Practical Research and Evaluation

A Start-to-Finish Guide for Practitioners
Lena Dahlberg - Dalarna University and Dalarna Research Institute
Colin McCaig - Centre for Education and Inclusion Research (CEIR), Sheffield Hallam University
Practical Research and Evaluation
May 2010 | 272 pages | Sage UK
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Description

Practical Research and Evaluation 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 will:

  • enable readers to carry out small-scale research projects of their own
  • provide them with the basic understanding necessary to commission research
  • 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 reading lists throughout.

Contents

Practitioner Research and the Research Process

Practitioner Research and the Research Process

Introduction to Research and Evaluation Basics

Introduction to Research and Evaluation Basics

Research and Evaluation Design

Research and Evaluation Design

Ethics and Research Governance

Ethics and Research Governance

Writing a Research Proposal or Brief

Writing a Research Proposal or Brief

Literature Reviews

Literature Reviews

Action Research

Action Research

Different Kinds of Qualitative Data Collection Methods

Different Kinds of Qualitative Data Collection Methods

Preparation and Process of Qualitative Interviews and Focus Groups

Preparation and Process of Qualitative Interviews and Focus Groups

Qualitative Data Analysis

Qualitative Data Analysis

Different Kinds of Quantitative Data Collection Methods

Different Kinds of Quantitative Data Collection Methods

Quantitative Data Collection

Quantitative Data Collection

Quantitative Data Processing and Analysis

Quantitative Data Processing and Analysis

Dissemination

Dissemination

Description

Practical Research and Evaluation 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 will:

  • enable readers to carry out small-scale research projects of their own
  • provide them with the basic understanding necessary to commission research
  • 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 reading lists throughout.

Contents

Practitioner Research and the Research Process

Practitioner Research and the Research Process

Introduction to Research and Evaluation Basics

Introduction to Research and Evaluation Basics

Research and Evaluation Design

Research and Evaluation Design

Ethics and Research Governance

Ethics and Research Governance

Writing a Research Proposal or Brief

Writing a Research Proposal or Brief

Literature Reviews

Literature Reviews

Action Research

Action Research

Different Kinds of Qualitative Data Collection Methods

Different Kinds of Qualitative Data Collection Methods

Preparation and Process of Qualitative Interviews and Focus Groups

Preparation and Process of Qualitative Interviews and Focus Groups

Qualitative Data Analysis

Qualitative Data Analysis

Different Kinds of Quantitative Data Collection Methods

Different Kinds of Quantitative Data Collection Methods

Quantitative Data Collection

Quantitative Data Collection

Quantitative Data Processing and Analysis

Quantitative Data Processing and Analysis

Dissemination

Dissemination

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Practical Research and Evaluation

A Start-to-Finish Guide for Practitioners

Lena Dahlberg , Colin McCaig
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May 2010 | 272 pages | Sage UK

Format Published Date ISBN Price

Practical Research and Evaluation 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 will:

  • enable readers to carry out small-scale research projects of their own
  • provide them with the basic understanding necessary to commission research
  • 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 reading lists throughout.


Table Of Contents:

  • Practitioner Research and the Research Process
  • Introduction to Research and Evaluation Basics
  • Research and Evaluation Design
  • Ethics and Research Governance
  • Writing a Research Proposal or Brief
  • Literature Reviews
  • Action Research
  • Different Kinds of Qualitative Data Collection Methods
  • Preparation and Process of Qualitative Interviews and Focus Groups
  • Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Different Kinds of Quantitative Data Collection Methods
  • Quantitative Data Collection
  • Quantitative Data Processing and Analysis
  • Dissemination

Recent Product Reviews:

Some will be able to use this book - a useful resource.
Dr Camille Cronin, Health , University of Essex - Southend campus
This is a really good resource for our students, many of whom have used it in their assignment work already. We have access to it as an e-book so it is strongly recommended for students to read (we don't usually have essential reading at this level, so strongly recommended reflects the good standard of the book in content and the way it is presented.) We are keeping it in the reading list for future runs of the module (annual) and have also recommended it in other similar modules.
Mrs Linda Martindale, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Coll of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
I find the practitioners' guide approach as an effective way to communicate research methods to my students who come from government and civil society. They are usually intimidated by the usual Research Method textbooks. The language of this text is very friendly to non-academics. Hopefully, my students no longer "fear" research after reading this book."
Dr Anne Lan Candelaria, Political Science , Ateneo De Manila University
I really enjoyed reading this book, and found it a very user-friendly text without 'dumbing down' the content. This approach would encourage those new to research to continue reading and gain benefit. I would think it useful for both new researchers and those with some experience. Those considering whether to undertake a case study or not would find it particularly clear and helpful.
Ms Jill Cochrane, Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University
I found this a really user friendly manual suitable for all abilities and research experience.
Dr Paula Carroll, Health, Sport & Exercise Studies Dept, Waterford Institute of Technology

Recommendations