Download or read book EBOOK Combining Methods in Educational and Social Research written by Stephen Gorard and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2004-09-16 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “This excellent book promises much and delivers a whole lot more. It provides a description of the practicalities of combining evidence from a variety of data collection modes in order to enrich our responses to educational research questions. This is achieved with thoroughness and clarity and even some wit. There are outstanding teaching materials here…. This is the best book on educational research methods published in this country for decades.” Professor Charles Desforges, University of Exeter "In this timely and important contribution, Stephen Gorard and Chris Taylor help us move beyond the wasteful schism of 'qualitative versus quantitative' research by offering sound basic theorising and extensive practical illustration of the combining of research methods... I see their book as essential reading for anyone concerned for effective educational and social research." Professor Peter Tomlinson, University of Leeds There is growing interest in the possibilities of combining research approaches in education and social sciences, as dissatisfaction mounts with the limitations of traditional mono-method studies and with the schism between quantitative and qualitative methods. This book argues the case for combining multiple research methods, and provides much-needed practical guidance for researchers who want to use this mixed-methods approach. The authors believe that all research has an over-arching logic and that, within this, the fruitful combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is possible. They develop the idea of the ‘new’ education and social researcher, for whom the combination of approaches is a representation of a diverse skills base, rather than a matter of ideological or theoretical allegiance.The book outlines and evaluates methods that are currently used, and looks at combining different methods across and within studies, including complex interventions, Bayesian approaches, new political arithmetic, triangulation, life histories and design studies. It offers a radical, new and very simple way of working with numbers. Drawing on examples across the social sciences, this book is key reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Education and social science courses with a research element, as well as academics and professionals undertaking research projects.

Download or read book Mixing Methods in Social Research written by Ralph Hall and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2020-02-24 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a straightforward, student-focused introduction to doing mixed methods research, covering everything from why and when mixed methods is appropriate, as well as how to use qualitative and quantitative methods in tandem. Assuming no prior research methods knowledge, it introduces mixed methods alongside basic research theory and principles, fully integrating mixed methods into the research methods foundation. With clearly defined key terms and a structure that maps to the way students work on their projects, it progresses at a gradual pace suitable for mixed methods beginners. Offering encouragement and tips for success throughout the full research process, Hall helps students confidently: - Explain mixed methods paradigms and methodologies - Define and choose a research approach - Combine methods effectively - Sample, collect, and analyze primary and secondary data - Communicate and write up results. Packed with tables, figures, and boxes that distill key concepts into retainable visuals, this book is the perfect companion to support students on their mixed methods projects.

Download or read book Social Science Research written by Anol Bhattacherjee and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2012-04-01 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book EBOOK Social Research written by Tim May and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2011-03-16 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This fully revised and updated popular text successfully bridges the gap between theory and methods in social research, clearly illuminating these essential components for understanding the dynamics of social relations. The book is divided into two parts, with part one examining the issues and perspectives in social research and part two setting out the methods and processes. Updates to this edition include: A new chapter on case study research A new concluding chapter Links to additional websites and IT applications that are integrated throughout the book Updated experiential examples and scenarios More international examples The clear writing style, chapter summaries, questions for reflection and signposts to further readings continue to make this book the ideal companion to social research for students across the social sciences. In addition, it will be recognised as an invaluable source of reference for those practising and teaching social research who wish to keep abreast of key developments in the field. With contributions from Beth Perry (University of Salford) and Carole Sutton (University of Plymouth).

Download or read book Becoming a Researcher written by Mairead Dunne and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2005-07-16 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This innovative book combines what most books separate: research as practical activity and research as intellectual engagement. It clarifies and makes explicit the methodological issues that underlie the journey from initial research idea to the finished report and beyond. The text moves the researcher logically through the research process and provides insights into methodology through an in-depth discussion of methods. It presents the research process as an engagement with text. This theme moves through the construction of text in the form of data and the deconstruction of text in analysis. Finally the focus moves to the reconstruction of text through the re-presentation of the research in the report. Following through each of these stages in turn, the chapters consider either a practical issue or a group of methods and interrogate the associated methodological concerns. In addition, the book also addresses the rarely explored issues of the researcher as writer and researcher identity as core elements of the research process. The book provides a range of insights and original perspectives. These successfully combine practical guidance with the invitation to consider the problematic nature of research as social practice. It is an ideal reference for those embarking on research for the first time and provides a new methodological agenda for established researchers.

