Principles of Methodology
Research Design in Social Science
- Perri 6 - Queen Mary, University of London, UK
- Christine Bellamy - Nottingham Trent University, UK
In this intelligent and accessible book, Perri 6 and Chris Bellamy explore the relationship between the philosophical principles of the social sciences and the methods at our disposal to study the social world. They examine how we can design achievable and valid research projects by looking closely at the choices that all researchers and students face when designing a research project.
Much of the existing literature glosses over the often difficult inter-relationship between practical research design and the theoretical underpinnings of methodology. However, this text addresses such issues head on, and in the process helps the reader to better understand each stage of the research process.
Coverage includes:
" How do we ask valid research questions?
" How do we develop a research design to best answer our questions?
" What is the difference between 'methodology' and 'methods'?
" How do we formulate research concepts?
" How do we select and access a sample?
" What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative approaches?
" How do we handle our data?
This book is essential reading for any student or new researcher on a research methods course and who is faced with the prospect of understanding the research process for themselves or designing their own research project.
An insightful text that supports graduate researchers to gain a greater depth of understanding and application of the research methodologies discussed.
A wonderful and inspirational guide to Social Science research design that never patronises or terrifies the beginning social scientist. Thank you!
This is an excellent new book which engages with theoretical and methodological issues and provides a clear guide for research practitioners in ways that many such books fail to do. It is clear and accessible and does not shy away from dealing with complex issues in a practical manner. It will be of immense value to Masters students and doctoral students alike.
this is a very good reference book, informative and written in an accessible style. Recommended for any student wishing to develop a general grounding in the principles of methodology to inform their own research
The author of this book writes in a clear and concise way. Making distinct terminology used within research methodology understandable to students or researchers at all levels. The book also helpfully guides the reader through each stage of the research process from choosing the most appropriate design, data collection and on to interpreting data. It also includes a number of useful exercises, that help the reader to consider appropriate methods to use in real research situations.
A good supplementary text for research students, to ensure a good understanding of the methodologies used in their research programmes. I like the two levels of reading list - basic and advanced, providing guidance to a range of readers.
This is a readable, detailed methodology text with useful examples and supporting literature at both basic and advanced levels, which is helpful. Itsa probably too detailed for most of my undergraduate dissertation students, but provides a good background to some of the more inquisitive students.
This book is more advanced than I had hoped for
A very useful text which clearly explains the principles of research methodology.
Friendly and no-nonsense approach to methodology, I think student will really benefit from it.
