Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences

For both novice and advanced researchers, this book draws on real life experiences from a wide variety of disciplines to show how theory translates into practice, and offers a rigorous analysis of why researchers choose the methods they use.

• Examples drawn from real life show you how theory translates into practice.
• Real research from a wide variety of disciplines lets you see your project in context.
• Think about it boxes offer questions and ideas to help you focus on core issues and practical considerations.
• Your research summaries present questions, activities and checklists to help you develop your ideas.
• What is…? boxes provide definitions and explanations of key terms.

“A lively and accessible, practical guide on how to do social research. It takes the reader on a journey, from initial thoughts and questions through to the complexities of data collection, analysis and dissemination. A welcome and invaluable addition to the literature on research methods.”
Professor Saul Becker, Head of the School of Sociology and Social Policy, The University of Nottingham

“A seminal textbook, glittering with extensive examples, information and insight which publicise the entire research process from a new and engaging perspective.”
Faiza Qureshi, Loughborough University

“Accessible to new researchers without losing the essence of highly complex issues. In short, a valuable tool for those seeking to mobilise research projects for the first time or those seeking to refresh and update knowledge of current research issues.”
Dave Orr, University of Central Lancashire

Whether you are doing social research for the first time, or taking on more advanced work, Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences will inform and improve your understanding and practice.

More than a comprehensive practical guide, this book also offers a rigorous analysis of why researchers choose the methods they use. Drawing upon academic and professional sources, Research Methods demonstrates how theory underpins practice and helps you select the most appropriate techniques for collecting data and analysing your findings while remaining ethically and culturally sensitive.

Matthews and Ross pay particular attention to the areas students find most challenging. With a visual guide to using SPSS and Excel in data analysis and an extensive look at data presentation, this book supports the student researcher throughout every stage of the research process.

Written to reflect the breadth of the social sciences, Research Methods is essential for anyone conducting research in sociology, health policy, social work, criminology, social policy, cultural studies, political studies, public policy, education and related fields.

Key features

• Examples drawn from real life show you how theory translates into practice.
• Real research from a wide variety of disciplines lets you see your project in context.
• Think about it . . . boxes offer questions and ideas to help you focus on core issues and practical considerations.
• Your research summaries present questions, activities and checklists to help you develop your ideas.
• What is…? definitions provide additonal explanations of key terms.

About the authors

Bob Matthews is Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Birmingham, UK. Bob currently teaches and researches in Comparative Social Policy, Social Inclusion, Health Policy and Research Methods.

Liz Ross is Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Birmingham, UK. Liz has taught social research methods on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and is Programme Co-ordinator of Birmingham’s MA Policy into Practice.

Visit the Research Methods: A Practical Guide for the Social Sciences website at www.pearsoned.co.uk/matthews to find learning materials, including interactive exercises, videos, questionnaires, datasets and much more.