Introduction

The aim of this book is to provide an introductory but not simplistic guide to research in the social and behavioural sciences. The book sets out to tackle difficult issues and concepts in a scholarly but accessible manner, providing ample guidance and signposts to further reading. We explore a wide range of questions about research and research methods, including:

Questions Explored

What counts as "good research"?

Research approaches, paradigms, methods and methodology: what are they and what is the difference?

What is the so-called "qualitative/quantitative"?

When and where is quantitative research indispensable?

If one suggests that research should be "scientific" what does that mean?

What methods and methodologies are used in social research?

What is the role of statistics in social and behavioural research? How should statistical evidence be interpreted?

What are the ways in which research can, and should, be disseminated and presented?

This book is aimed as much at the reflective, researching professional as for the professional researcher.