The SAGE Handbook of Social Research Methods
- Pertti Alasuutari
- Leonard Bickman
- Julia Brannen - Insitute of Education, University of London
The Handbook includes chapters on each phase of the research process: research design, methods of data collection, and the processes of analyzing and interpreting data. The volume maintains that there is much more to research than learning skills and techniques; methodology involves the fit between theory, research questions research design and analysis. The book also includes several chapters that describe historical and current directions in social research, debating crucial subjects such as qualitative versus quantitative paradigms, how to judge the credibility of types of research, and the increasingly topical issue of research ethics.
The Handbook serves as an invaluable resource for approaching research with an open mind. This volume maps the field of social research methods using an approach that will prove valuable for both students and researchers.
excellent selection of topics - good for advanced masters students
Very clear, useful articles, especially for postgraduate students. Especially useful is the Bryman chapter 'End of the Paradigm Wars'.
Useful texts for understanding the different social research methods.
simple to use and highly effective, especially for higher degree level.
This book is useful as a reference guide for some of our students and would recommend that they can dip in and out of it, but it explores a range of issues and at level 2, i think some of the other text books are more accessible, such as the Henn, Weinstein and Foard book and also O leary. However, the book will remain on the reading list as supplemental for various sessions.
