Practical Research and Evaluation
A Start-to-Finish Guide for Practitioners
- Lena Dahlberg - Dalarna University and Dalarna Research Institute
- Colin McCaig - Centre for Education and Inclusion Research (CEIR), Sheffield Hallam University
The growing emphasis on evidence-based practice means that there is an increasing need for practitioners to have at least a basic understanding of research, be aware of methodological pitfalls and to be updated on new methods. This book provides a practical, user-friendly guide to social science research methods for professionals who have benefited from little, if any, formal research methods training but find themselves in a role that requires them to read and understand complex research findings and carry out their own research as part of their professional practice.
Practical Research and Evaluation is aimed at practitioners working in education, health, social care and community work. Many in this market are non-graduates or are those whose study did not contain a research element, but are required to know how research works. This book will:
- enable readers to carry out small-scale research projects of their own
- provide them with the basic understanding necessary to commission research
- enable them to better understand and evaluate critically research reports
I am looking for a text that has more work based reality for practitioner based research.
The challenges in doing research inside child welfare offices is an area i need a book to cover. Eg how to access literature when agencies have few funds for research projects. How to manage gatekeepers etc
this is an ok book – could have been deeper theoretically
A case study chapter would improve as social work is full of cases to study.
needed more attention to knowledge and practice relationships - reflexivity and how this aids evaluation would enhance
This is a good all round introudction for students studying research at degree level and therefore relevant for the course I run. It offere practical advice and is easy to navigate.
Very useful text for students studying organisational evaluation as part of their MA in S0cial Work research module
This book is a useful resource for postgraduate students at the dissertation stage of their course.
An easy to read book thankfully missing the usual jargon that confuses beginners. Very suitable for undergraduates approaching their dissertation, or for more mature students returning after some time to study for Advanced Practice modules in health care.
Well referenced, which alone would help most students. The worked examples are easy to follow and useful.
I found this book an excellent Research and Evaluation book. I will be adding this to my recommended reading list.
A comprehensive guide for students embarking on their first research study.
A very useful aid to the reseach module at level 6. Students have already seen it and found it an accessible text
This is a really good resource for our students, many of whom have used it in their assignment work already. We have access to it as an e-book so it is strongly recommended for students to read (we don't usually have essential reading at this level, so strongly recommended reflects the good standard of the book in content and the way it is presented.) We are keeping it in the reading list for future runs of the module (annual) and have also recommended it in other similar modules.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and found it a very user-friendly text without 'dumbing down' the content. This approach would encourage those new to research to continue reading and gain benefit. I would think it useful for both new researchers and those with some experience. Those considering whether to undertake a case study or not would find it particularly clear and helpful.
