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How to Do Your Research Project
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How to Do Your Research Project
A Guide for Students

Fourth Edition
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November 2022 | 368 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Starting your research project can feel daunting, but this best-selling project guide has your back! 

Now in its fourth edition, the book provides easy to follow advice to navigate every step of your research project, from choosing your research question, deciding on your research design and methodology, collecting and analysing your data, and writing up your finished project. 

Presenting a clear and detailed roadmap to ensure you don’t miss a step, the book includes: 
• Case studies and real-life examples from a range of disciplines so you can learn from other researchers who have been in your shoes 
• DIY activities so you can practise your skills and get to grips with key concepts 
• Practical advice on how to organise your writing, develop your flow and build strong arguments
• Further guidance on assessing ethical risk, including examples of high, medium, and low risk projects

Written in Gary’s signature straightforward style, this book is an essential companion for anyone undertaking a research project in the applied social sciences. 
 


 
 
Your Introduction
 
Project Management, Ethics and Getting Clearance
 
The Literature Review, Part 1: Searching and Constructing
 
The Literature Review, Part 2: Sharpening Your Ideas
 
Methodology Part 1: Deciding on an Approach
 
Methodology Part 2: The Design Frame
 
Data Gathering
 
How to Analyse and Discuss the Information you Gather
 
Concluding and Writing up

One of the most impressive things that real experts do is to communicate complex ideas in a clear way for their readers. Gary Thomas’ book has been doing this for university students over many years. It is deservedly a classic textbook, which is now in its 4th edition - a further mark of success!

Dominic Wyse
Professor of Early Childhood and Primary Education. BERA President 2019 to 2022. Founding Director of the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Pedagogy (HHCP).

Good overall content and structure

Dr Chris Rice
Faculty of Health (Ormskirk), Edge Hill University
July 25, 2024

Gary Thomas writes clearly and it is understood by undergraduates - and indeed this book is also useful for post-graduate students. I will certainly recommend this book and I will ask the library to keep several up to date copies too.

Dr Indira Banner
School of Education, Leeds University
January 15, 2024

Easy to read. Simple structure. Accessible language and very informative. Can guide students through the research process.

Mrs Edel Mattocks
Nursing, Sunderland University
December 4, 2023

This is a great book that breaks down the research project into easy to follow steps. I really like how each chapter has a different component of the research process as its focus.

Dr Sarah Boodt
Department of Teacher Education, Sheffield Hallam University
July 1, 2024

Great resources. Comprehensive and easy to follow.

Dr Louise Caffrey
School of Social Work & Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin
September 27, 2023

a wonderfully comprehensive resource written in simple and accessible style, particularly helpful to international students.
I love the interactivity resources, they add value to my teaching

Dr rossela roberts
School of Psychology, Bangor University
September 26, 2023

This appears an excellent book and one I will be suggesting to future students as an easy yet robust text to assist them in their research journey

Dr Kevin McConville
Centre for Medical Education, Dundee University
August 14, 2023

Thomas provides a clear, comprehensive text that is useful at a range of levels of study.

Professor Jonathan Parker
Society and Social Welfare, Bournemouth University
September 8, 2023

Well presented and easy for the students to follow.

Miss Sam Shepley
Vocational Education, Ashton Sixth Form College
September 27, 2024

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