Real World Research: A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researchers (Regional surveys of the world) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The purpose of this book is to give assistance, ideas and confidence to those who, for good and honourable reasons, wish to carry out some..." (more)
Key Phrases: Thousand Oaks, New York, Newbury Park (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Second editions, like movie sequels, rarely surpass the originals. Real World Research is a stunning exception. Robson has brilliantly expanded and revised what was already the best book on how to actually do research in applied settings." Joseph A. Maxwell, George Mason University <!--end-->

"Even the most anxious and resistant novice will surely feel they have a new insight (and hopefully, confidence) into the various approaches to social research. Robson manages to combine cool objectivity with both enthusiasm and passion. One can see why the first edition was successful." Anthony Gale, University of Portsmouth

"This handbook will be very useful as an overview of various strategies, methods and research designs in social research, combining quantitative and qualitative research in a critical realist paradigm ... Robson's great strengths are his writing style, overall breadth of coverage and organization—huge elements needed for any book to be judged a success. This is an expert who does not intimidate or pontificate to the reader." Maximilian C. Forte, Forum: Qualitative Sozialforschung, Volume 3, No. 4, November 2002

"Colin Robson's excellent first edition of Real World Research....succeeded because it spoke to the reader with a clear and authoritative voice that was never afraid of highlighting the problems and difficulties with conducting research in dynamic social situations ... The new edition has greatly expanded the content of the early book, but has largely managed to hold onto the clear voice and a direct relevance for the anthropological field worker ... One of the qualities of the book I find very appealing is the strength of Robson's voice thoroughout the text; the style is almost conversational talking rather than writing, and as a result is quite inspiring." Lindsey Poole, Performance and Innovation Unit, Cabinet Office, London, Anthropological Theory, 3 (3), 393-394.

Product Description

This successful text on carrying out research in 'real world' situations has been thoroughly revised and updated in order to make it as useful as possible to teachers and students from a range of behavioral and social science disciplines.

• Includes new examples from applied psychology, applied social science, health studies, social work and education.
  
• Provides more coverage of qualitative methods.
  
• Pedagogical material has been updated to include a glossary and detailed cross-referencing across chapters.
  
• Bases the quantitative analysis section around version 10 of SPSS and the section on qualitative analysis around the NUD*IST software.
  
• Situates material more clearly within theoretical conceptualizations of the nature of social science research, pointing to the advantages of a critical realist approach.

For sample chapters please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/robson

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Product Details

• Paperback: 624 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (March 19, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0631213058
• ISBN-13: 978-0631213055
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #270,846 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A review of Real World Research, February 8, 2000

By	Julie Leask (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Real World Research (Paperback)

As the title suggests, this book is for researchers faced with 'real world' challenges like limited time, money and the need to address a presenting problem or issue. Its chapters cover everything from how to write a research proposal to getting your research published and acting on your findings. In between, the reader is offered overviews on different data collection and analysis methods covering quantitative and qualitative approaches. Pages 244-6 offer an example of a well set-out questionnaire - something that anyone who has ever sat down to design a survey has probably wished for.

Real World Research will suit people from a variety of disciplines including health, education and the social sciences who are looking for a book to guide them through the research process. Well written and easy to read, it is also comprehensive enough to suit the 'dabbler' who wants to learn about a particular methodology but doesn't want commit themselves to an entire book on the one approach.