Social Research Methods


Book Description

SAGE Course Companions are an exciting new series from SAGE offering students an insider's guide into how to make the most of their undergraduate courses and extend their understanding of key concepts covered in their course. Social Research Methods provides student readers with essential help with their research project, with revising for their course exams, preparing and writing course assessment materials, and enhancing and progressing their knowledge and thinking skills in line with course requirements on Research Methods courses. This Course Companion is designed to augment, rather than replace, existing textbooks for the course, and will provide: " Helpful summaries of the course curriculum to aid essay and project planning " Key summaries of the approach taken by the main Methods textbooks " Guidance on the essential study skills required " Help with developing critical thinking " Route-maps to aid the development of wider learning above and beyond the textbook " Pointers to success in course exams and written assessment exercises " A tutor's-eye view of what course examiners are looking for " An insider's view of what key course concepts are really all about SAGE Course Companions are much more than revision guides for undergraduate; they are an essential tool to taking your course learning and understanding to new levels and in new directions that are the key to success in undergraduate courses.




Developing Effective Research Proposals


Book Description

Successful research requires effective and thorough preparation. In this expanded and updated Second Edition of Developing Effective Research Proposals Keith Punch offers an indispensable guide to the issues involved in proposal development and in presenting a well-considered plan for the execution of research. Dealing with both qualitative and quantitative approaches to empirical research across the social sciences, the Second Edition comprehensively covers the topics and concerns relevant to the subject and is organized around three central themes: What is a research proposal, who reads proposals and why? How can we go about developing a proposal? and What might a finished proposal look like? New features of this edition include: -Expanded sections covering research strategy, research planning and academic writing -Examples of successful research proposals from across the social science disciplines -A more comprehensive discussion of ethics -A brand new glossary and chapter summaries The Second Edition will be welcomed by all those preparing or evaluating research proposals, and will be invaluable across all areas of social science, both basic and applied, and for students undertaking quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method studies.




Practical Research and Evaluation


Book Description

This book is a starter ′DIY′ text for practitioners who are looking to conduct evaluation studies and research as part of their own professional practice. The growing emphasis on evidence-based practice means that there is an increasing need for practitioners to have at least a basic understanding of research, be aware of methodological pitfalls and to be updated on new methods. This book provides a practical, user-friendly guide to social science research methods for professionals who have benefited from little, if any, formal research methods training but find themselves in a role that requires them to read and understand complex research findings and carry out their own research as part of their professional practice. Practical Research and Evaluation is aimed at practitioners working in education, health, social care and community work. Many in this market are non-graduates or are those whose study did not contain a research element, but are required to know how research works. This book has three main aims which will benefit this audience - to enable readers to carry out small-scale research projects of their own, provide them with the basic understanding necessary to commission research, and enable them to better understand and evaluate critically research reports. This book is designed specifically for ′Do-it-Yourself′ researchers working in the public or voluntary sectors. It is accessible and relevant to practitioners, uses non-technical language wherever possible and employs grounded examples, practical tips, checklists and readings lists throughout.




Designing and Managing Your Research Project


Book Description

This book provides information about the key areas needed for a successful project. It includes software skills, developing research objectives, writing proposals, literature reviews, getting ethics approval, seeking funding, managing a project, communicating research findings, and writing reports. There is also a chapter on working as an independent researcher. The book includes numerous examples, checklists, and practical exercises designed to assist the learning of research skills and the completion of crucial project tasks. It covers procedures needed for conducting projects electronically and accessing information from the Internet.




Writing a Proposal for Your Dissertation


Book Description

The encouraging book that has guided thousands of students step by step through crafting a strong dissertation proposal is now in a thoroughly revised second edition. It includes new guidance for developing methodology-specific problem statements, an expanded discussion of the literature review, coverage of the four-chapter dissertation model, and more. Terrell demonstrates how to write each chapter of the proposal, including the problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions and hypotheses; literature review; and detailed plans for data collection and analysis. "Let's Start Writing" exercises serve as building blocks for drafting a complete proposal. Other user-friendly features include case-study examples from diverse disciplines, “Do You Understand?” checklists, and end-of-chapter practice tests with answers. Appendices present an exemplary proposal written three ways to demonstrate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, and discuss how to structure a four-chapter dissertation. New to This Edition *Introduction offering a concise overview of the entire proposal-writing process and the doctoral experience. *Additional help with tailoring problem and purpose statements for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. *Expanded discussion of the review of literature, including a criterion for judging the quality of primary versus secondary sources. *Many new examples from different disciplines, such as studies of depression treatments, approaches to reducing offender recidivism, health effects of irradiated crops, strength training in college football, and remote teaching and learning during COVID-19. *Focus on the five-chapter model is broadened to include specific guidance for four-chapter dissertations. *Broader, more detailed reference list and glossary.




