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Social Research
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Social Research
Theory, Methods and Techniques

First Edition


April 2003 | 336 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
`This is an impressively detailed, clearly written book.... It is a book that I would like students to read' - Clive Seale, Goldsmiths College, London

Social Research: Theory, Methods and Techniques presents an understanding of social research practice through appreciation of its foundations and methods. Stretching from the philosophy of science to detailed descriptions of both qualitative and quantitative techniques, it illustrates not only `how' to do social research, but also `why' particular techniques are used today.

The book is divided into three parts:

Part One: Illustrates the two basic paradigms - quantitative and qualitative - of social research, describing their origins in philosophical thought and outlining their current interpretations.

Part Two: Devoted to quantitative research, and discusses the relationship between theory and research practice. It also presents a discussion of key quantitative research techniques.

Part Three: Examines qualitative research. Topics range from classical qualitative techniques such as participant observation, to more recent developments such as ethnomethodological studies.

Overall, the author offers an engaging contribution to the field of social research and this book is a reminder of the solid foundations upon which most social research is conducted today. As a consequence it will be required reading for students throughout the social sciences, and at various levels.

 
Introduction
 
PART ONE: THE LOGIC OF SOCIAL RESEARCH
 
Paradigms of Social Research
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
 
PART TWO: QUANTITATIVE TECHNIQUES
 
From Theory to Empirical Research
 
Causality and Experimentation
 
The Survey
 
Scaling
 
Official Statistics
 
Sampling
 
PART THREE: QUALITATIVE TECHNIQUES
 
Participant Observation
 
The Qualitative Interview
 
The Use of Documents

The crucial problem I had with this book relates to the presence of an Italian translation. Students tend to read the Italian version without acquiring the required vocabulary.

Dr Matteo Bassoli
Political Science, Università degli Studi di Padova
June 12, 2019

The book offers a clear overview of the different techniques applied to social research. In particular, the ongoing parallel between quantitative and qualitative methods enables students to have a better understanding of the cardinal issues involved in the two mainstreams. It maintains a sociological perspective that may not always fit the "social psychology" modules.

Dr Anna Zoli
Faculty of psychology , Warsaw School of Social Psychology
September 2, 2015

A great resource for students thinking about their social research methodology.

Mrs Justine Gallagher
Sch of Health,Community & Educ Studies, Northumbria University
July 23, 2012

Particularly useful for undergraduate study and have recommended as general text for dissertation modules.

Mr William McGovern
Sch of Health,Community & Educ Studies, Northumbria University
December 22, 2011

For instructors

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ISBN: 9780761972532
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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.