Social Research Methods in Dementia Studies: Inclusion and Innovation

Traditionally, the most preferred social research methods in dementia studies have been interviews, focus groups and non-participant observations. Most of these methods have been used for a long time by researchers in other social research fields, but their application to the field of dementia studies is a relatively new phenomenon.

A ground-breaking book, Social Research Methods in Dementia Studies shows researchers how to adapt their methods of data collection to address the individual needs of someone who is living with dementia. With an editorial team that includes Ann Johnson, a trained nurse and person living with dementia, this enlightening volume mainly draws its contents from two interdisciplinary social research teams in dementia, namely the Center for Dementia Research [CEDER] at Linköping University in Norrköping, Sweden and the Dementia and Ageing Research Team [DART] at The University of Manchester in Manchester, UK. Case examples are shared in each of the main chapters to help ground the social research method(s) in a real-life context and provide direction as to how learning can be applied to other settings. Chapters also contain key references and recommended reading.

This volume will appeal to undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as postdoctoral researchers, interested in fields such as: Research Methods, Qualitative Methods and Dementia Studies.

John Keady is Professor of Older People’s Mental Health Nursing, a joint appointment between The University of Manchester and the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Lars-Christer Hydén is Professor of Social Psychology at Linköping University, Sweden and director of the Center for Dementia Research [CEDER].

Dr Ann Johnson is a person living with a diagnosis of dementia in Greater Manchester, UK. She was a Nurse Tutor at The University of Manchester prior to taking early retirement in 2005.

Dr Caroline Swarbrick is a Research Fellow in the Dementia and Ageing Research Team at The University of Manchester, UK.