Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

by Keith F. Punch

`Valuable advice to the beginning (and the not so experienced) social researcher. It represents a valuable resource for those who are writing research proposals, for those at the start of their research projects, and also for those who are further along the research line′ - Sociological Research Online The social science researcher today needs to understand the logic of both the quantitative and qualitative approaches to empirical research. This book provides comprehensive coverage of both, set within a pragmatic view of research. It is an ideal starting point for all students and researchers in the social sciences, where you can learn · developing a model for empirica

Genres: Sociology

336 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!