This text identifies key ideas and practices that underlie good research and provides clear guidelines to help newcomers and experienced researchers alike to design and conduct projects.

Sociology & anthropology.

Amongst the bewildering array of approaches and beliefs about how social research should be conducted, Ground Rules for Good Research guides the researcher to the 10 core issues. In straightforward terms, it shows why they are so fundamental and it provides clear guidance on how they should be addressed by the researcher. The Ground Rules apply across the range of different types of social research, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Key features of the book include: * The identification of 10 ground rules for good social research * Checklists to help researchers evaluate their approach and avoid fundamental errors * A clear and jargon free style * Attractive presentation with plenty of useful lists and summaries, text boxes and key points For undergraduate and postgraduate students in social sciences, health studies, business, and education, who need to undertake a research project. Also invaluable for professionals with little or no experience of research.

Mixed Methods in Criminology is the first book to bring together the discipline of criminology with the mixed methods research strategy, which has become increasingly prominent within criminological teaching and research. The book is structured so that it charts the course of a criminological mixed methods study. Starting with an introduction to mixed methods and its implications for criminology and criminological research, the book then works systematically through the planning stages of a research project. Developing research questions, aims and objectives is discussed alongside literature searching skills and the project planning process, before the principles and practice of ethical research are summarised. Next come chapters on philosophy, mixed methods design, combining the data, research design and sampling, data collection methods and data analysis; delivering a comprehensive overview of how to undertake a mixed methods research project in practice. This is followed by a chapter on troubleshooting, which provides useful advice from experienced mixed methods researchers, before a detailed account of how to write-up mixed methods research is presented. The book concludes with a range of real-life mixed methods case studies to demonstrate how the techniques outlined in this book have been employed in reality and to inspire new criminological mixed methods projects. Providing straightforward, easy to follow guidance, Mixed Methods in Criminology is the essential student companion for any criminological mixed methods research project. Drawing on the authors' years of experience teaching research methods, the book is written in a supportive and encouraging tone that will serve as a reference and guide for those embarking on their adventures 'in the field'.

For students of Early Childhood Studies, questions are as important as answers. What is childhood? Is childhood the same in all cultures? How do children grow and develop? What space do we make for children in our society? How do adults approach risk and what does this mean for children? Can children’s play be planned by adults? Early Childhood Studies tackles these questions and more. It explores the why, how and what of studying and working with young children and their families, considering how a range of theories can help us to identify useful questions. This is a comprehensive, up-to-date, challenging and accessible core text for the Early Childhood Studies course. Throughout, key theories and research findings are highlighted and explored to help link theory and practice. It covers the important themes of child development, communication, wellbeing, observation, working with parents, inclusive practice, leadership and research. This fourth edition has been fully updated throughout and includes new chapters on children and risk, inclusive learning environments, play and adults′ concepts of childhood.

Thoroughly revised and expanded, this new edition of Understanding Research for Social Policy and Social Work shows readers the importance of research, how to interpret it, and how to effectively carry out and report research of their own. This landmark textbook is an essential guide to the methods, approaches, and debates that are required knowledge for students, policymakers, and practitioners.

This book highlights major quantitative and qualitative methods and approaches used in the field of urban analysis. The respective chapters cover the background and relevance of various approaches to urban studies and offer guidance on implementing specific methodologies. Each chapter also provides links to real-world examples. The book is unique in its focus on Australian examples and subject matter, presented by recognized experts in the field.