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Research Design in Social Research
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Research Design in Social Research

First Edition

March 2001 | 296 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
With this book David de Vaus has written one of the best general research methods textbooks around. The use of different types of research design as the point of departure is a different and very helpful approach to take, especially since many textbooks confuse issues of method and design. The author outlines with great clarity a wide variety of issues, including testing theories, causation, data analysis, and the main considerations involved in using the different research designs covered. Both students and their instructors will find this an extremely valuable, well-written book' - Alan Bryman, University of Loughborough

 
PART ONE: WHAT IS RESEARCH DESIGN?
 
The Context of Design
 
Tools for Research Design
 
Causation and the Logic of Research Design
 
PART TWO: EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS
 
Types of Experimental Design
 
Issues in Experimental Design
 
Analyzing Experimental Data
 
PART THREE: LONGITUDINAL DESIGNS
 
Types of Longitudinal Design
 
Issues in Longitudinal Design
 
Data Analysis in Longitudinal Design
 
PART FOUR: CROSS-SECTIONAL DESIGNS
 
Cross-Sectional Design
 
Issues in Cross-Sectional Design
 
Cross-Sectional Analysis
 
PART FIVE: CASE STUDY DESIGNS
 
Case Study Design
 
Issues in Case Study Design
 
Case Study Analysis

'With this book David De Vaus has written one of the best general research methods textbooks around. The use of different types of research design as the point of departure is a different and very helpful approach to take, especially since many textbooks confuse issues of method and design. The author outlines with great clarity a wide variety of issues, including testing theories, causation, data analysis, and the main considerations involved in using the different research designs covered. Both students and their instructors will find this an extremely valuable, well-written book' - Professor Alan Bryman, University of Loughborough


The book is a clear and thoughtful primer on research design, explaining and comparing the main approaches to social science research. I have found it works well as an entry level text for undergraduates and postgraduates beginning extended research projects.

Dr Charlie Wilson
School of Environmental Science, University of East Anglia
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Solid an systematic overview of the research designs in the social sciences.

Dr Giel Dik
ENP, Wageningen University
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An excellent book with a suberb mix of theory and pratice

Dr Jacky Tyrie
Childhood Studies, University of Wales - Swansea
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We use this book for teaching empirical research as we feel that its content makes for good background reading in the fields of design, analysis and interpretation. As such, the most useful parties of the book are I through IV.

Dr Kostas Gemenis
Political Science & Research Methods, Twente University
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found it pedantic and unreflective

Dr Lauren Wagner
Socio-Spatial Analysis, Wageningen University
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We will be using a chapter of this book as a weekly core reading at stage 1. An excellent book that rises above the qualitative quantitative paradigm and addresses the real issues in research design.

Dr Luke Sloan
Cardiff School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University
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Very good Research Design book. Precise, concise and easily understandable. The best I could find for my needs.

Mr Sebastian Koehler
Faculty of Social Science, University of Mannheim
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Excellent guide to research methods. Essential reading for post graduate research students.

Mrs Lynn Swift
Sch of Health,Community & Educ Studies, Northumbria University
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A useful tool to assist any new researcher embarking on a project. This has helped students find their way around the theory connected with social research.

Mrs Michelle Grainger
Sheffield Centre, LifeSkills
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Sample Materials & Chapters

PDF file of Chapter 1