Social Research Methods

by Alan Bryman

Now in its 2nd edition this market leading textbook continues to provide students with an excellent explanation and demonstration of the main theories and techniques in social research methods. Fully updated and now in two colour, the text is accessible and well structured with numerous real life examples and student learning aids. The text is also accompanied by a fully comprehensive companion web site.

Genres: Nonfiction, Research, Sociology, Research Methods, Textbooks, Academic, School

748 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

Reviews

[Leo Horovitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Swedish edition, but I'll write this in English anyway so readers/prospective readers in other languages can read it too if they want.

It's a very good introduction to a variety of methods and techniques for social science research. The book is divided into four parts: an introductory part where the reader is given an overview of research in general along with a brief description of the difference the main quantitative and qualitative methods, some philosophical differences between these two main strategies and some common examples of methods associated with them; a part devoted to quantitative research with a presentation of its common methods and techniques; another part which does the same for qualitative research; and a final part discussion bridging the two strategies and concluding in two final chapters on using the Internet as a place to conduct research and on writing a research report, touching on both quantitative and qualitative methods together.

The material varies from discussing diffenet philosophical views on ontology and epistemology and the implications for the choice of method (feminist critiques on quantitative research, post-modernism, positivism and phenomenology are among the covered subjects here) via still philosophical though much less theoretical parts about ethical considerations, via more conrete discussions about conducting research and the pros and cons of different methods, and finally to very specific recommendations and instructions on using particular techniques such as constucting surveys, transcribing recorded interviews and such.

Bryman manages to cover an amazingly wide range of subjects and always manages to present opposing views fairly while sometimes urging against the more hardline viewpoints found e.g. in feminist critiques speaking out against all quantitative research as fundamentally exploitative of the research subjects and hardliners on both sides of the qualitative/quantitative divide holding firm to one of these as the only one strategy or those that take a sceptical view on combined/mixed strategies on the basis of these building on fundamentally opposed philosophies concerning ontology and/or epistemology (in this Bryman acknowledges the presence of such differences while replying that they are not deterministic in research, his view is instead that while there are tendencies among quantitative methods towards philosophical viewpoints being opposite of those of qualitative methods and vice versa, they are only tendencies). Wherever possible, Bryman presents research about research (meta-research!) supporting his presentations of the issues sometimes dismissing the a priori assumptions of some commentators when actual evidence seems to go against them.

Overall, a very good introduction to the subject with great coverage.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fairly straightforward textbook for methodology in research. It is largely a "how-to," not a theoretical text, nor a useful discussion of specific cases. Examples are given, but not analyzed in any depth. It isn't a particularly exciting read, but isn't as dry as some textbooks - the subject matter of conducting experiments on human beings keeps it a bit more lively. I wouldn't especially recommend it to anyone not in the field, but looking it over might dispel some myths on the part of the general population as to how social science is conducted.

[Michael Gerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I read for my graduate studies this year. It is a good introduction to social research methods and has good sections on research questions, review of literature, the nature of quantitative research, the nature of qualitative research, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, ethics in research, and many more. Be patient, though, as some people might find the said sections quite dry.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually put uni books into Goodreads, but I love Bryman - this is my default methodology text. The only thing missing is a discussion about pragmatism, but I suppose you can't have everything (though considering it's over 800 pages long, I don't see why...). Highly recommended as an accessible methods textbook, covering both qualitative and quantitative research strategies.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great starting text for anyone undertaking research in the social sciences. The perfect 'bible' for anyone interested in or planning to conduct social research.

Very comprehensive and general. However for those undertaking masters degrees and PhD level a more specific understanding of a researchers chosen research methods is needed.

[Kandice Newren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad to be done reading this book! There were a few (I mean one to three) chapters that were somewhat interesting, but it generally put me to sleep, literally!

[Jasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the 'Bryman's Social Research Methods' (2021), 6th Version of this book (so a newer one, which doesn't exist on GR apparently).
I've been reading about Bryman's social research methods during my BA, but also now during my MA and it is praised by all professors I've met so far.
I understand why, it offer a great overview of all methods with many examples - however, once decided on a method for your own research, I'd recommend to pick another book that is solely focused on the research method you chose. I found that the explanations in this book were...okay-ish, as it could've been explained in a simpler way (considering it is advertised to beginner students A LOT). What bothered me the most while reading through chapter is the constant reference to other chapters: I would read Ch.1 and then after every sentences there would be a side sentence saying 'this is further explained in Ch.7, while this is explained in Ch.38, etc.) and if this were to be left out - I'm not kidding - the book could have been also much shorter. Reading texts written like this just took me out of my reading and concentration flow.
And also, consider this: as this is mainly targeted to researchers, students, and academics - I assume that they all know how to read a table of content and how to find the pages they are looking for by using the glossary and other key words - it is a mystery to me why these references have to be mentioned, although they are in the same book? And if one is interested they can just check themselves in the table of contents?

