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Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research
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Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research



November 2012 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
In this inspiring and engaging book, readers are presented with the key principles and practices of small-scale research. In addition, the book provides a peerless introduction to the key features involved in the process of research design and practice. Written in a clear, accessible way and drawing on exciting up-to-date examples, this book makes for a crucial companion on the way to research excellence.

Based on Derek Layder's solid background as a researcher, supervisor and teacher, Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research:
  • Leads the researcher through the actual process of doing a research project from start to finish
  • Offers a comprehensive outline of general areas and issues such as preparation and planning, developing research questions, interviewing and sampling
  • Reflects upon research as a social and human process
  • Provides systematic guidelines and advice above and beyond technical essentials
This book is invaluable to both students and researchers interested in social interaction - informing, guiding and inspiring them towards excellent small-scale research.

 
Overview of the Adaptive Approach
 
Finding a Research Topic and a Research Problem
 
Developing Questions from Research Problems
 
Preparation and Project Design
 
Qualitative Data and Mixed Strategies
 
Quantitative Data and Mixed Strategies
 
Imaginative Sampling
 
Data Analysis: Concepts and Coding
 
Writing the Research Report: Arguments and Explanations
 
Guidelines and Checklist for Adaptive Research

Layder's adaptive approach answers the question that many social science researchers (particularly students) grapple with-how do I conduct (and justify) research grounded in both local-level data and pre-existing theory!
Dr Laurie Field
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Human Sciences , Macquarie University, Sydney


This book provides a good access route into small scale research.

Mrs Gillian Harrison
Dept of Counselling, Cleveland & Redcar College
September 24, 2014

A very helpful book for students doing their research within companies.

Ms Rita Walsh
School of Business, Royal Agricultural College
September 19, 2014

This is a useful text for undergraduates new to social research. It provides a structure for engaging with research, and may provide a basis for greater understanding and critical evaluation of social research.

Miss Juliette Wilson
Faculty of Arts,Media & Social Science, Salford Univ.
July 3, 2014

Easy, chunked steps to follow. Fantastic outline of problem-questions for students to take and run with. Final comments section very useful in plenary activities

Miss Hanna Storey
Sport and Public Services, NEW College Pontefract
June 30, 2014

This book is of the same high standard as other Layder texts, and the focus on small-scale projects is extremely valuable to post-graduate students.

Dr Isabelle Brodie
Dept of Applied Social Sciences, Bedfordshire University
June 16, 2014

An essential text to our MSc students doing their dissertation

Dr Vincent Icheku
Faculty of Health and Social Care (Southwark), London South Bank University
June 6, 2014

Essential for first time researchers and smaller research projects.

Mrs Anne Smith
Person-centred, Metanoia Institute
January 22, 2014

Supporting students undertaking small scale real research projects

Mrs Cyndy Hawkins
School of Education, Nottingham Trent University
November 28, 2013

Good overview - recommended!

Dr Nicholas Wood
Psychology , Hertfordshire University
November 25, 2013

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


For instructors

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ISBN: 9781446290194

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781849201827
$165.00

Paperback
ISBN: 9781849201834
$57.00

This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.