Social Research
A Practical Introduction
- Bruce Curtis - University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Cate Curtis - University of Waikato, New Zealand
Research Methods (General) | Social Research Methods | Sociological Research Methods
The text provides a mixed methods approach that challenges historical divisions between quantitative and qualitative research. It adopts a multidisciplinary approach to social science research, drawing from areas such as sociology, social psychology and social anthropology.
Explicitly addressing the concerns of emergent researchers it provides both a 'how to' account of social research and an understanding of the main factors that contextualize research by discussing 'why do' social scientists work this way.
Throughout the twelve comprehensive chapters procedural (how to) accounts and contextual (why do) issues are usefully applied to major themes and substantive questions.
These key themes include:
(1) Research design
(2) The practices of research and emergent researchers: Beyond ontology, epistemology and methodology
(3) The impact of technology on research
(4) Putting the research approach in context.
A superb teaching text this book will be relished by lecturers seeking an authoritative introduction to social research and by students who want an accessible, enriching text to guide and inspire them.
a very good overview and introduction for students and an excellent practical guide to socials science research
Good overall introduction to research methods with the emphasis on the qualitative. I will recommend it for use in our second year modules
This book has an excellent integration of issues of epistemology with those of research quality and the practical side of methodological strategies and very nicely situates social research in a context of the development of the discipline.
An important and very informative methods text book that gives the comments of overview of a wide range of the main approaches to social science research. This is an accessible text however it is not simplistic or patronising but rather is a theoretically informed. An excellent practical guide to social science research.
This course is for doctors and dentists, typically, where the world of education and social science is new to them. The text will provide a useful source to support their thinking and planning of their own Masters research project.
There is a wealth of methodology texts available but this text provides practice points which will be sueful to this audience. And notably, the focus grp chapter is detailed - other texts can be somewhat limited on this method.
well designed clear textbook. Identifying all stasges of the research progress
A good overview of the subject area is presented. However, one need need to to augement with other texts e.g. in relation to interviewing, GT methodology etc.
A good introduction and reference for social research students. Challenges the old qualitative/quantitative distinction. Top feature: the authors sometimes express and justify disagreement with textbook knowledge.
This is a very strong 'one text' book that covers the full area of social research. Works well across a number of academic levels.
This research methods text book is particularly helpful in that it discusses the practical aspects of undertaking research and the decisions that are important when considering design and methods, but it also puts the research process into context addressing conceptual concerns and considering the origins of the research approaches. The suggested further readings with the authors’ comments, and up to date reference lists also provide a very useful resource for both students and lecturers.