So, all in all, this book helped me to get started, to get an overview, but I did not find the reading process pleasant as I did with other methodology books (I'm pointing to the writing style and not the content itself!).

[Rebekah Mui · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed and thorough overview of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method approaches for social science research. You don't need to read it cover to cover, but it provides a good reference point during research methods courses or for specific projects as needed.

[M Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I re-read an old book from my undergrad days as part of my preparation for an interview. I will add that it was pretty readable for a book describing statistical methods and how to conduct research. I did learn a lot from this book on the second reading. I got a first in this exam (research methods) and I don't know how, especially when I didn't even remember most of what was on here. I think due to the fact that a lot in society and technology has changed between 2001-2011, some resarch methods may have changed, become more efficient and the internet (and social media, which was nonexistent back then) has a larger role to play in research, and as an analytical tool. All the same, it was good to revisit an old book.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for my masters degree in Sociology.

It is a great reference book to start getting a grip on the different aspects of social research.

The book covers the ontological, epistemological, and methodological considerations of research and presents a summary of different quantitative and qualitative methods, such as content analysis, interviewing, ethnography, focus groups, questionnaires and surveys, etc.

The book also covers aspects of research design and analysis techniques, namely using the software packages NNivo and IBM SPSS.

[We'reelof · Rating 3 out of 5]

I call it the "Wikipedia" of social research methods. It's not so strong on its own, but it's helpful indeed to use as a compass, to find the real deal and to develop a basic understanding of what social science is.

[Emelie Jansson (Bokbyteri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allan Bryman - gurun av samhällsvetenskapliga metoder. Här finns allt man önskar sig och lite till. Allt från deduktiv ansats till semistrukturerade intervjuer. När man ska skriva uppsats är Bryman ett måste.

[Dr. Faheem J. Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect social research method book for anyone who intends to conduct research. It is a very well written book with plenty of digestible examples. Recommended!

[Abrar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was wonderful book, and it is very useful for those who are interesting in research methods. It gave a full information about sampling designs, quantitative and qualitative methods.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written and accessible introduction to research methods in social sciences. straightforward and concise.

[jc ₊˚ʚ ᗢ₊˚✧ ﾟ]

Bra bok! Hjälpte mig väldigt mycket under B-uppsatsen och kommer förmodligen hjälpa mig när jag skriver examensarbetet också.

[Cold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this cover to cover was a bit like reading an IKEA brochure; your room will never look that good, nor will your research. There was also a meandering sense that there is always another research method, each a slight variation on the last - a lot like flat pack furniture.

My take-away was the intimate link between ontological/philosophical assumptions and choice of method, something I can't draw an IKEA parallel to.

[Gaby Prado · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a research text book, and it shows in its size and scope. But it is less arid than most, well design, good coverage and explanation of topics, and it is more updated than the W. Neuman textbook I was given at University back in 1998. (and still consult from time to time)

I would strongly recommend this to "UX" researchers, for it does go way more in-depth than the "ux research", "design research" books one finds in most bookshelves.

[Yatin Diwakar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book explained the basics of approaching research beautifully, but confused me in terms. Similar concepts across books (and classroom) are explained by different terms. But a good textbook nonetheless.

[Vlad Scutelnicu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for a course at the faculty on Research Methods in politics. It is a useful book on how to make research projects, both qualitative or quantitative ( or a mixed research for that matter). It is well structured and you can easily learn from it. Recommend it!

[raerae · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes this is a textbook for class and i am counting it to my reading goal because this took forever to read (i read it twice too…)
actually pretty good tho made me interested in statistics which is very impressive

[Ronita · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a very exciting book.

[Casper R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear and well-written reference work.

[Michael Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "necessary evil" for those studying social research. The language is usually approachable and the headings/glossary and index are useful

[Vidu]

"Read" for Soc 315: Intro to Social Methodology

[Kei · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for anyone who wants to learn qualitative research.

[gaverne Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best...

[Malin Rehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omfattande beskrivningar kring forskning.
(T2; College, social work)

[Claire Hanrahan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very useful. Hated reading it.

[Yokusun Basi]

Social Research Methods by Alan Bryman (2001)