Research Methodology and Scientific Writing


Book Description

This book presents a guide for research methodology and scientific writing covering various elements such as finding research problems, writing research proposals, obtaining funds for research, selecting research designs, searching the literature and review, collection of data and analysis, preparation of thesis, writing research papers for journals, citation and listing of references, preparation of visual materials, oral and poster presentation in conferences, and ethical issues in research . Besides introducing library and its various features in a lucid style, the latest on the use of information technology in retrieving and managing information through various means are also discussed in this book. The book is useful for students, young researchers, and professionals.




Doing Your Undergraduate Project


Book Description

Doing Your Undergraduate Project is a practical step-by-step guide to managing and developing a successful undergraduate project. The book covers all aspects of project management, explaining in a clear and structured way how to undertake a project and helping readers to identify and acquire the necessary skills to plan and carry out the research and writing. This practical and concise book provides: Advice for preparing a project and choosing a topic Guidelines for writing a project proposal A checklist for planning A guide to producing a literature review Advice on choosing and implementing appropriate methodology An awareness of ethical issues Information for writing-up the report. Written in a lively and engaging manner, this detailed and accessible manual is an invaluable resource for students across the social sciences working on their undergraduate project. SAGE Study Skills are essential study guides for students of all levels. From how to write great essays and succeeding at university, to writing your undergraduate dissertation and doing postgraduate research, SAGE Study Skills help you get the best from your time at university. Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!




How to Design, Write, and Present a Successful Dissertation Proposal


Book Description

How to Design, Write, and Present a Successful Dissertation Proposal, by Elizabeth A. Wentz, is essential reading for any graduate student entering the dissertation process in the social or behavioral sciences. The book addresses the importance of ethical scientific research, developing your curriculum vitae, effective reading and writing, completing a literature review, conceptualizing your research idea, and translating that idea into a realistic research proposal using research methods. The author also offers insight into oral presentations of the completed proposal, and the final chapter presents ideas for next steps after the proposal has been presented. Taking the view that we “learn by doing,” the author provides Quick Tasks, Action Items, and To Do List activities throughout the text that, when combined, develop each piece of your research proposal. Designed primarily for quantitative or mixed methods research dissertations, this book is a valuable start-to-finish resource.




Research Proposals 2e


Book Description

Learn how to write a successful research proposal with this user-friendly, step-by-step guide. Research Proposals provides practical advice on how to deal with the seven basic questions that any research proposal needs to answer: • What is it all about? • What do we already know? • What do we need to find out? • How will we get the necessary information? • What will it cost and how long will it take? • Is the research socially acceptable? • What will be produced? This is a valuable resource for students who need to conduct a research project as part of their studies and anyone who wants to submit an application for research funding. The new edition is perfect for master’s students planning a dissertation, undergraduate students approaching their final year project, and PhD students applying for acceptance onto a doctoral programme. "This is an insightful and easy to use guide for students and researchers. It will support creating a research proposal for both academic programme assignments and for preparation for conducting research. The logical format is useful and very clear to read. There is an excellent appendix providing a specimen research proposal with commentary boxes highlighting the important points." Dr Alaster Scott Douglas, Reader in Education & Professional Practice, University of Roehampton, UK “Everything that you need to know about how to put together a research proposal is in this book. It’s the perfect guide for students and early career researchers who are writing a research proposal and have not had much experience. Impressive in its clarity and common sense, Denscombe’s practical guide tells you not just what to do but why as he takes you step by step through the process. The book is crammed with useful tips, helpful examples, effective graphics, and a great checklist appendix. Highly recommended!” Rosalind Edwards, Professor of Sociology and co-director of the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods, University of Southampton, UK “This is a highly practical book about the art of communicating why your research ideas are worthwhile, feasible and should be supported. It takes away any mystery about the process and so instils confidence.” Melanie Nind, University of Southampton, UK