Download or read book EBOOK Cross Cultural Perspectives on Educational Research written by Anna Robinson-Pant and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2005-11-16 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner of the BMW Group LIFE Award for Contribution to Intercultural Learning, 2007 The research student population of higher educational institutions continues to expand to include people from an ever-widening range of cultural and educational backgrounds. However, many research methods courses are still directed at the traditional student population. This book examines aspects of postgraduate research from a cross-cultural perspective, analysing the dilemmas faced by international students when defining a research question, choosing research methods, collecting data, deciding which language to use and writing their theses. Through an exploration of how international students re-examine their beliefs and research practices during their study in the UK, this book challenges the assumptions of all those engaged in educational research, addressing key questions such as: How do our teaching and learning experiences shape our approach to educational research? How do we judge ‘good’ educational research? What does it mean to be critical? The book uses the real-life experiences of international students to illuminate the kinds of challenges they may face. It supports both students and their supervisors, showing students how to approach cultural differences, and supervisors how to deal sensitively with the problems encountered by overseas students in their research.

Download or read book EBOOK Doing Collective Biography written by Bronwyn Davies and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2006-08-16 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “At last a book that not only describes what collective biography is but also explains how to use it … The book describes how to set up collective biography workshops in which participants examine how discursive structures and power relations have both enabled and limited the conditions of possibility for their lived experience. Focusing on a more complicated reflexivity than is usually described in social science research, collective biography, inspired by Frigga Haug and refined by Davies, will no doubt be used increasingly by researchers interested in the production of subjects in a postmodern world.” Elizabeth Adams St. Pierre, University of Georgia, USA This book introduces the reader to collective biography, an innovative research methodology for use in education and the social sciences. The methodology of collective biography overcomes the theory/practice divide, by putting theory to use in everyday life, and using everyday life to understand and to extend theory. Doing Collective Biography provides guidelines for developing a collective biography project and demonstrates how these guidelines emerged from and were shaped by projects on such topics as subjectivity, power, agency, reflexivity, literacy, gender, and neoliberalism at work. Each chapter gives a detailed example of collective biography in practice, showing how a group of students and/or scholars can work collaboratively to investigate aspects of the production of subjectivity, and clearly demonstrates how poststructural theory can be elaborated and refracted through the experiences of ordinary everyday life. This is key reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students on Education and social science courses with a research element, as well as for academics and professionals undertaking research projects.

Download or read book Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research written by John W. Creswell and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2011 with total page 489 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research' offers a practical, how-to guide for designing a mixed methods study. The text incorporates activities and exercises for classroom use or for use by the researcher in preparing designs.

Download or read book Mixed Methodology written by Abbas Tashakkori and published by SAGE. This book was released on 1998-06-24 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Authors Abbas Tashakkori and Charles Teddlie explore the most resourceful way to combine qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Researchers wanting to learn how to think about and utilize mixed methods in their studies will find this an indispensable guide for their work.

Download or read book Principles of Social Research written by Mary Alison Durand and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2014-08-16 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fully updated in this second edition, this book introduces students to basic principles in social research. Taking a public health approach the book covers areas such as health promotion, public health and health services management and is aimed at helping a variety of health professionals. The book uses examples from a range of settings to illustrate how qualitative and quantitative methods from the disciplines of sociology, psychology, history and anthropology have been used to understand health related behaviour. Praised for its clarity and breadth, this popular book has been thoroughly updated and now includes: Extended further reading More indepth chapters reflecting the most current topics in the field of social research Expanded material on the use of secondary sources More coverage on the usage of studies within larger public health programmes, including mixed methods and integration of data Increased number of international examples and updated case studies All chapters have extensive pedagogy to engage readers and bring the theory to life, and is ideal for students taking a real variety of social research modules as part of a health program. It is particularly valuable for public health students. Understanding Public Health is an innovative series published by Open University Press in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Series Editors: Rosalind Plowman and Nicki Thorogood. Contributors: Sarah Bernays, John Browne, Tracey Chantler, Mary Alison Durand, Martin Gorsky, Andy Guise, Judith Green, Tim Rhodes and Sarah Smith.

