Successful research requires effective and thorough preparation. In this expanded and updated
Second Edition of
Developing Effective Research Proposals Keith Punch offers an indispensable guide to the issues involved in proposal development and in presenting a well-considered plan for the execution of research.
Dealing with both qualitative and quantitative approaches to empirical research across the social sciences, the Second Edition comprehensively covers the topics and concerns relevant to the subject and is organized around three central themes: What is a research proposal, who reads proposals and why? How can we go about developing a proposal? and What might a finished proposal look like?
New features of this edition include:
-Expanded sections covering research strategy, research planning and academic writing
-Examples of successful research proposals from across the social science disciplines
-A more comprehensive discussion of ethics
-A brand new glossary and chapter summaries
The Second Edition will be welcomed by all those preparing or evaluating research proposals, and will be invaluable across all areas of social science, both basic and applied, and for students undertaking quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method studies.
`It has much to offer people writing proposals for any purpose. The book's great asset is an open mind on many of the hobby horses ridden so vehemently by unidimensional researchers. Rather than becoming embroiled in, for example the quantitative versus qualitative debate, it sensibly argues for research questions themselves to govern the choice of method. A proposal may, perfectly legitimately, mix methods from both paradigms... It is an invaluable companion manual for supervisors, research students, and even professionals who write proposals for money. A small amount spent on it will enhance the chance of greater returns in the future' - British Journal of Healthcare Computing and Information Management