Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

by Keith F. Punch

In the new edition of Introduction to Social Research, Keith Punch takes a fresh look at the entire research process, from formulating a research question to writing up your research. Covering qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, the book focuses on matching research questions to appropriate methods. Offering concise, balanced coverage, this book clearly explains the underlying principles of social research and shows you how to put this understanding into practice.  

The third edition
Using a range of examples from student research and published work, the book is an ideal introduction for any social science student taking a research methods course or embarking on their own undergraduate or postgraduate research project.

Genres: Sociology

408 pages, Hardcover

First published December 12, 1998

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed Methods research is a growing methodology among scholars; however, it is so new that few set guidelines and procedures exist concerning the effective integration of qualitative and quantitative data. As a result, the author maps out the research process starting with formulating a question and ending with data integration. Most importantly, he takes the time to explain the various functions of qualitative and quantitative methodologies as well as their strengths and weaknesses in any research setting to give the researcher adequate information to see if thier study is truly mixed.

The reading is dry. In fact, I wouldn't pick this book up unless a person is planning to conduct this form of research. In that case, it's excellent. It takes the reader step by step through the mixed methods process, and explains terms, data collection and analysis processes, and ways to integrate the two original methodologies to enhance the strengths of the research while minimizing the weaknesses. In addition, since this form of research is still on the cusp of academic acceptance, it provides the foundation and rationale needed to defend its use.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unput downable.
An emotional roller coaster.
If you read one book this year, make it this one.

[Rozie]

Thank god its over

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The more difficult problem concerns the correspondence between verbal responses and behaviour, the relationship between what people say, what they do and what they say they do, and the assumption that language is a good indicator of thought and language."

"It is difficult to summarize what has not yet been written."

[Nulur]

still reading!