Research Design

by David De Vaus (Editor)

This collection brings together key articles and book chapters that provide an overview of research design for the social sciences, focusing on the purpose, nature, and types of research design - the architecture of research rather than the mechanics of running a research project. Emphasis is put on non-laboratory-based research designs that are typically encountered in the social sciences, those involving people rather than objects. The range of issues covered is impressive: the epististemology of social research design; the complex matters of causation and the logic of design; the importance of units of analsyis; the subjective elements of human behaviour and the role of qualitative and quantitative data.

Genres: Sociology, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published February 16, 2001

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this text for a Leadership Research and Design Logic post-graduate course. Previously, though I had done action research projects and completed a number of what could be considered case studies as part of my job, I had not actively explored formal research design. In that sense, this book was enormously helpful. The writing was accessible. There were times, in the latter sections, when references to earlier concepts hindered comprehension. Ultimately, though, this is a good introductory text for those wishing to learn a little more about basic research design.