Today's students of social science must understand a variety of research methods. This new edition fully explores the logic of research, whilst aiding a critical understanding of practical, evidence based work. With new chapters, an original framework and updated examples, this book continues to be a primary resource for undergraduates.

List of Figures.- List of Tables.- List of Panels.- List of Transcripts.- Acknowledgements.- Preface to second edition.- Overview of the book.- Instruments and instrument design.- Controlled experiments.- More naturalism in experiments.- Computer simulation and complexity.- Sample surveys and representativeness.- Natural experiments.- Controlling for time in natural experiments.- Using administrative data in research.- Questions and answers.- Analysing the results of qualitative interviews.- Observing naturally occurring events.- Analysing written documents.- Evaluative and emancipatory research.- Systematic reviews, meta-analysis and synthesis from diverse sources.- Research ethics.- Bibliography.- Index.

Praise for the first edition: 'Essential inclusion of emancipatory and participatory research. This is the research methodology of the 21st century.' - Annette Rimmer, School of Community, Health Sciences and Social Care, University of Salford, UK 'An easily digestible book providing a clear introduction for undergraduates. I especially like the explanations given for the example data analyses. Students and teachers will find the activities useful. I will be recommending this text for purchase.' - Kevin Power, School of Nursing and Midwifery, De Montford University, UK 'An excellent selection of historically important pieces of writing.' - Dr Patrick White, Department of Sociology, University of Leicester, UK 'Excellent coverage of content analysis - a method often glossed over in other texts.' - Dr Ian Hume, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (Psychology), Coventry University, UK 'This book has lots of very practical examples which help get your teeth into what can be a complex area. Very useful for students undertaking research dissertation.' - Patricia Hafford-Letchfield, Faculty of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, UK 'A very systematic and structured approach that will do down well with students new to social science research methodology.' - Jack Fawbert, School of Maternal and Child Health, University of the West of England, UK 'This book is more engaging for students than the plethora of 'how to' research methods books in that it helps students to think critically about the design of social research.' - Dr Paul Iganski, Lancaster University, UK

New chapters on important topics, including research design, computer simulation and metaanalysis
  Updated examples and further reading sections
  Wide crossdisciplinary perspective, with a range of methods discussed
  Written by an experienced author and teacher