This text on social research outlines how to study social and cultural phenomena, explains the difference between qualitative and quantitative analysis, and examines the relationship between social research and society.

This book provides balanced coverage of quantitative and qualitative methods of social research with a unique "behind the scenes" approach: Chapters are built on focal research pieces and excerpts from real research projects, and they present the insights and perspectives of workers conducting real-world research. The book guides readers through the many stages of social research-from selecting a researchable question and designing a study to selecting the best method of data analysis for a particular study-and prepares them for the ethical issues and problems that they may face along the way.

This text contains an accessible format, engaging language, focus on real researchers, and student exercises. The book gives students first-hand experience with the research process, provides them with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how professional researchers have done their work, and presents social science research in a clear and inviting manner.

Ethnography in Social Science Practice explores ethnography’s increasing use across the social sciences, beyond its traditional bases in social anthropology and sociology. It explores the disciplinary roots of ethnographic research within social anthropology, and contextualizes it within both field and disciplinary settings. The book is of two parts: Part one places ethnography as a methodology in its historical, ethical and disciplinary context, and also discusses the increasing popularity of ethnography across the social sciences. Part two explores the stages of ethnographic research via a selection of multidisciplinary case studies. A number of key questions are explored: What exactly is ethnographic research and what makes it different from other qualitative approaches? Why did ethnography emerge within one social science discipline and not others? Why did its adoption across the social sciences prove problematic? What are the methodological advantages and disadvantages of doing ethnographic research? Why are ethnographers so concerned by issues of ethics, politics, representation and power? What does ethnography look like within different social science disciplines? The book is aimed at social science students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and each chapter has pedagogic features, including reflective activities and suggested further readings for students.

An essential tool for those planning to undertake social research, this exceptional book tackles many of the specific concerns and issues that arise. A well structured text, it offers a comprehensive introduction to a range of important areas in project management, including: commissioning research preparing a tender or grant application risk and stakeholder analysis managing the field work and data analysis financial management ethics, confidentiality and copyright. This book provides a unique source of guidance for anyone seeking to commission, manage or carry out social research. It will especially benefit researchers working in a variety of different contexts, including those in academia, central or local government, 'quangos', public bodies or private consulting companies.

This is an accessible introduction to the philosophy of social research which relates philosophical ideas to actual research practice. The book makes effective use of illustrations from the UK, US and Europe to examine specific problems and broader issues. The book is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in social research methods within sociology, social policy, politics, social psychology, human geography; philosophy of social science and social theory courses; and as a personal reference for professional researchers.