Download or read book Social Research Methods 6 E written by Lawrence W. Neuman and published by Pearson Education India. This book was released on 2007-09 with total page 608 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Highly Regarded Text Presents A Comprehensive And Balanced Introduction To Both Qualitative And Quantitative Approaches To Social Research, Emphasizing The Benefits Of Combining Various Approaches. Dozens Of New Examples From Research Studies Help Illustrate Concepts And Methods. Each Chapter Begins With An Introduction And Ends With A Conclusion, Key Terms, Review Questions And Notes.

Download or read book EBOOK Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology Combining Core Approaches written by Nollaig Frost and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2011-05-16 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Providing practical guidance on carrying out qualitative research in psychology, using methods singly or in combination, this textbook supports students from the beginning of their research experience at undergraduate level through to postgraduate research and beyond. The test introduces four widely used qualitative approaches, grounded theory, interpretative phenomenological analysis, discourse analysis and narrative analysis - and then considers ways of combining the approaches. Each chapter focuses on practical aspects of pluralistic study design and application, including participant recruitment, ethics, data interpretation and writing up. The book reflects the latest developments in qualitative research and includes several features designed to illustrate the applications of these, including: Clear chapter introductions and summaries Descriptive case studies and group projects Reflections on practice Problem-based questions Research examples The contributors bring personal insight into qualitative research practice, covering key areas of psychology, including: health psychology, social psychology, criminal psychology, gender studies, psychotherapy and counselling psychology and organizational psychology. "This book provides an introduction to four widely used qualitative research methods, followed by a detailed discussion of a pluralistic approach to qualitative research, makes excellent use of questions both in order to help the reader gain clarity as well as to encourage reflexivity." The Psychologist, May 2012

