Social Research
A Practical Introduction
- Bruce Curtis - University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Cate Curtis - University of Waikato, New Zealand
The text provides a mixed methods approach that challenges historical divisions between quantitative and qualitative research. It adopts a multidisciplinary approach to social science research, drawing from areas such as sociology, social psychology and social anthropology.
Explicitly addressing the concerns of emergent researchers it provides both a 'how to' account of social research and an understanding of the main factors that contextualize research by discussing 'why do' social scientists work this way.
Throughout the twelve comprehensive chapters procedural (how to) accounts and contextual (why do) issues are usefully applied to major themes and substantive questions.
These key themes include:
(1) Research design
(2) The practices of research and emergent researchers: Beyond ontology, epistemology and methodology
(3) The impact of technology on research
(4) Putting the research approach in context.
A superb teaching text this book will be relished by lecturers seeking an authoritative introduction to social research and by students who want an accessible, enriching text to guide and inspire them.
This is a very strong 'one text' book that covers the full area of social research. Works well across a number of academic levels.
Recommended text for research methods module on the psychology and marketing degree. Good overview of a range of research methods suitable for the psychology and marketing elements of the course.
Library copies ordered.
offers clear and good direction
Good overview. Helpful overall and easy to read. The topics are fairly comprehensive and the book is well designed and well written.
Good overall introduction to research methods with the emphasis on the qualitative. I will recommend it for use in our second year modules
good introduction
A good overview of the subject area is presented. However, one need need to to augement with other texts e.g. in relation to interviewing, GT methodology etc.
A good overview of the subject area is presented. However, one would need to augement this with other texts e.g. in relation to interviewing, GT methodology etc.
well designed clear textbook. Identifying all stasges of the research progress
I have recommended this to our skills workshops' students because it really does adopt a practical take on social research - it's as useful for serious undergraduates wanting to excel on their final project as well as some of our PG students who are prepping dissertations.
