Data Collection
Key Debates and Methods in Social Research
- Wendy Olsen - University of Manchester, UK
It uses clear definitions, relevant interdisciplinary examples from around the world and up-to-date suggestions for further reading to demonstrate how to usefully gather and use qualitative, quantitative, and mixed data sets.
The book is divided into seven critical parts:
• Data Collection: An Introduction to Research Practices
• Collecting Qualitative Data
• Observation and Informed Methods
• Experimental and Systematic Data Collection
• Survey Methods for Data Collection
• The Case Study Method of Data Collection
• Concluding Suggestions for Data Collection Groups
A stimulating, practical guide which can be read as individual concepts or as a whole this will be an important resource for students and research professionals.
Wendy Olsen is Senior Lecturer at Manchester University, Institute for Development Policy & Management and Cathie Marsh Centre for Census & Survey Research
'Good data collection is the foundation on which good research is built, but most texts in social research methods focus more on data analysis than the many issues involved in obtaining the data to analyze. Wendy Olsen's lively and wide-ranging work does much to fill the gap' -
W. Paul Vogt
, Professor of Research Methods and Evaluation, Illinois State University
'Written with freshness and energy, with copious examples drawn from research in the UK, USA, India and South Africa, this lively guide to data collection includes excellent sections often under-played by methods textbooks, such as the comparative method; data cleaning; survey weights; and secondary analysis. The seriousness and mission of the dedicated researcher shines through its approachable narrative, providing an outstanding example of what a balanced mixed methods perspective has to offer'
Geoff Payne
Professor of Sociology, Newcastle University, UK
Unfortunately, this book was not at all what I was expecting. It seems mainly to focus on Data types, their interpretation and represenation, rather than different forms of Data Collection and their related practices. Also, it seems to be written from a primarily quantitative perspective; observation and interviews are not covered in much detail at all. I am looking for a book that I can recommend to PhD students, which describes how to go about collecting data, and sadly this is not the one.
This sets out the key aspects of data collection. The text presents the options for research students in a sufficiently non-technical manner to provide an overview for students.
What I find particularly compelling about this book is the that research is mapped against key issues of social and organisational settings
i incorporated this book into my reading list as wendy olsen is a leading figure in the field. the book is a nice introduction to a set of issues pertaining to qualitative data collection
Still under review
A clear, accessible and interesting text for undergraduate students. This text has become recomended reading for all our level 5 students as they reflect upon and consider both research design and implementation whilst preparing their dissertation proposals.
Excellent book, explaining the essentials of data collection and samples in an accessible way, ideal for social science students, who often grapple with the basics.
This is a suitable book as an introduction to data collection for masters students and high level undergraduates. It is a little basic for PhD students but gives a clear overview of all the key topics for consideration when completing data collection.
Considered as very useful
