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A Student's Guide to Methodology
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A Student's Guide to Methodology

Third Edition


February 2012 | 288 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
The Third Edition of this hugely popular text provides students with straightforward principles and frameworks for understanding methodology. Peter Clough and Cathy Nutbrown are adept at making methodology meaningful for beginners and more advanced readers alike. Their book clearly demonstrates how methodology impacts upon every stage of the research process, and gives readers all of the tools that they need to understand it.

New to this edition are the following:

- new boxes and guidance on research ethics in every chapter

- more international examples and perspectives

- up to date coverage of online research methods

- more examples from real students

- a new companion website, featuring Powerpoint slides for lecturers

The authors take an applied approach and every chapter contains a variety of practical examples from real research. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own practice at every step, meaning that the book remains extremely relevant throughout. It will be invaluable for all students who are doing a dissertation or taking a research methods module in education, the social sciences, business and health.

 
PART ONE: RESEARCH IS METHODOLOGY
 
What Is Research?
 
What Is Methodology?
 
PART TWO: THE PERVASIVE NATURE OF METHODOLOGY
 
Looking: Seeing beyond the Known
 
Listening: Issues of Voice
 
Reading: Purpose and Positionality
 
Questioning: The Focus of Research
 
PART THREE: MAKING RESEARCH PUBLIC
 
Research Design: Shaping the Study
 
Reporting Research: Telling the Story
 
Research Action: Next Steps

This book is very interesting and well-written. It provides an excellent overview of research methodology and very useful guidance on research ethics. The chapter on the critical literature review is particularly helpful.

Mrs Irene Scott
Faculty of Education (Parkgate), Chester University
March 2, 2013

Comprehensive guide to research methodology with a good balance of theoretical underpinning and practical advice. Particularly good for post graduate studies.

Mrs Suzanne Horton
Institute of Education, Worcester University
February 27, 2013

As a lecturer I found this book offered some good suggestions on how to explain and explore ideas relating to method. These have been useful in updating lecture material and class exercises. However, although I will suggest to students that this is a useful read, I think they prefer books structured around their chosen methods e.g. interviews, case studies, questionnaires. Methodology is something students often struggle with - they tend to understand it more in terms on data collection. This book is more suited to postgrad students, or perhaps the very capable undergrads who wish to challenge themselves.

Dr Rachel Curzon
Birmingham School of the Built Environment, Birmingham City University
February 13, 2013

clear objectives mean the more experienced researcher can use as reference but novices should use it as a teach yourself course. The book has practical tips for individual development. Will be useful for those returning to education at masters level

Miss Claire Emery
FHSC, St George's, University of London
February 11, 2013

For students wanting to buy their first book in understanding methodology this would be it. It takes a logical approach for students who may find this a daunting aspect of putting together their first research project.

Mrs Anita McGowan
Humanities , Croydon College
December 18, 2012

Very good basic text for research novices.

Dr Elaine Kasket
Department of Psychology, London Metropolitan Uni (City Campus)
December 17, 2012

a useful text for those at the start of their doctoral studies wanting an overview of research methodology

Dr Nikki Petty
Health , Brighton University
November 27, 2012

A simple guide for undergraduate students

Paula Stone
Education , Canterbury Christ Church University
November 13, 2012

A comprehensive yet accessible guide for both under and post graduate students.

Mr Graham Harvey
School of sport, health and outdoor education, University of Wales, Trinity St David
November 8, 2012

Very useful and clear text that should prove highly beneficial to students as they plan their dissertation research.

Mrs Alison Cain
Department of Life Sciences, University of Hertfordshire
November 8, 2012

For instructors

Select a Purchasing Option


Paperback
ISBN: 9781446208625
£39.99

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781446208618
£129.00

SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. SAGE Research Methods links over 175,000 pages of SAGE’s renowned book, journal and reference content with truly advanced search and discovery tools. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more.

With SAGE Research Methods, researchers can explore their chosen method across the depth and breadth of content, expanding or refining their search as needed; read online, print, or email full-text content; utilize suggested related methods and links to related authors from SAGE Research Methods' robust library and unique features; and even share their own collections of content through Methods Lists. SAGE Research Methods contains content from over 720 books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks, the entire “Little Green Book,” and "Little Blue Book” series, two Major Works collating a selection of journal articles, and specially commissioned videos.