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Theory and Methods in Social Research
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Theory and Methods in Social Research

Second Edition
Edited by:


January 2011 | 368 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

This new edition provides a scholarly and readable introduction to all the key qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and methods, enabling postgraduate and masters-level students and new researchers to reflect on which ones suit their needs and to receive guidance on how to find out more.

With chapters written by experienced research practitioners, this second edition has been extensively expanded and updated. There are seven completely new chapters, as well as:

  • new material on literature reviews
  • a new introduction to quantitative methods
  • an expanded glossary
  • weblinks with free access to a wide range of peer-reviewed journal articles
  • an annotated bibliography with conversational notes from authors in each chapter.

This book will act as your 'expert friend' throughout your research project, providing advice, explaining key concepts and the implications for your research design, and illustrating these with examples of real research studies.

Praise for the first edition:

"Not merely a how-to book, it reviews the conceptual framework of research methods in the social and behavioural sciences and provides tangible stories from the field that illustrate the application of specific techniques and the process of conducting research. . . . This work affords a concise overview of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in the social science. . . . Highly recommended."

R.V. Labaree

University of Southern California

CHOICE


 
PART ONE: READING, REVIEWING AND REFLECTING
 
Introduction
Bridget Somekh et al
Research in the Social Sciences
Barbara Kamler and Pat Thomson
Working with Literatures
Heather Piper and Helen Simons
Ethical Issues in Generating Public Knowledge
 
PART TWO: LISTENING, EXPLORING THE CASE AND THEORIZING
 
Introduction
Jo Frankham and Christina MacRae
Ethnography
Mary Louise Holly and Herbert Altrichter
Research Diaries
Charlotte Chadderton and Harry Torrance
Case Study
Rosaline SBarbour and John Schostak
Interviewing and Focus Groups
 
PART THREE: ADDRESSING ISSUES OF POWER AND RESEARCHING FOR IMPACT
 
Introduction
Diane Burns and Khatidja Chantler
Feminist Methodologies
Laurence Parker and Lorna Roberts
Critical Race Theory and Its Use in Social Science Research
Gloria Filax et al
Queer Theory / Lesbian and Gay Approaches
Susan Noffke and Bridget Somekh
Action Research
Tineke Abma and Thomas A Schwandt
The Purpose, Practice and Politics of Sponsored Evaluations
 
PART FOUR: OBSERVING, QUERYING, INTERPRETING
 
Introduction
Juliet Corbin and Nicholas L Holt
Grounded Theory
Angie Titchen and Dawn Hobson
Understanding Phenomenology through Reverse Perspectives
Liz Jones and Bridget Somekh
Observation
Alison Lee and Alan Petersen
Discourse Analysis
Colin Lankshear, Kevin M Leander and Michele Knobel
Researching Online Practices
 
PART FIVE: IDENTITY, COMMUNITY AND REPRESENTATION
 
Introduction
Scherto Gill and Ivor Goodson
Life History and Narrative Methods
Diane Mavers and Gunther Kress
Social Semiotics and Multimodal Texts
David Benzie and Bridget Somekh
Communities of Practice
Ines Langemeyer and Morten Nissen
Activity Theory
Jill Blackmore and Hugh Lauder
Researching Policy
 
PART SIX: QUANTITATIVE METHODS: THEORIES AND PERSPECTIVES
 
Introduction
Kelvyn Jones
The Practices of Quantitative Methods
Charles Crook and Dean Garratt
The Positivist Paradigm in Contemporary Social Research: The Interface of Psychology, Method and Sociocultural Theory
Cathy Lewin
Understanding and Describing Quantitative Data
Sally Barnes and Cathy Lewin
Differences and Relationships in Quantitative Data
Kelvyn Jones
An Introduction to Statistical Modelling
 
PART SEVEN: QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN ACTION
 
Introduction
Jennifer C Greene, Holly Kreider and Ellen Mayer
Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Social Inquiry
Kelvyn Jones
Random Reflections on Modelling, Geography and Voting
W J Pelgrum
Methodological Issues in International Comparative Assessments of Educational Progress
John Ainley
Evaluating Literacy Advance in the Early Years of School
Brian Doig
Working Backwards: The Road Less Travelled in Quantitative Methodology
 
PART EIGHT: RESEARCHING IN POSTMODERN CONTEXTS
 
Introduction
Erica Burman and Maggie Maclure
Deconstruction
Tony Brown and Daniel Heggs
From Hermeneutics to Post-Structuralism to Psychoanalysis
Lee Miller, Joanne 'Bob' Whalley and Ian Stronach
From Structuralism to Post-Structuralism
Bronwen Davies and Suzanne Gannon
Feminism/Post-Structuralism

Praise for the first edition:

'Not merely a how-to book, it reviews the conceptual framework of research methods in the social and behavioural sciences and provides tangible stories from the field that illustrate the application of specific techniques and the process of conducting research. . . . This work affords a concise overview of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in the social science. . . . Highly recommended' - R.V. Labaree

University of Southern California, CHOICE


The book is really good but more suited to higher levels of study - i.e PG. Developing PG Healthcare courses in 2021/2022 and this book will work perfectly for the programmes.

Mr Saikou Sanyang
Tower Hamlets Campus, Arden University
September 1, 2020

Something in there for all social science researchers

Mrs Ann-marie Steele
Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University
September 15, 2016

An excellent book that is well written explaining key concepts for the research. Highly recommended.

Ms Eva Mikuska
Deapartment of Childcare, Social Work and Social Care, University of Chichester
December 17, 2014

A clear and comprehensive text which supports the development and understanding of research methods.

Mrs Branwen Bingle
Institute of Education, Worcester Univ.
September 11, 2014

Good use of theory and research methods.

Mrs Christine Cattermole
UCO, University Campus Oldham
April 8, 2014

Good range of methodologies presented in readbale form and in depth.

Dr Linda Morrice
Department of Education, Sussex University
November 21, 2013

An impressive text that goes beyond the introductory' level. Good coverage of essential areas, written in a student-accessible language and format

Mr Andrew Holmes
Centre for Educational Studies, Hull University
October 15, 2013

This text gives excellent coverage of many areas of social science research. A really useful introduction for students embarking on a postdoctoral course of study, answering many questions which will continue to arise as they progress through their research degree. A constantly useful companion.

Dr Candice Satchwell
Dept of Education and Social Science, University of Central Lancashire
May 15, 2013

Fantastic book. With the nature of our students carrying out both qual and quant work, this book is highly recommended.

Mr Luke Gibson
Learning Resource Centre - Buxton, Derby University
November 8, 2012

New to the second edition:

  • Seven new chapters
  • New material on literature reviews
  • A new introduction to quantitative methods
  • An expanded glossary
  • Weblinks with free access to a wide range of peer-reviewed journal articles
  • An annotated bibliography with conversational notes from authors in each chapter

For instructors

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