Product Description

Doing Social Science Research gives an introductory overview of the process of social research, from research design to data collection and analysis. It provides students and teachers with a mix of resources to help them to get to grips with the main methods of social research. These resources include a set of self-directed activities designed to get students using research methods, as well as a set of readings to support these activities. The readings also provide critical discussions and examples of the range of research methods.

The text offers a comprehensive introduction to the full range of research methods in the social sciences, such as:

· Survey research

· Experimental research

· Statistical analysis

· Interview research

· Ethnographic research

· Qualitative data analysis

· Discourse analysis

The text clearly explains what these methods involve, as well as their basic relationship to arguments in the philosophy of social science. It will provide students and researchers with essential guidance on how to select the most appropriate method in their own research, as well as understanding and evaluating research conducted by others.

Doing Social Science Research will be an invaluable resource for students taking introductory courses in social research at both postgraduate and undergraduate level. It is a set text for the Open University's Social Science Postgraduate Foundation Module (D820 The Challenge of the Social Sciences).

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #408069 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 293 pages

From the Publisher
This title is available in a paperback edition

Customer Reviews

Good overview of research methods
This is one of the set books for an Open University postgraduate foundation course in the social sciences, which I took last year.

I found the book to be very helpful and clearly explained, without going into a lot of 'jargon' and technicality (unfortunately all too common in some social science books!). However it isn't at all simplistic, as it deals with some complex issues and techniques. It is written from a practical point of view to help you in your own research projects as well as discussing research methods in a more theoretical way. Throughout the book there are many examples of real research projects showing how the knowledge is applied in 'real life' research.

The book looks at quantitative research (including survey and experimental research and data analysis), qualitative methods (including discourse analysis and coding) and has a section on "selecting and evaluating methods" which looks at how to 'choose' a research method that is appropriate to your work.

I've since gone on to do another course in social research methods and found this book useful for that one as well, though it isn't actually one of the set books.

All in all, a useful introduction to research methods, clearly written and dealing with the process of social research in a logical way.