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Introduction to Social Research
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Introduction to Social Research
Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

Third Edition
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January 2014 | 408 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
In the new edition of Introduction to Social Research, Keith Punch takes a fresh look at the entire research process, from formulating a research question to writing up your research. Covering qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, the book focuses on matching research questions to appropriate methods. Offering concise, balanced coverage, this book clearly explains the underlying principles of social research and shows you how to put this understanding into practice.  

The third edition includes:
  • A new chapter on literature searching and reviewing
  • Expanded coverage of ethics
  • A new section on using the internet in research
  • A range of additional student learning features
  • A brand new companion website including full-text journal articles, additional case studies and video tutorials.
Using a range of examples from student research and published work, the book is an ideal introduction for any social science student taking a research methods course or embarking on their own undergraduate or postgraduate research project.
 
Introduction
 
Theory and Method in Social Research
 
Ethics in Social Research - Alis Oancea
 
Research Questions
 
From Research Questions to Data
 
Literature Searching and Reviewing - with Alis Oancea
 
Qualitative Research Design
 
Collecting Qualitative Data
 
The Analysis of Qualitative Data
 
Quantitative Research Design
 
Collecting Quantitative Data
 
The Analysis of Quantitative Data
 
The Internet and Research - Wayne McGowan
 
Mixed Methods and Evaluation
 
Research Writing

Supplements

Click for online resources

Companion website to accompany the Third Edition of Introduction to Social Research

Clear explanations. Ideal for degree students, especially those who are new to research.Helpful exercises to check understanding.

Ms Sarah McLaughlin
Access to HE, Weston College
July 22, 2019

Social Research: Quantitative & Qualitative Approaches is a highly recommendable textbook for all students and academics who want to learn how to conduct social research properly. This volume charts directions of thinking about the whole research process. It introduces the strategies of specialist literature searching and reviewing and lucidly shows relations between theory and methodology on each phrase of study. Importantly, it helps take on challenges and pitfalls which often occurs when analyses are carried out. In fact, the textbook successfully addresses the main problems of social sciences students. It introduces how to formulate research questions and hypotheses which are correct and have exploratory and explanatory value. Finally, it comprehensively presents how to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data and deal with research results.

Dr Joanna Rak
Accounting , Faculty of Political Science and Journalism
October 30, 2016

Very informative and well balanced.

Dr Cristian Mihai Dogaru
Children, Young People & Education, University of Suffolk
July 21, 2016

Clearly laid out and easy to access for students new to social research. Good for understanding research strategy but requires back up from detailed methods books.

Dr Ruth Stevenson
Graduate School of the Environment , Centre for Alternative Technology
June 14, 2016

A very useful guide for students which they can use to help them develop an appropriate framework for their own research projects.

Dr Irene Dewar Bonnar
Education , Stirling University
June 7, 2016

Very clear overviews of research design, setting research questions and qual and quant methods.

Dr Jeremy Dixon
Dept of Social and Policy Sciences, Bath University
May 27, 2016

This text is invaluable,providing students with a highly useful overview of quantitative and qualitative approaches. I will be advising students as essential reading for my course in terms of an introduction to social science research.

Mr Philip Russell
Department of Humanities, Tallaght Institute of Technology
March 2, 2016

This textbook is a helpful handbook which can be used by any student, regardless of their year of study. It allows the student to explore what quantitative and qualitative research is in a manner which is constructive and easy to follow. The layout of the book allows the student to navigate their way through some important questions and dilemmas which research. It is definitely a helpful addition to any research course.

Ms Cindy Melanie Swartbooi
Psychology, Cornerstone Institute
January 28, 2016

A clear and concise introduction for students

Dr Alia Middleton
Political, Intern'nal & Policy Studies, Surrey University
April 4, 2016

An excellent introductory textbook covering all aspects of the research process. This is shorter than Bryman's book on social research methods, but has a similar scope, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Clearly written with good explanations of the rationales behind various research methods.

Mr Jeremy Dixon
Dept of Social and Policy Sciences, Bath University
November 3, 2015

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