Social Research Methods: A Reader

Social Research Methods A reader Social Research Methods: A Reader brings together many of the core classic and contemporary works in social and cultural research methods, giving students direct access to methodological debates and examples of practical research across the qualitative/quantitative divide. The book is designed to be used both as a collection of readings and as an introductory research methods book in its own right. Topics covered include: • • • • • • • • • Research methodology Research design, data collection and preparation Analysing data M ix ing qualitative and quantitative methods Validity and reliability Methodological critique: postmodernism, post-structuralism ethnography Political and ethical aspects of research Philosophy of social science Reporting research. and critical In addition to containing an extensive introduction, each Part is preceded by a short introduction placing the readings in context This reader-text also includes features such as discussion questions and practical exercises. Social Research Methods: A Readerwill be essential reading for students taking social and cultural research methods courses. Clive Seale is Professor of Sociology in the Department of Human Sciences, Brunel University. Routledge Student Readers Series Editor: Chris Jenks, Professor of Sociology, Goldsmiths College, University of London Already in this series: Theories of Race and Racism: A Reader Edited by Les Back and John Solomos Gender: A Sociologital Reader Edited by Stevi Jackson and Sue Scott The Sociology of Health and Illness: A Reader Edited by Mike Bury and Jonathan Gabe The Information Society Reader Edited by Frank Webster and Ensio Puoskari Social Research Methods A reader Edited by Clive Seale ~~ ~~~!!~~~;up LONDON AND NEW YORK First published 2004 by Routledge Il New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001 Routledge is an imprint if the Taylor &._Francis Group © 2004 editorial matter and selection, Clive Seale; individual chapters, the contributors Typeset in Perpetua and Bell Gothic by RefineCatch Limited, Bungay Sulfolk All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library if Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Social research methods: a reader l Edited by Clive Seale. -p. cm