Principles of Methodology
Research Design in Social Science
- Perri 6 - Queen Mary, University of London, UK
- Christine Bellamy - Nottingham Trent University, UK
Research Design
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.
this is a very good reference book, informative and written in an accessible style. Recommended for any student wishing to develop a general grounding in the principles of methodology to inform their own research
The author of this book writes in a clear and concise way. Making distinct terminology used within research methodology understandable to students or researchers at all levels. The book also helpfully guides the reader through each stage of the research process from choosing the most appropriate design, data collection and on to interpreting data. It also includes a number of useful exercises, that help the reader to consider appropriate methods to use in real research situations.
A good supplementary text for research students, to ensure a good understanding of the methodologies used in their research programmes. I like the two levels of reading list - basic and advanced, providing guidance to a range of readers.
This is a readable, detailed methodology text with useful examples and supporting literature at both basic and advanced levels, which is helpful. Itsa probably too detailed for most of my undergraduate dissertation students, but provides a good background to some of the more inquisitive students.
This book is more advanced than I had hoped for
A very useful text which clearly explains the principles of research methodology.
Friendly and no-nonsense approach to methodology, I think student will really benefit from it.
A good book on a central subject
Probably one of the best available texts that combines an introduction to research methods with a presentation of several research designs. Highly recommended book to anybody willing to conduct a research in social sciences.
This was a very useful book for first year students ont the level 8 course and it describes reserach design in an assessible easy to grasp way.
