Social Research: The Basics

`This is 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′ - Tim May, University of Salford

`Purpose and technique combine in a clear, thorough and comprehensive step-by-step introduction to the NVivo qualitative software′ - Lyn Richards, Qualitative Solutions and Research Pty Ltd, Australia

For those who wish to learn about or carry out their own social research projects, Matthew David and Carole D Sutton′s excellent book provides the answer - a practical, balanced and comprehensive introduction giving equal weight to qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Social Research provides a general and integrated introduction to qualitative and quantitative research design, data collection and analysis and includes comprehensive and practical instruction (including screenshots) on the use of analysis software (SPSS v11 and QSR NVivo 2.0/N6).

The authors emphasize the application in the real world of social research, while outlining the intellectual debates which frame practical concerns. The book:

- is structured to allow the researcher to use it as a textbook or as a handbook

- builds upon detailed examples

- is accessible enough to be read by those with no prior knowledge or experience

- is comprehensive enough to allow the user to design, conduct and analyze research

- provides a complete foundation and a framework for a novice researcher to design, conduct and analyze research

- will enable the reader to reach a level of theoretical and practical understanding that will allow them to comprehend and apply otherwise inaccessible specialist texts

- has an associated website by the authors

- includes a glossary of over 300 terms

This student-friendly book covers social research at a level sufficient to successfully support the reader through a final year social science undergraduate dissertation project.