`This clearly written and user-friendly book is ideal for students or researchers who wish to get a basic, but solid grasp of a topic and see how it fits with other topics. By following the links a student can easily and efficiently build up a clear conceptual map of social research′ - Malcolm Williams, Reader in Sociology, Cardiff University `This is a really useful book, written in an accessible manner for students beginning their study of social research methods. It is helpful both as an introductory text and as a reference guide for more advanced students. Most of the key topics in methods and methodology are covered and it will be suitable as a recommended text on a wide variety of courses′ - Clive Seale, Brunel University At last, an authoritative, crystal-clear introduction to research methods which really takes account of the needs of students for accessible, focused information to help with undergraduate essays and exams. The key concepts discussed here are based on a review of teaching syllabi and the authors′ experience of many years of teaching. Topics range over qualitative and quantitative approaches and combine practical considerations with philosophical issues. They include several new topics, like internet and phone polling, internet searches, and visual methods. Each section is free-standing, can be tackled in order, but with links to other sections to enable students to cross-reference and build up a wider understanding of central research methods. To facilitate comprehension and aid study, each section begins with a definition. It is followed by a summary of key points with key words and guides to further reading and up-to-date examples. The book is a major addition to undergraduate reading lists. It is reliable, allows for easy transference to essays and exams and easy to use, and exceptionally clearly written for student consumption. The book answers the needs of all those who find research methods daunting, and for those who have dreamt of an ideal introduction to the subject.

This comprehensive text designed for MBA, MCom, MA (Economics), MA (Sociology) and PhD (Management, Commerce, Economics, and Engineering) courses continues to give complete account of concepts and statistical tools of research methodology in its Second Edition. The textbook also serves as a reference for consultants to carryout projects/consultancies in industries or service organizations. DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE BOOK • Written in an easy to read style • Each technique is illustrated with sufficient number of numerical examples • Gives complete account of statistics and aspects of research methodology • Chapter 8 gives complete account of testing of hypotheses • Design and analysis of experiments, advanced multivariate analysis, multidimensional scaling and conjoint analysis, algorithmic research, models for industries and public systems, simulation are unique to this text. • Graded chapter-end questions NEW TO THIS EDITION Introduction of a chapter on SPSS (Chapter 17), is new to this edition which gives readers an idea to obtain statistics for different techniques presented in this text. The different screenshots for different modules of SPSS applied to suitable example problems on sample session for data creation, reports, descriptive statistics, tables, compare means, general linear model, correlation, simple regression, nonparametric tests, classify, data reduction and graphs help readers to understand the features of SPSS. AUDIENCE • MBA • MCom • MA (Economics) • MA (Sociology) and • PhD (Management, Commerce, Economics, and Engineering)

Across a variety of disciplines, data and statistics form the backbone of knowledge. To ensure the reliability and validity of data, appropriate measures must be taken in conducting studies and reporting findings. Research Methods: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications compiles chapters on key considerations in the management, development, and distribution of data. With its focus on both fundamental concepts and advanced topics, this multi-volume reference work will be a valuable addition to researchers, scholars, and students of science, mathematics, and engineering.

This comprehensive Handbook is aimed at both academic researchers and practitioners in the field of research. The book's 8 chapters, provide in-depth coverage of research methods based on the revised syllabus of various universities especially considering the students of under graduate, post graduate and doctorate level. This book is a product of extensive literature survey made by the authors. The authors have made sincere efforts to write the book in simple language. The book comprises all the aspects according to new syllabus of PCI and APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow. Though this book is intended for the use of pharmacy students of any level yet it can also be useful to students of applied fields and medical students. The book deals with interdisciplinary fields such as finding research problems, writing research proposals, obtaining funds for research, selecting research designs, searching the literature and review, collection of data and analysis, preparation of thesis, writing research papers for journals, citation and listing of references, preparation of visual materials, oral and poster presentation in conferences, minutes of meetings, and ethical issues in research. At the end of every chapter and book some questions related to chapter have been mentioned for the support of students to understand the subject. Valuable suggestions for the improvement of this book are most welcome.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY CONCEPT AND CASES provides a comprehensive and stepwise understanding of the research process with a balanced blend of theory, techniques and Indian illustrations from a wide cross-section of business areas. This book makes no presumptions and can be used with confidence and conviction by both students and experienced managers who need to make business sense of the data and information that is culled out through research groups. The conceptual base has been provided in comprehensive, yet simplistic detail, addressing even the minutest explanations required by the reader. The language maintains a careful balance between technical know-how and business jargon. Every chapter is profusely illustrated with business problems related to all domains—marketing, finance, human resource and operations. Thus, no matter what the interest area may be, the universal and adaptable nature of the research process is concisely demonstrated.

