Social Research
An Introduction
- Matthew David - Durham University, UK
- Carole D Sutton - University of Plymouth, UK
Research Methods & Evaluation (General) | Social Research Methods | Sociological Research Methods
The perfect book for any student taking a research methods course for the first time!
The new edition of David and Sutton's text provides those new to social research with a comprehensive introduction to the theory, logic and practical methods of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research. Covering all aspects of research design, data collection, data analysis and writing up, Social Research: An Introduction is the essential companion for all undergraduate and postgraduate students embarking on a methods course or social research project.
The second edition features:
- Brand new chapters on visual methods, case study methods, internet research, mixed methods and grounded theory
- Updated chapters on interviews, questionnaire design, surveys, and focus groups
- Improved coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis, including practical instruction on the latest versions of software packages NiVivo 8 and SPSS 18
- An attractive new layout which aids navigability and enhances the book's student learning features
- A companion website (www.uk.sagepub.com/david) with PowerPoint slides and links to useful websites
- Many more practical examples helping bring theory to life!
Designed for social science students with no previous experience, this book provides a balanced foundation in the principles and practices of social research.
Supplements
'By far the very best treatment of this topic in the field today ' -
Norman Denzin, University of Illinois
'The second edition of Social Research: An Introduction firmly establishes this book as a standard amongst introductory methods books. It is comprehensive and covers the whole range of frequently used methods. It is clearly built on solid pedagogic and conceptual foundations. David and Sutton write from the position of experienced, theoretically informed researchers with a genuine commitment to pluralism in research methods. It is clearly written, yet sophisticated and is a valuable resource for both students and professionals new to social research and more experienced researchers who wish to expand their methodological repertoire' -
Malcolm Williams, Director of the School of Social Sciences, University of Cardiff
Praise for the first edition:
'… a valuable addition to the social research literature because it provides practical and detailed support to undergraduates who are conducting research for the first time' - Professor Tim May, University of Salford
'… balanced, user-friendly and timely' - Norman Denzin, University of Illinois
There are areas within this book that give an in-depth account of specific areas of research, which some of the students with less experience of research, have been able to grasp quickly.
A comprehensive book, exploring all the relevant aspects of social research for level three and four in significant detail and provides students with context and a depth of understanding.
Although the book's layout could be improved; with potential for greater visual aspects and more simplistic language in some areas, it explores the subject matter in great detail in a way that, for the most part, is easy to understand. For level three and four learners, it provides in-depth analysis of key areas in social research including data collection, data analysis and how students should present research findings. The book explains the key terms in a simple and easy to understand way, and easily provides students with enough detail to obtain the highest possible grades at level three. I particularly like the focus on the key terms students often struggle to understand including positivism, interpretivism, operationalisation and the terms associated with research sampling.
I would highly recommend this book to FE colleges; it is especially useful in providing context of key terms for students aiming for the top grades and intending on studying social science at undergraduate level.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of research methods from data collection to analysis. The book also contains useful SPSS and NVivo guidance. A useful resource for all levels.
This book describes all aspects of doing research in a clear and structured way. However, in our course we want to put more emphasis on doing (laboratory) experiments, and this topic is in our view too little described. (for example, the word 'experiment' is not mentioned in the index of the book)
Excellent book which breaks down research methods in a clear way and is applicable across different levels
Good book, consise instruction.
Thorough and clear and encompasses wide range of levels.L7 students would benefit from some sections.
Chapter contents and aims helped to clarify learning within the hapters. Box examples helped to put theory into practice. Graphs and diagrams helped to absorb the theory in the relevant chapters
An excellent comprehensive text on research methods. An excellent aid for research students.
Sample Materials & Chapters
Chapter 1: Getting Started: Theory, Research Question and Research Design
