The author considers the analysis of diaries as a distinctive research technique in its own right. He recognises the increased interest in and relevance of diary methodology within social research teaching.

This edited volume addresses the methodological challenges entailed in studying the process of ageing and life course changes, as well as the experience of being old. The book focuses on the theory and practice of doing research, using a wide range of examples and case studies.

This volume of original articles by leading researchers explores the methodological possibilities and difficulties involved in doing qualitative work with the aged. The contributors illustrate, with numerous examples, the strengths of qualitative strategies and techniques for uncovering meaning, dissecting processes, and examining cultural and other issues of difference between people and groups.

"This defining work will be valuable to readers and researchers in social sciences and humanities at all academic levels. As a teaching resource it will be useful to instructors and students alike and will become a standard reference source. Essential for general and academic collections." --CHOICE This Encyclopedia provides readers with authoritative essays on virtually all social science methods topics, quantitative and qualitative, by an international collection of experts. Organized alphabetically, the Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods covers research terms ranging from different methodological approaches to epistemological issues and specific statistical techniques. Written to be accessible to general readers, the Encyclopedia entries do not require advanced knowledge of mathematics or statistics to understand the purposes or basic principles of any of the methods. To accomplish this goal, there are two major types of entries: definitions consisting of a paragraph or two to provide a quick explanation of a methodological term; and topical treatments or essays that discuss the nature, history, applications, and implications of using a certain method, including suggested readings and references. Readers are directed to related topics via cross-referenced terms that appear in small capital letters. By assembling entries of varied origins and serving different research purposes, readers will be able to benefit from this immense source of methodological expertise in advancing their understanding of research. With three volumes and more than 900 signed entries, the Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods will be a critical addition to any social science library.

Content includes and emphasizes the important of problem-solving and decision-making, the links between statistics and research methods, and the use of computers in social research. Includes current research examples and illustrations from such recent topics as welfare and poverty, gender issues, affirmative action, the AIDS epidemic, and more.

Wood and Zurcher suggest that the social self--its experience and organization--reflects the great transformation of society from industrial to postindustrial. . . . Wood and Zurcher have contributed to our social psychological understanding of self-development in several ways. They pack information about theories of modern self-hood into a well-researched and accessible book. Readers will find a resource on theories of the postmodern self here. The authors also introduce a creative use of computerized content analysis, which they successfully demonstrate by transforming personal documents into social scientific data. Contemporary Sociology According to various observers, the postmodern self represents changes in contemporary culture--from rationality and unemotional performance to irrationality and mysticism; from institutional standards and duty-to-society to individual standards and duty-to-self; from structure and stability to transience and experimentation. Through an analysis of diaries from nineteenth- and twentieth-century Americans, this study deals with the nature of the postmodern self. It provides a framework for understanding the ideas that collectively comprise postmodern self theory and presents empirical data concerning its historical validity. The book reflects the use of a computer approach in which the statistical incidence of particular words is examined over time.

'The book is notably successful in the way it combines a review of the principles and methods of research with recent advances in the field... The editors' claim that it is core reading for those undertaking masters and doctoral level research is well met.' - School Leadership and Management `Success of this book is measured by the clarity and coverage of key principles for developing research. The audience is treated to an engaging primer that covers all aspects of research. By commencing with epistemology, ontology and methodology in a non-threatening fashion, a tone is set that guides the reader through the technical aspects of research in a friendly fashion' - Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management `In a competitive field of educational research methods this book offers those interested in educational leadership and management an alternative conceptualization of research methods, and will no doubt help those researching in this field' - Gill Nicholls, British Journal of Educational Studies `It can be strongly recommended as an introductory text for students engaged in virtually any field of educational research and readers of this journal should not be deterred by its specialist title' - Eric Hoyle, Escalate `The attempt to contextualize methodology does make the work more accessible than other more general texts, and it will therefore be particularly useful to those beginning to develop a research approach to their professional context' - Sue Crowley, Learning and Skills Research `There are many texts and courses on research methods. Each university will have a handful covering the full range of types of research. What differentiates this book for Association for Tertiary Education Management (ATEM) members is the inviting focus on the education sector. A consistent theme differentiates and explains the nuances of positivist and phenomenological research. By comparing and contrasting qualitative and quantitative methods, the reader can confidently place where their own research question sits. The text brought me to the point of being clear what are the issues that required deeper thought and the method to access further literature'- Micheal Koorndyk, University of Adelaide, Australia This book is the essential guide to research in educational leadership and management. It brings together expert original contributions to present a comprehensive and accessible resource for new and experienced researchers in the field. The book deals with: - the concept of research and its philosophical bases - fundamental issues like ethics, validity and reliability - exploring existing literature to inform research - the nature of survey, case study and action research - research tools: interviews, questionnaires; documentary research and diaries; observation - analysis and presentation of quantitative and qualitative research data - writing up and disseminating research This book is a core text for master's level courses in educational management. It is accessible for the beginning researcher, while at the same time providing stimulating reading for students and practitioners with some research experience.