Social Research
An Introduction
Matthew David author Carole Sutton author
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Sage Publications Ltd
Published:20th Dec '10
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£200.00(9781847870124)

The perfect book for any student taking a research methods course for the first time!
The new edition of David and Sutton′s text provides those new to social research with a comprehensive introduction to the theory, logic and practical methods of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research. Covering all aspects of research design, data collection, data analysis and writing up, Social Research: An Introduction is the essential companion for all undergraduate and postgraduate students embarking on a methods course or social research project.
The second edition features:
- Brand new chapters on visual methods, case study methods, internet research, mixed methods and grounded theory
- Updated chapters on interviews, questionnaire design, surveys, and focus groups
- Improved coverage of qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis, including practical instruction on the latest versions of software packages NiVivo 8 and SPSS 18
- An attractive new layout which aids navigability and enhances the book′s student learning features
- A companion website (www.uk.sagepub.com/david) with PowerPoint slides and links to useful websites
- Many more practical examples helping bring theory to life!
Designed for social science students with no previous experience, this book provides a balanced foundation in the principles and practices of social research.
′By far the very best treatment of this topic in the field today ′ -
Norman Denzin,
University of Illinois
′The second edition of Social Research: An Introduction firmly establishes this book as a standard amongst introductory methods books. It is comprehensive and covers the whole range of frequently used methods. It is clearly built on solid pedagogic and conceptual foundations. David and Sutton write from the position of experienced, theoretically informed researchers with a genuine commitment to pluralism in research methods. It is clearly written, yet sophisticated and is a valuable resource for both students and professionals new to social research and more experienced researchers who wish to expand their methodological repertoire′ -
Malcolm Williams, Director of the School of Social Sciences,
University of Cardiff
Praise for the first edition:
′… a valuable addition to the social research literature because it provides practical and detailed support to undergraduates who are conducting research for the first time′ - Professor Tim May, University of Salford
′… balanced, user-friendly and timely′ - Norman Denzin, University of Illinois
Insightful and helpful book for undergraduate students -- Dr Alex Owen * drupal *
A well written book that is accessible for students from the start of research t the end. Students will find the hint and tips particularly helpful. -- Dr Carmen Clayton * drupal *
An comprehensive resaerch book -- Dr Colin Griffiths * drupal *
An outstanding textbook that offers both comprehensive and accessible coverage of key theories and practices within social science methods. -- Dr Dave O'Brien * drupal *
This research methods book is a good source for the undergraduate and master′s level student. It can also be considered a good help for the PhD student at the early stages of his research. -- Dr Fawaz Baddar * drupal *
A good basic textbook for research methods at undergraduate level. Simple to read and follow, students should have no trouble using it. -- Dr Grant Coates * drupal *
This is clearly written reference book for research methods, that could be used as an introductory text for undergraduates as well as being a useful resource for postgrads. I particulary like the ′consider this′ ′stop and think′ and ′hints and tips′ boxes as a way of highlighting important points to readers. I also like that individual chapters are provided for analysis of quantitative and qualitative data as so often research methods books gloss over the analysis of the data. -- Dr Hilary Bungay * drupal *
Thank you for letting me inspect this book. There is no doubt that it is an excellent book in that it provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of social research methods. To some extent, this is why this book could not be recommended as a core text on my course as the level of student knowledge (and knowledge requirement) is rather low at this stage and could only be considered as a foundation unit. I think the unit requires a simpler text. This book provides a level of detail that is beyond that required for 1st year nursing students. However, I could see that as their course progresses, they may wish to look at some very interesting chapters on (for example) Survey Design and focus groups, both of which are popular with undergraduate nurses as methods of data collection. However, the book is probably best used for final year students when they are undertaking their dissertation. I am not responsible for that unit of learning but I will certainly forward this book to my colleague. The commencement of the dissertation unit will be in 2 years time.
Once again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to consider this book.
