Good Research Guide

The Good Research Guide provides practical and straightforward guidance for those who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies, covering all the major issues and concerns from start to finish. This brand new 5th edition is thoroughly updated throughout and includes developments in research such as the use of social media, internet research and online surveys.

This bestselling introductory book offers practical and straightforward guidance on the basics of social research, ideal for anyone who needs to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. The book provides: • A clear, straightforward introduction to data collection methods and data analysis • Jargon-free coverage of the key issues • Checklists to guide good practice The sixth edition has been extensively updated and includes features such as: • A new chapter on the Life Course Perspective • A new chapter on Literature Reviews • New material on the Delphi Technique • An updated and expanded chapter on the analysis of Quantitative Data • New examples and illustrations throughout The Good Research Guide, 6th edition is a valuable resource for anyone conducting social research including those in applied areas such as business studies, health studies, nursing, education, social work, policy studies, marketing, media studies and criminology. "Denscombe's The Good Research Guide, now in its 6th edition, continues to be one of the leading books in the field. It covers the topics a student or practitioner doing a research project needs to know from project design, theoretical underpinnings of research, data collection and analysis to writing up your research. Its accessible and practical approach means that it is an excellent resource for those new to undertaking independent research." Liam Foster, Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Social Work, Sheffield University, UK "Martyn Denscombe's text continues to remain core reading for those undertaking small pieces of research and those who need to gain a firm grounding in the principles of research theory and practice. From deciding on a research approach to the process of writing up, this finely balanced edition offers a comprehensive and detailed guide to the research cycle. Pragmatic, and with the needs of the researcher always in mind, it makes social science research accessible, undaunting, and, what's more, a completely possible, stimulating, and enjoyable endeavour." Yunis Alam, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bradford, UK "The Good Research Guide provides a comprehensive view of the complex strategies and approaches of conducting social research, explained in simple terms. Relevant examples and check lists provided in each section not only helps to gain better understanding but also reflect on one’s own research. This book has tremendously helped me to gain knowledge and understanding of complex research strategies. It will provide clear guidance and direction for students and researchers in their research journey to achieve success." Deborah Ebenezer, Research Student "I think the book has a very good précis of areas relevant to the title. It outlines very well in a logical order the elements pertinent to 'social research'. Each chapter is relatively comprehensive and deals with subject material that is important, in a language that is accessible throughout. It does what it says on the tin and provides practical information and guidance as a 'how to' text' for those needing help with this type of research project. In particular I think the checklists are an excellent chapter ending to help plan and bring into sharp focus what is needed for any particular approach. The within chapter examples are excellent and help to further inform the reader what the author is trying to convey. Chapter links help further embed concepts and show how the various research elements may be associated. Overall an excellent introductory text that embodies a no-nonsense approach to a subject that can be at times complex. By breaking down topic areas and giving simple examples the subject is eminently accessible to the reader. Well done!" Stephen Pearson, Senior Lecturer in Human and Applied Physiology, School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, UK "This new edition provides comprehensive guidance to those undertaking small-scale social research projects including dissertations in business and management and the social sciences and I would recommend its use for all those new to research and also to refresh the thinking of those with prior research experience. Part 1 addresses a range of strategies for social research including surveys, sampling, case studies, experiments, ethnography, the life course perspective, grounded theory, action research, phenomenology, systematic review and mixed methods. There are few texts which address research strategies in such a comprehensive manner. The text develops in Part 2 by providing clear guidance on the selection and use of appropriate methods of data collection such as questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary analysis, taking into account the aims and objective of the research project. Part 4 considers both quantitative and qualitative data analysis with Part 4 providing essential information on research ethics, the reporting of research and on the conduct and presentation of the literature review essential to all research projects. I have no hesitation in commending this text for use by undergraduate and post-graduate students as well as those undertaking research projects independent of an academic programme." Dr. Bobby Mackie, Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Enterprise, University of the West of Scotland, UK

The Good Research Guide provides practical and straightforward guidance for those who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. The 7th edition covers topics in a clear, user-friendly style outlining the key points and explaining why they are important. The new edition has been updated throughout and has additional material on topics such as social media research, online surveys, image-based research and participatory action research. It also features new chapters on how to prepare for a research project, with specific guidance on: · how to undertake a literature review · how to write a research proposal · how to ensure the research is ethical · how to locate the project within a research paradigm Full of practical advice and valuable examples, this is the go-to book for students looking to improve their research skills. “Having this book at your side is like having your hand held from start to finish and every decision in between... I very much welcome a new edition for my students” Melanie Nind, Professor of Education, University of Southampton and Co-director, National Centre for Research Methods, UK "Comprehensively updated, this book remains the indispensable student guide to the research process… It's not just good, it's great!" Dr Tom Clark, Lecturer in Research Methods, The University of Sheffield, UK “The text is informative, concise, and attractive. Each chapter presents sections in an easy-to-read format with further reading ideas and link ups to the numerous topics covered throughout the book.” Dr Alaster Scott Douglas, Reader in the School of Education, University of Roehampton, UK Martyn Denscombe is Emeritus Professor at De Montfort University. He has a research background in the fields of sociology, education and business studies and has published widely on research methods in the social sciences.

This text identifies key ideas and practices that underlie good research and provides clear guidelines to help newcomers and experienced researchers alike to design and conduct projects.

" ... Introductory book on the basics of social research. It provides practical and straightforward guidance for those who need to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. ... includes new material on: the use of social media in research, including guidelines on the use of social networking sites; more on internet research and how to run online surveys; how to conduct sytematic literature reviews; getting good response rates to a survey; writing research reports; research ethics. ... an invaluable resource for anyone conducting social research including those in applied areas such as business studies, health studies, nursing, education, social work, policy studies, marketing, media studies and criminology."--Back cover.

Save £8.98 with the Researcher's Toolkit (compared to buying these three books individually). A complete information pack for anyone doing a research project! The Good Research Guide offers clear guidance for success in small-scale research projects. Its jargon-free coverage, attractive layout and checklists for good practice make it hugely popular. This new edition includes material on Internet research, phenomenology, grounded theory and image-based methods. Fascinating and practical! Learning from Research by well known author Judith Bell takes students through research by following five postgraduates through sharp learning curves to completion of their research projects. The students discuss mistakes they made, lessons learned and how they would do things differently. The Student's Guide to Research Ethics examines ethical issues and questions which occur in university and professional research. It helps beginning and experienced researchers to identify ethical issues when they are conducting research, and attempt to resolve those issues. It covers the design stage through to data collection and analysis, looking at topical issues including consent, confidentiality, and the dissemination of research. Examples of ethical dilemmas and case studies are given throughout the text. The Researcher's Toolkit helps undergraduate, postgraduate and professional students in areas including social sciences, business studies, health, media and education, to produce really good research.

Amongst the bewildering array of approaches and beliefs about how social research should be conducted, Ground Rules for Good Research guides the researcher to the 10 core issues. In straightforward terms, it shows why they are so fundamental and it provides clear guidance on how they should be addressed by the researcher. The Ground Rules apply across the range of different types of social research, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Key features of the book include: * The identification of 10 ground rules for good social research * Checklists to help researchers evaluate their approach and avoid fundamental errors * A clear and jargon free style * Attractive presentation with plenty of useful lists and summaries, text boxes and key points For undergraduate and postgraduate students in social sciences, health studies, business, and education, who need to undertake a research project. Also invaluable for professionals with little or no experience of research.