This book seeks to introduce students to the challenges of 'real life' social research through a detailed consideration of eight recent empirical studies. Designed to complement existing introductory methods texts, it emphasises the importance of context in understanding and interpreting both the practice and 'product' of empirical research. The book focuses on research from eight key sub-areas of sociology, making it a useful secondary text for introductory courses on contemporary British society.

`This clearly written and user-friendly book is ideal for students or researchers who wish to get a basic, but solid grasp of a topic and see how it fits with other topics. By following the links a student can easily and efficiently build up a clear conceptual map of social research′ - Malcolm Williams, Reader in Sociology, Cardiff University `This is a really useful book, written in an accessible manner for students beginning their study of social research methods. It is helpful both as an introductory text and as a reference guide for more advanced students. Most of the key topics in methods and methodology are covered and it will be suitable as a recommended text on a wide variety of courses′ - Clive Seale, Brunel University At last, an authoritative, crystal-clear introduction to research methods which really takes account of the needs of students for accessible, focused information to help with undergraduate essays and exams. The key concepts discussed here are based on a review of teaching syllabi and the authors′ experience of many years of teaching. Topics range over qualitative and quantitative approaches and combine practical considerations with philosophical issues. They include several new topics, like internet and phone polling, internet searches, and visual methods. Each section is free-standing, can be tackled in order, but with links to other sections to enable students to cross-reference and build up a wider understanding of central research methods. To facilitate comprehension and aid study, each section begins with a definition. It is followed by a summary of key points with key words and guides to further reading and up-to-date examples. The book is a major addition to undergraduate reading lists. It is reliable, allows for easy transference to essays and exams and easy to use, and exceptionally clearly written for student consumption. The book answers the needs of all those who find research methods daunting, and for those who have dreamt of an ideal introduction to the subject.

Exam Board: AQA Level: AS/A-level Subject: Sociology First Teaching: September 2015 First Exam: June 2016 Build students' understanding with this concept-driven approach to the 2015 AQA A-level Sociology specification, written by a team of leading subject authors and approved by AQA. - Develop the knowledge required to master Year 1 topics with clear and accessible content coverage - Build confidence in the evaluative skills needed to assess sociological theories and research - Strengthen learning and revision with a wealth of practice and extension questions and activities

This accessible, well-judged text provides students with a matchless introduction to generic research skills.

With its focus on critical thinking and applied learning, Doing Social Research provides a unique approach to conducting social research. The book is organised according to the broad chronology of developing and conducting a typical student research project and provides coverage of key theories alongside exercises, case studies and scenarios.Written specifically for students in South Africa and the developing world and drawing on examples from a range of fields in the social sciences, the book brings research methods to life.

Since its first edition in 1985, Patrick McNeill's Research Methods has become a classic introductory text for students of sociology at A level and in undergraduate courses as well as for a range of specialists in education, business, social care and medicine who need a brief but authoritative account of how sociologists set about conducting research. After a brief overview of the history of sociological research which introduces key concepts, this new edition, co-authored with Steve Chapman, describes the main sociological research methods, and includes sections on theory, science and values as well as: references to research studies developments in relevant sociological theory developments in research methodology new material on the presentation of research findings. Including an appendix of questions which students should ask when they are evaluating accounts of research, this lasting text retains the clarity of style of the second edition, and brings the content up-to-date.

Fully revised for the third edition, this popular text provides an advanced yet accessible introduction to the tools, terminology and research perspectives that students need to know in order to engage in academic debate and successfully complete research-based assignments. It first explores the language and nature of research, before developing readers' understanding of different research methods and the role of theory in research. Chapters are complemented by examples, boxed summaries of key ideas and suggestions for further reading. This text will be an essential resource for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates of all disciplines. New to this Edition: - Includes new examples and material on managing the research process

"... the book is not only a study of the history of sociological research methods in America, but it is an excellent piece of sociological research itself." Shulamit Reinhart, Journal for the History of the Behavioral Sciences. "This is an outstanding contribution to our understanding of what really went on in US universities at a key point in the development of sociology and an almighty sideswipe at a great deal of the discipline's subordination to theorists from within and from without the subject. Sociologists should not just order this book for the library and leave it to gather dust. Buy it, study it and reflect on the state of their subject." Frank Webster, Times Higher Education Supplement. "this study is "without doubt" an important contribution to our understanding of an area of sociology colonized in ways that can serve as much to obscure, as to enlighten, our understanding of its development ..." Tim May, History of the Human Sciences. "The bibliography of this book will in itself provide an excellent resource for sociological historians, methodologists and practitioners alike... in the ultimate analysis, the key finding of this important book lies in the evidence it provides of the continuing need for intellectual justification of changing practices, and of the significance of critical analysis for methodological advance in a discipline, which ... is shown to be cumulative in the best sense of the word." Stine Lyon, Reviewing Sociology.

This concise text provides a clear and digestible introduction to completing quantitative research. Taking you step-by-step through the process of completing your quantitative research project, it offers guidance on: · Formulating your research question · Completing literature reviews and meta-analysis · Formulating a research design and specifying your target population and data source · Choosing an appropriate method and analysing your findings Part of The SAGE Quantitative Research Kit, this book will give you the know-how and confidence needed to succeed on your quantitative research journey.

The SAGE Handbook of Social Research Methods is a must for every social-science researcher. It charts the new and evolving terrain of social research methodology, covering qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods in one volume. The Handbook includes chapters on each phase of the research process: research design, methods of data collection, and the processes of analyzing and interpreting data. The volume maintains that there is much more to research than learning skills and techniques; methodology involves the fit between theory, research questions research design and analysis. The book also includes several chapters that describe historical and current directions in social research, debating crucial subjects such as qualitative versus quantitative paradigms, how to judge the credibility of types of research, and the increasingly topical issue of research ethics. The Handbook serves as an invaluable resource for approaching research with an open mind. This volume maps the field of social research methods using an approach that will prove valuable for both students and researchers.