BW
Ian Davidson -- Dr Ian Davidson * drupal *
Excellent book which breaks down research methods in a clear way and is applicable across different levels -- Dr John Foster * drupal *
A good alternative to Bryman -- Dr John Goodwin * drupal *
It´s a comprehensive, well written and clearly structured book. It guides the students through each step of the research project and includes a clear analysis of each method. It´s clear for students and researchers that don´t use english as first language. I´ll recommend it to my under and postgraduate students. -- Dr Marian Ispizua * drupal *
A very good book on social research methods - focusing on the social sciences.
Essential reading! -- Dr Ray Higginson * drupal *
Good all round book for the social researcher starting out -- Dr Richard Peake * drupal *
Good book for beginners and in particular those new to research.
Dr. S Salifu -- Dr Seidu Salifu * drupal *
Could be useful to some students at the begginning of their research careers. -- Dr Sheila Greatrex-White * drupal *
Very comprehensive and student-friendly. -- Dr Sophie Gilliat-Ray * drupal *
This text is a level 7-8 introductory research text that contains a broad overview of a variety of methodological routes. While it will not be used as a significant text, I will order 4 for purchase for the library -- Dr William Evans * drupal *
Thorough and clear and encompasses wide range of levels.L7 students would benefit from some sections. -- Miss Claire Emery * drupal *
A well written book which will assist students to both design their own research project and make sense of and justify the many decisions that go into the research design process. An invaluable resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students planning their own research. -- Miss Frances Jackson * drupal *
Useful text for learners, outl;ines essential theory for further exploration by the reader -- Mr Andrew Holmes * drupal *
A good update from the first edition. All area of social research covered and in very easy to follow terminology. -- Mr Anthony Birch * drupal *
Excellant, well written and comprehensive. -- Mr Bob Smale * drupal *
I was very impressed with the range of issues explored in this book. It was easy to see how this will enable students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the range and complexities involved in undertaking social research.
I asked my colleague who was undertaking research at postgraduate level. the feedback suggested that it might be a little difficult for undergraduate students. -- Mr Carlton Howson * drupal *
A valuable resource for introductory research methods. As I revise my module content in future years it may well be that I adopt this text as essential or recommended reading. -- Mr Charles ELLIS * drupal *
This is a superb text. Each aspect of the research process is covered in depth and with clarity, and helps guide guide new researchers through the process step-by-step. That said, there is also much that more experienced researchers will find useful, even enlightening, particularly if they are considering adopting new forms of enquiry. There are clear aims for each chapter, and the various Hints and Tips, points to consider and other boxes are excellent ideas, serving to illuminate many of the points discussed. I particularly liked the fact that the Being Ethical chapter is near the start of the book, emphasising the importance of considering ethical aspects of research at the outset. Too many rseearch texts put this near the end, as if it is an after-thought. If there is a waekness in the book, it is perhaps the Presenting research section, which consists of only one chapter and is perhaps lacking the depth that characterises other aspects of the book. I will definitely be recommending the book to my students though. -- Mr Colin Thain * drupal *
Excellent reference work for Level 5 and final year undergraduate students. -- Mr Damon Lane * drupal *
An excellent comprehensive text on research methods. An excellent aid for research students. -- Mr Daniel Mcavoy * drupal *
This is a well set out book full of good advise for those embarking upon a dissertation or research. -- Mr Harry Miller * drupal *
Well structured textbook, accessible and engaging. Guides student through research process in a helpful and user-friendly manner. -- Mr Ian Llewellyn-Nash * drupal *
A very useful book that I will recommend to students pre and post registration who are interested in social research. The book offers clear understanding of the fundemental components in this subject area. Well presented with useful hints and tips. -- Mr Keith Ford * drupal *
Outstanding and thorough introduction to qualitative research. Thought-provoking and reflexive. -- Mr Matthijs Kouw * drupal *
This book proivdes undergraduate students with a very useful introduction to the world and indeed complexities of research. It takes the reader through the process of getting started, considerations as to data collection strategies and finally data analysis. The book is clearly written and its layout is most helpful, particulalry with the examples that it provides, that add context and reality to student studies. -- Mr Nick Howe * drupal *