Download or read book EBOOK The Good Research Guide For Small Scale Social Research Projects written by Martyn Denscombe and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2017-06-16 with total page 418 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This bestselling introductory book offers practical and straightforward guidance on the basics of social research, ideal for anyone who needs to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. The book provides: • A clear, straightforward introduction to data collection methods and data analysis • Jargon-free coverage of the key issues • Checklists to guide good practice The sixth edition has been extensively updated and includes features such as: • A new chapter on the Life Course Perspective • A new chapter on Literature Reviews • New material on the Delphi Technique • An updated and expanded chapter on the analysis of Quantitative Data • New examples and illustrations throughout The Good Research Guide, 6th edition is a valuable resource for anyone conducting social research including those in applied areas such as business studies, health studies, nursing, education, social work, policy studies, marketing, media studies and criminology. "Denscombe's The Good Research Guide, now in its 6th edition, continues to be one of the leading books in the field. It covers the topics a student or practitioner doing a research project needs to know from project design, theoretical underpinnings of research, data collection and analysis to writing up your research. Its accessible and practical approach means that it is an excellent resource for those new to undertaking independent research." Liam Foster, Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Social Work, Sheffield University, UK "Martyn Denscombe's text continues to remain core reading for those undertaking small pieces of research and those who need to gain a firm grounding in the principles of research theory and practice. From deciding on a research approach to the process of writing up, this finely balanced edition offers a comprehensive and detailed guide to the research cycle. Pragmatic, and with the needs of the researcher always in mind, it makes social science research accessible, undaunting, and, what's more, a completely possible, stimulating, and enjoyable endeavour." Yunis Alam, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bradford, UK "The Good Research Guide provides a comprehensive view of the complex strategies and approaches of conducting social research, explained in simple terms. Relevant examples and check lists provided in each section not only helps to gain better understanding but also reflect on one’s own research. This book has tremendously helped me to gain knowledge and understanding of complex research strategies. It will provide clear guidance and direction for students and researchers in their research journey to achieve success." Deborah Ebenezer, Research Student "I think the book has a very good précis of areas relevant to the title. It outlines very well in a logical order the elements pertinent to 'social research'. Each chapter is relatively comprehensive and deals with subject material that is important, in a language that is accessible throughout. It does what it says on the tin and provides practical information and guidance as a 'how to' text' for those needing help with this type of research project. In particular I think the checklists are an excellent chapter ending to help plan and bring into sharp focus what is needed for any particular approach. The within chapter examples are excellent and help to further inform the reader what the author is trying to convey. Chapter links help further embed concepts and show how the various research elements may be associated. Overall an excellent introductory text that embodies a no-nonsense approach to a subject that can be at times complex. By breaking down topic areas and giving simple examples the subject is eminently accessible to the reader. Well done!" Stephen Pearson, Senior Lecturer in Human and Applied Physiology, School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, UK "This new edition provides comprehensive guidance to those undertaking small-scale social research projects including dissertations in business and management and the social sciences and I would recommend its use for all those new to research and also to refresh the thinking of those with prior research experience. Part 1 addresses a range of strategies for social research including surveys, sampling, case studies, experiments, ethnography, the life course perspective, grounded theory, action research, phenomenology, systematic review and mixed methods. There are few texts which address research strategies in such a comprehensive manner. The text develops in Part 2 by providing clear guidance on the selection and use of appropriate methods of data collection such as questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary analysis, taking into account the aims and objective of the research project. Part 4 considers both quantitative and qualitative data analysis with Part 4 providing essential information on research ethics, the reporting of research and on the conduct and presentation of the literature review essential to all research projects. I have no hesitation in commending this text for use by undergraduate and post-graduate students as well as those undertaking research projects independent of an academic programme." Dr. Bobby Mackie, Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Enterprise, University of the West of Scotland, UK

Download or read book Theory and Methods in Social Research written by Bridget Somekh and published by SAGE Publications. This book was released on 2011-01-28 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Previous ed.: Research methods in the social sciences, 2005.

Download or read book EBOOK Doing Social Research A Global Context written by Claire Wagner and published by McGraw Hill. This book was released on 2012-08-16 with total page 313 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With its focus on critical thinking and applied learning, Doing Social Research provides a unique approach to conducting social research. The book is organised according to the broad chronology of developing and conducting a typical student research project and provides coverage of key theories alongside exercises, case studies and scenarios.Written specifically for students in South Africa and the developing world and drawing on examples from a range of fields in the social sciences, the book brings research methods to life.

Download or read book EBOOK Extending Social Research Application Implementation and Publication written by Gayle Letherby and published by McGraw-Hill Education (UK). This book was released on 2006-12-16 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What are the responsibilities of those involved in social research for maximising the impact of research findings? How can social science researchers ensure that their work is widely publicized, applied and implemented? When should social research be extended or ended? Aimed at social researchers, students and research commissioners, this book is about the application, implementation and publication of social research. It focuses on the tasks of making findings available and ensuring that applied social research makes a difference to people’s lives. Drawing upon numerous examples, the book demonstrates the importance of considering the impact of research throughout the whole process. The contributors argue convincingly that an ethical approach to social science research requires a focus on the effectiveness of outcomes, outputs and responsibilities not acknowledged within the traditional research process. This book also critically evaluates research production as well as the expectations placed on researchers by funders, the academic system and end users, arguing that from inception to completion, researchers need to pay attention to how their work could and should be used. Extending Social Research rigorously examines the assertion that effective evidence-based social research can influence policy and practice and provides key reading for all those with an interest in the outcomes of research work, including funders, policy makers and researchers.

Download or read book Foundations of Mixed Methods Research written by Charles Teddlie and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2009 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ""The authors have successfully integrated a technical and well rounded discussion of the evolution of mixed methods research balanced with practical application examples of using mixed methods for the pragmatic researcher.""