Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research
- Derek Layder - University of Leicester, UK
Research Methods (General) | Social Research Methods | Sociological Research Methods
In this inspiring and engaging book, readers are presented with the key principles and practices of small-scale research. In addition, the book provides a peerless introduction to the key features involved in the process of research design and practice. Written in a clear, accessible way and drawing on exciting up-to-date examples, this book makes for a crucial companion on the way to research excellence.
Based on Layder's solid background as a researcher, supervisor and teacher, Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research:
- Leads the researcher through the actual process of doing a research project from start to finish
- Offers a comprehensive outline of general areas and issues such as preparation and planning, developing research questions, interviewing and sampling
- Reflects upon research as a social and human process
- Provides systematic guidelines and advice above and beyond technical essentials.
This book will be invaluable to both students and researchers interested in social interaction - informing, guiding and inspiring them towards excellent small-scale research.
A useful resource in a small size book.
An outstanding resource for any student undertaking reseach, clear and well laid out allowing the reader to find their areas of concern easily.
This should be read by all students undertaking research for the first or 100th time.
An interesting book for research projects
The book surprised me with its energetic interpretation of the value of small-scale research.
The specific methodological choices associated with this type of study is clearly highlighted. This is a good resource to have on your book shelve for first time researchers still finding their way and also for seasoned researcher to reaffirm their convictions.
A usefull book for students who have to do their research within a limited time frame. Clear and easy understandable text
A good, to the point guide for Bachelor students who write their dissertations on a primary research study.
An excellent introduction to the world of social research.
As with Layder's other work - this is a very accessible, well-written text that is extremely useful for undergraduate and even MSc students studying social sciences.
It offers smething slightly different from the rather overwhelming number of publications on the market because of the focus on small-scale research makes it a more 'realistic' proposition for undergraduate students than many other research methods texts.
Even though this would be a usable book for our students, it would a bit too expensive for them since we have several other books on the course - in Sweden, it costs £60.
This might have been a lesser obstacle if the book had been clearer in some areas, but I find one of the central distinctions argued for in the book to be somewhat hard to grasp for the students - thus, it might confuse them rather than bringing clarifying insights.
I'm really sad to turn down this book since the overall approach seemed a promising one.
This is an eminently readable text which clearly presents the important principles of successful, small-scale research. There are excellent examples to support the approaches discussed.
