Social Research

From question development and research design to data collection and statistical analysis, this text guides the reader through every aspect of social research. Encouraging a critical approach in each chapter, this 4th edition includes enhanced coverage of internet sampling, mixed methods, conversation analysis and feminist research. Contents 6 Full Contents List 8 List of Figures 15 List of Tables 16 List of Boxes 17 Preface 22 Acknowledgements 24 Part I Foundations of social research 26 1 Introduction 28 2 Varieties of social research 52 3 Feminist research 90 4 Principles of social research 113 Part II RESEARCH PLANNING 142 5 Research Design 144 6 Initiating Social Research 167 7 Sampling Procedures 191 Part III Methods of Data Collection 214 8 Multiple-Sample Research 216 9 Field Research 237 10 Observation 254 11 Questionnaires 274 12 Interviews 302 13 The Study of Documents 328 14 Applied Research 369 Part IV Data Analysis 388 15 Qualitative Analysis 390 16 Quantitative Analysis 429 Part 5 Publication 464 17 Reporting 466 Glossary 492 Bibliography 504 Index 529 Social,Research This 4th edition of Social Research provides students with comprehensive explanation of a wide-range of methods, the philosophies that underpin them and the debates that surround them. It follows a logical structure that shows how research progresses from one stage to the next, how decisions are made, how options are chosen and how conclusions are drawn. In particular, this student-friendly text --Book Jacket Social research is about discovery, it allows us to expand the horizons of the known, delve into new ideas and develop new conclusions about all aspects of life. But in order to carry out our own research, or to confidently interpret others' work, we need to understand some basic practicalities and theories of research