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How to Do Your Research Project
A Guide for Students
Fifth Edition
- Gary Thomas - University of Birmingham
November 2025 | 376 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Clear, coherent and readable, this bestselling guide is now in its fifth edition, providing easy to follow advice for anyone undertaking a research project. Covering each stage of the process, from choosing a research question to collecting and analysing data, and finally writing up findings, this book equips students with the essential tools for success.
This new edition features:
• Case studies weaved throughout giving real-life examples of the issues and/or methods being discussed.
• Practical activities, seminar tasks and checklists.
• Updated content with the latest research methods and ethical considerations.
• Details on new AI research tools and how they can be used.
Designed for students in the applied social sciences, this book aligns with assessment criteria and provides the essential support you need to complete a research project successfully.
This new edition features:
• Case studies weaved throughout giving real-life examples of the issues and/or methods being discussed.
• Practical activities, seminar tasks and checklists.
• Updated content with the latest research methods and ethical considerations.
• Details on new AI research tools and how they can be used.
Designed for students in the applied social sciences, this book aligns with assessment criteria and provides the essential support you need to complete a research project successfully.
1 Your Introduction
2 Project Management, Ethics and Getting Clearance
3 The Literature Review, Part 1: Searching
4 The Literature Review, Part 2: Developing a Narrative
5 Methodology, Part 1: Deciding on an Approach
6 Methodology, Part 2: Designing your Research
7 Methodology, Part 3: The Design Frames
8 Data Gathering
9 How to Analyse and Discuss the Information you Gather
10 Concluding and Writing Up