empirical research in education, and of how those ideas lead to, and underlie, the principal research techniques. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches are covered, along with practical guidance on issues such as how to prepare a research proposal, write a literature review, and analyse different types of data. This book is an ideal introduction to researching in an educational context for students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and will be a must-have for anyone studying on a research methods course or doing a research project for themselves.

This text provides an easy-to-read introduction to qualitative research methods in social work, taking into account contemporary contexts and social conditions. Drawing from a range of social work perspectives, it allows the reader to make the connection between social work values, theory and specific research methods and approaches. Comprised of 11 chapters, it covers overarching epistemological perspectives and knowledge construction; designing a research question; research design and methods; data collection and analysis; research ethics and dissemination; and impact and research translation. Highlighting social work’s unique commitment to social justice, it positions social work research as embedded in the profession’s values. As the first book to comprehensively connect social work values and emancipatory frameworks, including decolonising practices, with research methods, it shows readers the connection between social work theory and choices in relation to ethical research design. This book is suitable for use on all BSW and MSW research modules across Australia and New Zealand as well as social work courses across the UK.

An informative real-world guide to studying the "why" of human behavior Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods is a practical, comprehensive guide to the collection and presentation of qualitative data. Unique in the market, this book describes the entire research process — from design through writing — illustrated by examples of real, complete qualitative work that clearly demonstrates how methods are used in actual practice. This updated fourth edition includes all new case studies, with additional coverage of mixed methods, non-sociological settings, funding, and a sample interview guide. The studies profiled are accompanied by observation field notes, and the text includes additional readings for both students and instructors. More than just theory, this guide is designed to give you a real-world practitioner's view of how qualitative research is handled every step of the way. Many different disciplines rely on qualitative research as a method of inquiry, to gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the governing forces behind it. Qualitative research asks "why" and "how," and the data is frequently complex and difficult to measure. This book shows you how to effectively handle qualitative work, regardless of where it's being applied. Understand the strengths and limitations of qualitative data Learn how experts work around common methodological issues Compare actual field notes to the qualitative studies they generated Examine the full range of qualitative methods throughout the research process Whether you're studying sociology, psychology, marketing, or any number of other fields, especially in the social and behavioral sciences, human behavior is the central concern of your work. So what drives human behavior? That's what qualitative research helps to explain. Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods gives you the foundation you need to begin seeking answers.

Offering an encyclopedic introduction to research, this book shows you how to think about every stage of their project and equips you with the tools you need to understand different research processes. Packed with examples showing the diversity of research, this third edition provides hands-on guidance to help: Develop key academic skills like critical thinking, effective writing and building an argument Confidently interpret findings, assess arguments and understand the wider impact of their research Understand the challenges and opportunities involved in working with new types of data like social media and online data Supported by a dynamic new website with downloadable templates, case studies, dos and don’ts videos and more, this practical book prepares you for not just getting to grips with methodological concepts, but being ready to apply them.

Clear, comprehensive, and trusted, Bryman's Social Research Methods has guided over a quarter of a million students through their research methods course and student research project. The thoroughly updated sixth edition offers unrivalled coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods with renewed focus and a fresh, modern feel.The authors have worked closely with lecturers and students in thoroughly updating the sixth edition to reflect the current social science landscape, and carefully streamlining content to make it relevant and appealing to today's students. As a result, the text's comprehensive coverage - which includes many new examples and additional material on areas such as social media research and big data - is now even clearer, more focused, and easier to navigate.NEW TO THIS EDITIONThoroughly but sensitively updated by three new authors. Dr Tom Clark, Dr Liam Foster, and Dr Luke Sloan bring specialist expertise and have worked closely with students and lecturers to build on Alan Bryman's impressive legacy.Extensively streamlined to provide even more focused coverage of the key aspects of social research, with adjustments made throughout to improve clarity and aid navigation.A clean, attractive new design makes the material easier than ever to read and use.Coverage - including citations and real research examples - has been broadened to better reflect the concerns and contexts of the book's geographically diverse, multi-disciplinary readership. Discussions of feminist perspectives have also been updated to highlight wider issues relating to marginalised groups and power dynamics in research, and inclusive, ethical practices are consistently endorsed.New material on recent developments within social research, including social media research and big data, has been embedded throughout and the numerous examples of real research have been thoroughly updated.In new 'Learn from experience' boxes, recent social science graduates from across the UK and Europe share their experiences of conducting a student research project. These candid accounts will inspire readers and help them to avoid common pitfalls and emulate successful approaches.Expanded digital resources now include a 'research process in practice' simulation, answers to the end-of-chapter questions, videos from the new 'Learn from experience' graduate panel, and screencast tutorials covering the data analysis software packages SPSS, Nvivo, R, and Stata.This title is available as an eBook. Please contact your Learning Resource Consultant for more information.

The author follows two chapters on the fundamentals of social science and social research with three on preparation, two on interviewing, one on scaling, and two on relative advantages and methods of participative, direct and indirect observation.

"An Introduction to Visual Research Methods in Tourism", is the first book to present, discuss and promote the use of a range of visual methods, including still images (such as photographs, postcards, drawings) and moving images (such as video) within the context of tourism research. The book focuses on key issues important for students, researchers and academics actively doing visual tourism research or those who are contemplating using these methods. These range from the questions surrounding philosophical approaches, (inter)disciplinary location, range and choice of methods, implementation and data analysis techniques to provide an essential guide to using visual methods in tourism research. While recognising that visual methods are predominantly employed within qualitative research, this text will discuss various philosophical approaches and academic disciplines indicating how these influence a particular choice of visual method, mode of implementation and type of analysis. In this regard this book will incorporate perspectives from a range of disciplines including anthropology, geography and sociology, demonstrating how these might be applied within the context of studies in tourism. The discussions surrounding these key issues are supplemented with international case studies from existing research to show how these methods are used in practice. In addition to this practical tip boxes are included to help avoid some of the pitfalls associated with visual research. This book is an essential guide for tourism students, academics and researchers embarking on research using visual methodology in this field.

This book provides introductory materials on research methods and report writing that aim at guiding students and researchers towards effective research and reporting of their findings. Unlike the many volumes on research that are mostly theoretical, this book originated in the classroom and grew out of the students' own needs to design and conduct satisfactory research in order to meet academic requirements. It is also designed to help experienced researchers in their research ventures. In fulfilling this purpose, the author uses simple, straightforward language. He also provides appropriate examples and illustrations to enable the reader to grasp the basic concepts of research. The book will prove a useful guide for students and researchers in social sciences and humanities who wish to transform research theory into real and feasible research projects.