Principles of Methodology: Research Design In Social Science - Softcover

Perri 6; Bellamy, Christine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0857024744 ISBN 13: 9780857024749

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2011

Synopsis

What is methodology? How should one design a research project? What is the relationship between theory and method in social research? What do students and new researchers need to know in order to plan and conduct high quality research for themselves?

In this intelligent and accessible book, Perri 6 and Chris Bellamy explore the relationship between the philosophical principles of the social sciences and the methods at our disposal to study the social world. They examine how we can design achievable and valid research projects by looking closely at the choices that all researchers and students face when designing a research project.

Much of the existing literature glosses over the often difficult inter-relationship between practical research design and the theoretical underpinnings of methodology. However, this text addresses such issues head on, and in the process helps the reader to better understand each stage of the research process.

Coverage includes:

" How do we ask valid research questions?

" How do we develop a research design to best answer our questions?

" What is the difference between 'methodology' and 'methods'?

" How do we formulate research concepts?

" How do we select and access a sample?

" What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative approaches?

" How do we handle our data?

This book is essential reading for any student or new researcher on a research methods course and who is faced with the prospect of understanding the research process for themselves or designing their own research project.

About this title

About the Author

Perri 6 is Professor of Social Policy in the Graduate School in the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at Nottingham Trent University, where he teaches courses in methodology and advanced qualitative methods. His current research is on political judgement and unanticipated consequences of policy decisions.

Chris Bellamy is Emeritus Professor in the Graduate School, Nottingham Trent University, where she teaches methodology and methods at both basic and advanced levels. Her research interests lie in public administration and public policy, especially information policy.

Edition details

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0857024744
• ISBN 13: 9780857024749
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 325