You are here

How to Do Your Research Project
Share

How to Do Your Research Project
A Guide for Students

Fourth Edition
Additional resources:


January 2023 | 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).

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

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

This is really an amazing book and really easy to follow. Students will love it.

Mrs Edel Clare
Health & Social Sciences (Aylesbury), Bedfordshire University
July 14, 2023

I have used previous editions of this book. and always found it beneficial. Love this updated version. It is easy to use and understand for UG students yet it is still comprehensive.

Mrs Annamaria Berger-Jones Bergen-Jones
Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University
May 25, 2023

Excellent resource. Comprehensive, easy to follow with great examples and clearer written. Really wish I had this text book when I was doing my own research for the first Time!

Mrs Rebecca Rippon
Acute Adult Care, Chester University
June 15, 2023
Key features
NEW TO THIS EDITION:
  • Additional advice on concluding, writing, and presenting research, using social media and digital methods, and understanding how to effectively work with supervisors
  • Supported by an interactive website featuring worksheets, videos, SAGE Journal articles, and more

For instructors

Select a Purchasing Option


Rent or Buy eBook
ISBN: 9781529786279

Paperback
ISBN: 9781529757712
$41.00

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781529757729
$119.00