This book provides a comprehensive, accessible guide to social science methodology. In so doing, it establishes methodology as distinct from both methods and philosophy. Most existing textbooks deal with methods, or sound ways of collecting and analysing data to generate findings. In contrast, this innovative book shows how an understanding of methodology allows us to design research so that findings can be used to answer interesting research questions and to build and test theories. Most important things in social research (e.g., beliefs, institutions, interests, practices and social classes) cannot be observed directly. This book explains how empirical research can nevertheless be designed to make sound inferences about their nature, effects and significance. The authors examine what counts as good description, explanation and interpretation, and how they can be achieved by striking intelligent trade-offs between competing design virtues. Coverage includes: • why methodology matters; • what philosophical arguments show us about inference; • competing virtues of good research design; • purposes of theory, models and frameworks; • forming researchable concepts and typologies; • explaining and interpreting: inferring causation, meaning and significance; and • combining explanation and interpretation. The book is essential reading for new researchers faced with the practical challenge of designing research. Extensive examples and exercises are provided, based on the authors′ long experience of teaching methodology to multi-disciplinary groups. Perri 6 is Professor of Social Policy in the Graduate School in the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at Nottingham Trent University. Chris Bellamy is Emeritus Professor of Public Administration in the Graduate School, Nottingham Trent University.

The SAGE Handbook of Social Research Methods is a must for every social-science researcher. It charts the new and evolving terrain of social research methodology, covering qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods in one volume. The Handbook includes chapters on each phase of the research process: research design, methods of data collection, and the processes of analyzing and interpreting data. The volume maintains that there is much more to research than learning skills and techniques; methodology involves the fit between theory, research questions research design and analysis. The book also includes several chapters that describe historical and current directions in social research, debating crucial subjects such as qualitative versus quantitative paradigms, how to judge the credibility of types of research, and the increasingly topical issue of research ethics. The Handbook serves as an invaluable resource for approaching research with an open mind. This volume maps the field of social research methods using an approach that will prove valuable for both students and researchers.

Lecturers/instructors - request a free digital inspection copy here In the Second Edition of this textbook designed for new researchers, Uwe Flick takes readers through the process of producing a research project. The book gives readers the fundamental data collection and analysis skills that they need for their first project, as well as a good understanding of the research process as a whole. It covers both quantitative and qualitative methods, and contains plenty of real-life examples from the author's own research. The book will help readers to answer questions such as: why do social research in the first place? how do I develop a researchable question? what is a literature review and how do I conduct one? how could I collect and analyze data? what if I want to do my research online? Available with Perusall—an eBook that makes it easier to prepare for class Perusall is an award-winning eBook platform featuring social annotation tools that allow students and instructors to collaboratively mark up and discuss their SAGE textbook. Backed by research and supported by technological innovations developed at Harvard University, this process of learning through collaborative annotation keeps your students engaged and makes teaching easier and more effective. Learn more.

Qualitative research is designed to explore the human elements of a given topic, while specific qualitative methods examine how individuals see and experience the world. Qualitative approaches are typically used to explore new phenomena and to capture individuals′ thoughts, feelings, or interpretations of meaning and process. Such methods are central to research conducted in education, nursing, sociology, anthropology, information studies, and other disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. Qualitative research projects are informed by a wide range of methodologies and theoretical frameworks. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods presents current and complete information as well as ready-to-use techniques, facts, and examples from the field of qualitative research in a very accessible style. In taking an interdisciplinary approach, these two volumes target a broad audience and fill a gap in the existing reference literature for a general guide to the core concepts that inform qualitative research practices. The entries cover every major facet of qualitative methods, including access to research participants, data coding, research ethics, the role of theory in qualitative research, and much more—all without overwhelming the informed reader. Key Features Defines and explains core concepts, describes the techniques involved in the implementation of qualitative methods, and presents an overview of qualitative approaches to research Offers many entries that point to substantive debates among qualitative researchers regarding how concepts are labeled and the implications of such labels for how qualitative research is valued Guides readers through the complex landscape of the language of qualitative inquiry Includes contributors from various countries and disciplines that reflect a diverse spectrum of research approaches from more traditional, positivist approaches, through postmodern, constructionist ones Presents some entries written in first-person voice and others in third-person voice to reflect the diversity of approaches that define qualitative work Key Themes Approaches and Methodologies Arts-Based Research, Ties to Computer Software Data Analysis Data Collection Data Types and Characteristics Dissemination History of Qualitative Research Participants Quantitative Research, Ties to Research Ethics Rigor Textual Analysis, Ties to Theoretical and Philosophical Frameworks The SAGE Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods is designed to appeal to undergraduate and graduate students, practitioners, researchers, consultants, and consumers of information across the social sciences, humanities, and health sciences, making it a welcome addition to any academic or public library.

As the importance of marketing to business grows, and as new concepts and applications of marketing emerge and evolve, so too does the need for up-to-date market intelligence. This book recognizes that the contribution which qualitative research can make to market understanding and insight is immense, and that statistical information flows are never enough but need to be compounded by market intelligence gained through qualitative methods. Qualitative Marketing Research clearly explains the use and importance of qualitative methods, clarifying the theories behind the methodology and providing concrete examples and exercises which illustrate its application to Management Studies and Marketing. This book is intended for all students of marketing who are required to complete their studies with a dissertation or research project.