Using Biographical Methods in Social Research
- Barbara Merrill - University of Warwick, UK
- Linden West - Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
Barbara Merrill and Linden West consider important questions about what research is for, what makes it valid, to the practical business of interviewing, analyzing and writing up of biographical data. The authors draw on their sociological and psychological orientations to provide a truly interdisciplinary approach to the subject, and provide numerous examples of biographical research across the social sciences.
This book will equip students with all the skills necessary to undertake biographical research as well as to fully understand what they are doing, and the implications of the assumptions they make about the nature of truth, knowledge, story telling, and being human. It will be useful for students and researchers using biographical methods in a range of disciplines, including sociology, social policy, social psychology, and education.
Useful text for those students seeking to use a biographical appraoch in their research.
I have recommended that my students who are working with biographical research read the book. this means that several students have worked with it their project work. It is too specific to adopt as essential reading in the course.
This book gives an alternative view on research methods; particularly looking at Biographical research. A thorough investigation of the topic, with examples
health and social care are increasingly using biographical approaches, but there are so few texts soley devoted to it. great help in being able to justify and rationalise your reason for using this form of methods and methodology
Clear and concise presentation.
When I started to read this book, I felt compelled to continue. The book is written in a style that is engaging. It is very informative and provides relevant and useful examples. It provides an excellent guide for researchers who are seeking to embark on a journey of biographical research for the first time. The book will be recommended reading for both undergraduate and post graduate students and a request will be made to the university's library to order this book
I am recommending this for two core courses and suggesting it forms the basis of one of a choice of assigments. It has some excellent formative information and discussion useful for students starting their research projects in terms of positioning and relationship to topic. Practical discussion topics and activities are useful.
Pulls together a certain history of ideas in this area and offers some interesting perspectives with useful practical activities and examples.
