The Good Research Guide: Research Methods for Small-Scale Social Research Projects


Book Description

The Good Research Guide provides practical and straightforward guidance for those who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. The 7th edition covers topics in a clear, user-friendly style outlining the key points and explaining why they are important. The new edition has been updated throughout and has additional material on topics such as social media research, online surveys, image-based research and participatory action research. It also features new chapters on how to prepare for a research project, with specific guidance on: · how to undertake a literature review · how to write a research proposal · how to ensure the research is ethical · how to locate the project within a research paradigm Full of practical advice and valuable examples, this is the go-to book for students looking to improve their research skills. “Having this book at your side is like having your hand held from start to finish and every decision in between... I very much welcome a new edition for my students” Melanie Nind, Professor of Education, University of Southampton and Co-director, National Centre for Research Methods, UK "Comprehensively updated, this book remains the indispensable student guide to the research process… It's not just good, it's great!" Dr Tom Clark, Lecturer in Research Methods, The University of Sheffield, UK “The text is informative, concise, and attractive. Each chapter presents sections in an easy-to-read format with further reading ideas and link ups to the numerous topics covered throughout the book.” Dr Alaster Scott Douglas, Reader in the School of Education, University of Roehampton, UK Martyn Denscombe is Emeritus Professor at De Montfort University. He has a research background in the fields of sociology, education and business studies and has published widely on research methods in the social sciences.




Good Research Guide


Book Description

The Good Research Guidehas been a bestselling introduction to the basics of social research since it was first published in 1998. This new second edition of the book offers the same clear guidance on how to conduct successful small-scale research projects and adds even more value by including new sections on internet research, phenomenology, grounded theory and image-based methods. The book provides: a clear summary of the relevant strategies, methods and approaches to data analysis a jargon-free coverage of the key issues an attractive layout and user-friendly presentation checklists to guide good practice. Practical and comprehensive,The Good Research Guideis an invaluable tool for students of education, health studies, business studies and other social sciences, who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies.




The Good Research Guide


Book Description

Written for anyone undertaking a small-scale research project, either as part of an academic course or as part of their professional development, this book provides: an introduction to data collection methods and data analysis; explanations of the key decisions researchers need to take; and, essential checklists to guide good practice




Social Science Research


Book Description

This book is designed to introduce doctoral and graduate students to the process of conducting scientific research in the social sciences, business, education, public health, and related disciplines. It is a one-stop, comprehensive, and compact source for foundational concepts in behavioral research, and can serve as a stand-alone text or as a supplement to research readings in any doctoral seminar or research methods class. This book is currently used as a research text at universities on six continents and will shortly be available in nine different languages.




Small-Scale Evaluation


Book Description

How can evaluation be used most effectively, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of the various methods? Colin Robson provides guidance in a clear and uncluttered way. The issue of collaboration is examined step-by-step; stakeholder models are compared with techniques such as participatory evaluation and practitioner-centred action research; ethical and political considerations are placed in context; and the best ways of communicating findings are discussed. Each chapter is illustrated with helpful exercises to show the practical application of the issues covered, making this an invaluable introduction for anyone new to evaluation.




Successful Qualitative Research


Book Description

*Shortlisted for the BPS Book Award 2014 in the Textbook Category* *Winner of the 2014 Distinguished Publication Award (DPA) from the Association for Women in Psychology (AWP)* Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners is an accessible, practical textbook. It sidesteps detailed theoretical discussion in favor of providing a comprehensive overview of strategic tips and skills for starting and completing successful qualitative research. Uniquely, the authors provide a "patterns framework" to qualitative data analysis in this book, also known as "thematic analysis." The authors walk students through a basic thematic approach, and compare and contrast this with other approaches. This discussion of commonalities, explaining why and when each method should be used, and in the context of looking at patterns, will provide students with complete confidence for their qualitative research journey. This textbook will be an essential textbook for undergraduates and postgraduates taking a course in qualitative research or using qualitative approaches in a research project.




Workplace Research


Book Description

Undertaking small-scale applied workplace-based research presents a unique set of challenges including how to conduct good research in time pressured situations and how to thrive in unfamiliar work environments. This book will help you to meet these challenges by setting out a step-by-step guide to planning, conducting and delivering top quality small-scale work-based research projects. In addition this book will help you to adapt quickly to your new surroundings. It will provide a strong strategic skill set that will enable you to navigate the workplace and ensure that your research findings inform organizational decision making. It tackles the challenge of conducting rigorous credible research FOR and WITHIN organizations and provides tangible advice for those looking to complete their research in very short time frames and with limited resources. Written by established academics, with significant experience coordinating industry/government placements and internships, the book will help you to bridge the gap between academic expectations and the requirements of the organisation, including the need to Develop a ‘pitch’ as well as a proposal; Produce powerful visualizations as well as logical narrative; Present practicable recommendations as well as findings/conclusions; Develop persuasive deliverables as well as traditional research reports; Create presentations that persuade as well as inform. Packed full of real-life examples, actionable advice and sensitive pedagogy this book will get you through your placement with confidence and style.




Small-Scale Evaluation in Health


Book Description

Setting out the basics of designing, conducting and analysing an evaluation study in healthcare, the authors take a practical approach, assuming no previous knowledge or experience of evaluation. All the basics are covered, including: - How to plan an evaluation - Research governance and ethics - Understanding data - Interpreting findings - Writing a report Cases included throughout to demonstrate evaluation in action, and self learning courses give the reader an opportunity to develop their skills further in the methods and analysis involved in evaluation.




Small-Scale Research


Book Description

Written with the needs of students uppermost, Small-Scale Research is a direct, comprehensive guide for students doing theses, dissertations, papers and projects. It systematically works through the central methods of inquiry and demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.




Ground Rules for Good Research


Book Description

Amongst the bewildering array of approaches and beliefs about how social research should be conducted, Ground Rules for Good Research guides the researcher to the 10 core issues. In straightforward terms, it shows why they are so fundamental and it provides clear guidance on how they should be addressed by the researcher. The Ground Rules apply across the range of different types of social research, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Key features of the book include: * The identification of 10 ground rules for good social research * Checklists to help researchers evaluate their approach and avoid fundamental errors * A clear and jargon free style * Attractive presentation with plenty of useful lists and summaries, text boxes and key points For undergraduate and postgraduate students in social sciences, health studies, business, and education, who need to undertake a research project. Also invaluable for professionals with little or no experience of research.