Research methods (Third edition.)

Research Methods: The Basics is an accessible, user-friendly introduction to the different aspects of research theory, methods and practice. This third edition provides an expanded and fully updated resource suitable for students and practitioners in a wide range of disciplines including the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities.

It is structured in two parts - the first covers the nature of knowledge and the reasons for doing research, the second explains the specific methods used to conduct an effective research project and how to propose, plan, carry out and write up a research project.

This book covers:

Reasons for doing a research project
Structuring and planning a research project
The ethical issues involved in research
Different types of data and how they are measured
Collecting primary and secondary data
Analysing qualitative and quantitative data
Mixed methods and interdisciplinary research
Devising a research proposal and writing up the research
Motivation and quality of work.

Complete with student learning tasks at the end of each section, a glossary of key terms and guides to further reading, Research Methods: The Basics is the essential text for anyone coming to research for the first time.

New to this edition is free access to a set of digital resources. This contains case studies, to- do lists, quizzes on aspects of research related to the chapters in the book and useful PowerPoint presentations for lecturers. To access the online material, go to www.routledge.com/9780367694081 and click on 'Support Material' beneath the illustration of the front cover.