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A Critical Introduction to Social Research
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A Critical Introduction to Social Research

Second Edition

Other Titles in:
Social Research Methods

368 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

A Critical Introduction to Social Research is the new, updated, and improved edition of A Short Introduction to Social Research. This book introduces students and researchers to the key ideas and issues that inform research practice. In it, Matt Henn, Mark Weinstein and Nick Foard provide a clear and easy-to-understand route-map to help the reader plan their research project from beginning to end.

This book is perfect for use on introductory methods courses and is also an invaluable guide for the first time researcher embarking on their own small-scale research project. The new Second Edition now features updated chapters which reflect recent debates and developments in the field, including:

  • New coverage of emancipatory and feminist approaches
  • Comparative research methods, evaluation research, and action research
  • Online research
  • Glossary of key terms
  • Revised further reading sections at the end of each chapter which include peer-reviewed research articles

This book aims to prepare students and new researchers for their research project. Brilliantly written throughout, this is your essential guide to the theory of research, the practice of research and te best ways to plan and manage your research.

 
Introduction
 
What is Social Research?
 
Critical Social Research
 
Getting Started in Research: The Research Process
 
Ethics in Social Research
 
Documentary Sources, Official Statistics and Secondary Data
 
Quantitative Approaches in Social Science Research
 
Qualitative Approaches in Social Research
 
The Analysis of Data
 
Writing Up and Presenting Research Results
 
Designing a Research Proposal
 
Glossary

A valuable source for the Dissertation Module within the BA(Hons) Early Childhood Studies and the BA(Hons)Early Years Practice Programmes which require students to have a good awareness of social research and its inherent issues and dilemmas.The interactive activities serve to contexualise these issues and help students to apply these to practice, offering a good level of reflexivity

Mrs Roshan Asver
Education , Farnborough College of Technology
October 8, 2010

The title of the book suggests that the book addresses the contemporary critical discourses in social sciences at length. In order to supplement the core reader (Social Research in Question) for the course 'Principles of Social Sciences' by Smith, Chapter 2 of this book (Critical Social Research) is particularly useful supplement which summarizes the critical debates in social sciences in an effective and student friendly way. From Chapter 3 onwards, in my opinion, is a slight shift in the tone when more methodical approach is used to explain research strategies. As a whole it can serve as supplementary text for both courses: Principles of social science and introduction to social research, with comparatively less emphasis on the criticality aspect of social research.

Dr Nadeem Khan
Social Science , Nottingham Trent International College
September 26, 2010

This is a good second edition and is an improvement on the first edition. good coverage, accessible and students like it.

Dr Simon Bradford
Department of Education, Brunel University
September 17, 2010

This text enables students and practitioners to engage in critical thinking and planning in social research. Although written in a very clear and straighforward tone, A Critical Introduction to Social Research comprehensively explores the complexities that researchers encounter.

Dr Priscilla Dunk-West
Social & Community Studies, Coventry University
September 16, 2010

A good, engaging introduction to a broad range of research methods. The emphasis on critical theory is especially novel and is of great use in getting students and budding researchers to adopt a more critical approach towards the study of the social world.

Mr Dave Merryweather
Dept of Sociology, Liverpool Hope University
September 16, 2010

A very clear and comprehensive student guide to research practise and theory. Of particular note is Chapter 4 dealing with Ethics in Social Research

Mr David Orr
Dept of Education and Social Science, Central Lancashire University
July 19, 2010

Not all students will undertake qualitative data collection therefore book will be suggested as a supplemental text.

Module only attracted 2 students in 2009/10

Mrs Jela Webb
Business School, Brighton University
April 27, 2010

Very useful section on gettng started and excellent range of issues addressed. Students will find this a very comprehensive introduction.

Ms Tina Eadie
Community and Criminal Justice, De Montfort University
March 21, 2010

There are several others better known to me than this one

Dr Katherine Gardiner
Sheffield business School, Sheffield Hallam University
March 15, 2010

I thought this book was potentially a very good book for students on my MBA programme as it offers another explanation of research methods. Some students find some books make more sense to them personally than others and therefore this book would be a useful addition to their reading list.

I thought the section on research ethics was particularly well written and I will be highlighting this to students when reviewing the reading list with them.

Ms Rita Walsh
School of Business, Royal Agricultural College
March 12, 2010

New to the 2nd edition:

  • New coverage of emancipatory and feminist approaches
  • Updated chapters covering comparative research methods, evaluation research, and action research
  • Coverage of online research
  • Glossary of key terms
  • Revised further reading sections at the end of each chapter

Sample Materials & Chapters

Introduction

Chapter One


Matt Henn

Mark Weinstein

Nick Foard