Research Design in Social Research

′With this book David De Vaus has written one of the best general research methods textbooks around. The use of different types of research design as the point of departure is a different and very helpful approach to take, especially since many textbooks confuse issues of method and design. The author outlines with great clarity a wide variety of issues, including testing theories, causation, data analysis, and the main considerations involved in using the different research designs covered. Both students and their instructors will find this an extremely valuable, well-written book′ - Professor Alan Bryman, University of Loughborough
The book is a clear and thoughtful primer on research design, explaining and comparing the main approaches to social science research. I have found it works well as an entry level text for undergraduates and postgraduates beginning extended research projects. -- Dr Charlie Wilson * drupal *
Solid an systematic overview of the research designs in the social sciences. -- Dr Giel Dik * drupal *
An excellent book with a suberb mix of theory and pratice -- Dr Jacky Tyrie * drupal *
We use this book for teaching empirical research as we feel that its content makes for good background reading in the fields of design, analysis and interpretation. As such, the most useful parties of the book are I through IV. -- Dr Kostas Gemenis * drupal *
found it pedantic and unreflective -- Dr Lauren Wagner * drupal *
We will be using a chapter of this book as a weekly core reading at stage 1. An excellent book that rises above the qualitative quantitative paradigm and addresses the real issues in research design. -- Dr Luke Sloan * drupal *
Very good Research Design book. Precise, concise and easily understandable. The best I could find for my needs. -- Mr Sebastian Koehler * drupal *
Excellent guide to research methods. Essential reading for post graduate research students. -- Mrs Lynn Swift * drupal *
A useful tool to assist any new researcher embarking on a project. This has helped students find their way around the theory connected with social research. -- Mrs Michelle Grainger * drupal *
This book professes to be a one-stop critical guide that demonstrates the importance of attending to design issues in social research. I would certainly agree that it is successful in delivering what it says. The book is divided into 5 parts. Part 1 focuses on issues with research types, concepts, questions, causality and basic issues in research design. This sets the background to the the following 4 parts that focus in more depth on each of the designs. De Vaus systematically examines the different research designs and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each. As an easy to use general research methods textbook, this is to be highly recommended for both students and novice researchers. -- Mrs Moyra Journeaux * drupal *