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Doing International Research
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Doing International Research
Global and Local Methods



May 2015 | 334 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

This energetic and thought-provoking book encourages a reflexive, non-nationalistic approach to doing world research and sets out how to understand, plan, do and use this research.

Williams introduces a range of frameworks, from desk-based studies and traditional ethnography to the use of internet, satellites, robots, drones and ‘big data’, and provides exciting, interdisciplinary examples. This book is presented in a clear international style and uses creative approaches to researching peoples, places and world systems.

It explains:

  • desk-based research using international data including documentaries, museum objects, archives, data-sets and working with groups such as refugees, tourists and migrants
  • distance research using online videos, surveys and remote methods such as video conferencing and crowdsourcing
  • fieldwork abroad, including ethnography, street observation and mapping.

The book is also accompanied by a website, with the following features:

For Students

  • Weblinks for each chapter
  • Examples/summaries/templates related to text marked with
  • Additional thinking zones
  • An overview of data capture technologies

For Lecturers

  • Copies of all the figures and thinking zones for use in teaching material
  • PowerPoint slides for each chapter

Built upon the foundations of the author’s 30 years of research experience, and including original case studies from international students, this is an essential guide for anyone in the social sciences using or doing international and global research.


 
PART ONE: UNDERSTANDING WORLD RESEARCH
 
Chapter 1: Understanding world knowledge
 
Chapter 2: Theories and concepts in world research
 
Chapter 3: Searching and reviewing world literature
 
PART TWO: PLANNING THE STUDY
 
Chapter 4: Research design and logistics
 
Chapter 5: Research ethics and integrity
 
Chapter 6: Choosing research frameworks
 
PART THREE: DOING THE RESEARCH
 
Chapter 7: Data management
 
Chapter 8: Researching people
 
Chapter 9: Researching populations
 
Chapter 10: Researching places
 
Chapter 11: Mapping places
 
Chapter 12: Analysing world systems
 
Chapter 13: Analysing official documents
 
PART FOUR: USING THE FINDINGS
 
Chapter 14: Further analysis
 
Chapter 15: Reporting the research

This book is true to the ethos it claims to present, focusing on values such as ‘thinking without borders’, and ‘seeing through the eyes of others’. It is innovative in its approach to world research, which makes it a necessary and welcome contribution to the field.

Mireille Hebing
Regent’s University London

This book was used as a reference to students interested in doing global research.

Ms Glaucia Peres da Silva
Interdiscipline, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen
April 27, 2022

See my previous comment

Dr Gil Viry
School of Social and Political Studies, Edinburgh University
May 12, 2017

non-traditional approach to both international research itself and writing the book - really encouraging plus all the important stages and cases covered

Dr Marcin Grabowski
Political Science and International Relations, Jagiellonian University
May 27, 2016

This is a very good reference and text book for both tutors and students who are teaching/conducting international and comparative studies. I would definitely recommend this book.

Dr Tingting Yuan
Education Studies, Liverpool Hope University
April 4, 2016

A practical guide with useful infornation for those who are considering in conducting international researches.

Mr Marcos Ferasso
Business Administration , Federal University of Parana
January 12, 2016

I have not received this book as yet

Dr Charles Mugisha
Social Work, Birmingham City University
June 20, 2015

the information in this book is very superficial. i was hoping for some more in-depth discussion on doing research - I was particularly interested in the promised deskbased studies but unfortunately there is not really practical support in actually doing this. chapter 2, 8, 13 are most useful but this can be found in other books/our teaching

Ms Jennifer Parr
Nuffield Ctr for Int'l Health & Dev, Leeds University
June 17, 2015

A very inspiring, useful and unusual textbook for both students and teacher.

Dr Jana Salat
Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Vienna
September 11, 2015

A detailed textbook providing useful guidance regarding international research.

Mr Michael Parsons
Faculty of Business and Society, University of South Wales
April 16, 2015

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781473926967

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This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.