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Introduction to Social Research
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Introduction to Social Research
Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

Third Edition
Additional resources:


January 2014 | 408 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
In the new edition of Introduction to Social Research, Keith Punch takes a fresh look at the entire research process, from formulating a research question to writing up your research. Covering qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, the book focuses on matching research questions to appropriate methods. Offering concise, balanced coverage, this book clearly explains the underlying principles of social research and shows you how to put this understanding into practice.  

The third edition includes:
  • A new chapter on literature searching and reviewing
  • Expanded coverage of ethics
  • A new section on using the internet in research
  • A range of additional student learning features
  • A brand new companion website including full-text journal articles, additional case studies and video tutorials.
Using a range of examples from student research and published work, the book is an ideal introduction for any social science student taking a research methods course or embarking on their own undergraduate or postgraduate research project.
 
Introduction
 
Theory and Method in Social Research
 
Ethics in Social Research - Alis Oancea
 
Research Questions
 
From Research Questions to Data
 
Literature Searching and Reviewing - with Alis Oancea
 
Qualitative Research Design
 
Collecting Qualitative Data
 
The Analysis of Qualitative Data
 
Quantitative Research Design
 
Collecting Quantitative Data
 
The Analysis of Quantitative Data
 
The Internet and Research - Wayne McGowan
 
Mixed Methods and Evaluation
 
Research Writing

Supplements

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Companion website to accompany the Third Edition of Introduction to Social Research

Delighted to receive this new version of a trusted favourite. A very accessible and well-laid out text that covers each aspect in detail without overwhelming the reader. Strongly recommended for BA (Hons) students who are engaging in research for the first time.

Miss Caroline Meredith
School of Education and Innovation, Bishop Grosseteste University
January 17, 2014

For my learners other texts preferred

Mrs Kay Wall
Social Work, North East Worcestershire College
January 16, 2014

This is an extremely clear guide, which is wide-ranging yet simple in its approach. As would be expected of an 'introductory' text, there are many areas where you might want a deeper analysis, but the use of extensive Further Reading sections and referencs within the texts are extremely useful to guide further reading.
A very user-friendly text.

Dr Candice Satchwell
Dept of Education and Social Science, University of Central Lancashire
January 16, 2014

Excellent book for my level 5 students conducting their research project. Well written, informative and at the right level. I have recommended this book to my students.

Mr Peter Norton
Uniformed public services, Sheffield College
January 16, 2014

The chapter layouts in this book are excellent, taking the student through from the clearly identified learning outcomes to the final chapter summary in a structured and easy to follow manner. I particularly like the lists of key terms (a point of difficult to grasp among new researchers) and the self-help exercises to test understanding of the concepts and practices. This text will help students, of any discipline, to justify their research method(s) and to deliver on the research design.

Mr Ciaran McAleenan
School of the Built Environment, Ulster University
January 15, 2014

The book is a hands-on guide for students considering the most appropriate approach for their intended research. It provides a detailed overview of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The clearly stated learning objectives are supported by self assessment exercises that aids the learning and application of methodological insight.

Mrs Christel Marais
Human Resource Management, Vaal University of Technology
January 15, 2014

Every student interested in empirical research in their papers and theses will be given this book by me! What a treasure - it really provides answers and helpful suggestions to so many different and detailed questions, that so often get neglected or forgotten.

Ms Roswitha Kersten-Pejanic
Department of Slavic studies, Humboldt University of Berlin
January 13, 2014

This is a very well written and accessible research book that I would recommend to any students studying research methods, or actively engaged in research.

Mr Michael Rees
Business and Social Science, University of Wales
January 13, 2014

Clearly structured for the student who is new to research. Tackles the difficult aspect of deciding upon a research question. Exercises and questions at the end of the chapter help the reader to reflect on their understanding and signposts to Notes and further reading to support understanding. Good chapter on the literature review starting with the basics before guidance on writing it up with some helpful question prompts. Written accessibly and would be a useful book for the social researcher.

Mrs Janet Harvell
Centre for Early Childhood, Worcester Univ.
December 29, 2013

This book offers a comprehensive overview of social research. Chapters on developing research questions are a particularly welcome inclusion. Chapter features such as learning objectives, bulleted lists and end of chapter lists improve accessibility, although some concepts (e.g. quantitative design) would be enhanced by more graphics. The chapter on the internet is an important addition and highlights the need for consideration of an even broader range of technological innovations which support social research.

Dr Niamh Flanagan
Social Science , University College Dublin
December 13, 2013

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