Practical Social Investigation

Practical Social Investigation provides, within a single text, an introduction to a wide range of both long-standing and newer social research methods. Its balanced and integrated coverage of qualitative and quantitative approaches demonstrates that they can be complementary. While research practice is emphasised, readers are encouraged to reflect on methodological issues as well as being provided with tools for their own research. This coherent, accessibly written book draws upon the authors' extensive experience of conducting research and teaching research methods. Numerous examples, based on real research studies, illustrate key issues in a way that acknowledges both the messiness and the creativity of social research. Useful supplementary material includes a glossary and example survey data; the latter can be downloaded from a dedicated website, currently located at: www.pearsoned.co.uk..

1. Introducing social investigation: what is research and why do we do it? 2. Planning and designing research: finding a framework 3. Suitable samples: selecting, obtaining and profiting from them 4. Observation: looking to learn 5. Survey research: practicalities and potential 6. Interviewing: listening and talking 7. Documents, official statistics and secondary analysis: mining existing data sources 8. Making it count: approaches to qualitative data analysis 9. Quantitative data analysis: knowledge from numbers 10. Approaches to writing: the craft of communication 11. Projects and dissertations - methods and methodology in a practical context Appendix A: Ethical codes Appendix B: Critical values for test statistics, statistical notation