This is an excellent introductory text to social research, which is written in a student- friendly manner. -- Mr Patrick Muigai * drupal *
This will be a useful additional resource for detailed reading around specific subjects. It is supplemental because it is not focused on health but is still of use due to its clear explanations. -- Mr Paul Taylor * drupal *
A very good text which covers a variety of methods and approaches whuch are equally applicable to nursing research. -- Mr Peter McNee * drupal *
Perhaps a little too detailed for the needs of most of our students. However, some very relevant information for them to access in certain sections. -- Mr Russell Harrison-Paul * drupal *
Excellent text that covers all aspects of social research. I have found the companion website useful and it has contributed to my teaching. I think the idea of using boxes to give students time to think about what they have read is very good. -- Mr Simon Nixon * drupal *
waiting for students response -- Mr Sivan Koran * drupal *
Extremely accessible - an excellent introduction. -- Mr Steve Dixon * drupal *
A good additional text for students. -- Mr Wulf Livingston * drupal *
A good introductory text which covers this topic in a way that students new to social research should find helpful. The book is clearly written and I particulaly found the ′Hints and Tips′ useful. -- Mrs Ali Ewing * drupal *
Useful text for students undertaking Research Methods and dissertations -- Mrs Angela Pike * drupal *
Useful text for students undertaking Research Methods followed by dissertation. -- Mrs Angela Pike * drupal *
Chapter contents and aims helped to clarify learning within the hapters. Box examples helped to put theory into practice. Graphs and diagrams helped to absorb the theory in the relevant chapters -- Mrs Caroline Holliday * drupal *
A clear introduction and good starting point -- Mrs Catherine Delves-Yates * drupal *
An interesting and easy to read book. -- Mrs Cheryl Hine * drupal *
A really practical text with good explanations of terminology. I anticipate the ′stand alone′ boxes to be particularly useful for stimulating student reflection. -- Mrs Hazel Beadle * drupal *
A very good book to recommend to students embarking upon social research in education. This enables the student to think more deeply about the issues they will encounter and to engage more appropriately in professional research -- Mrs J Mimnagh * drupal *
Good book, consise instruction.
-- Mrs Marcia Dewar * drupal *
This is useful for the Foundation Degree in Early Years and Foundation Degree in Learning Support as both programmes have research projects in their final year. -- Mrs Pamela Egan-Wyer * drupal *
An indepth text for Level 5 students so will be recommended where appropriate for individual student interests. -- Mrs Rhiannon Macpherson * drupal *
I would recommend this book to those students doing social research. This is a very comprehensive introduction to research methods with a good mix of text and diagrams. Supported with a companion website this is a very accessible book. -- Mrs Sunray Heap * drupal *
This book supports the module and offers additional reading. -- Mrs Susan Skipper * drupal *
A clear and easy to follow text that takes you through the research process in a logical and stepped process. the companion website is very helpful -- Mrs Una Goodall * drupal *
this is a great text for my level two and three students engaging in a range of research methods - re garding people and clothing why we wear what we wear -- Ms Donna` Bevan * drupal *
A clearly written, accessible text, giving students an overview to research methods. -- Ms Jodi Roffey-Barentsen * drupal *
The book is an excellent overview of the research methodology in social sciences. It is structured in a learner-friendly way. -- Ms Kirsi-Marja Toivanen-Sevrjukova * drupal *
This book focussed on research within a social context. Although several examples were offered and analysed of different methodologies in my opinion, this book was difficult to read and consequently, I would not recommend it as a core text book. -- Ms Maura Fitzsimons * drupal *
Excellent text for research students. -- Ms Wendy Bateman * drupal *
Meant as a guide for Master thesis work -- Professor Hans Schenk * drupal *
Very accessible, good coverage -- Professor Li Wei * drupal *
An excellent introduction to Social Research for students. Comprehensive in content and well illustrated with case studies. -- Professor Paul Fenton * drupal *
This is a comprehensive text and the use of hints and tips, stop and think boxes makes it accessible to a range of students ensuring comprehensive understanding. -- Professor Susan Corr * drupal *
ISBN: 9781847870131
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 1170g
680 pages
2nd Revised edition