Includes bibliographical references (p. [167]-173) and index.

This is the market leading book for anyone doing their research project. Clear, concise and extremely readable, this book provides a practical, step-by-step guide to doing a research project from start to finish. Thoroughly updated but retaining its well-loved style, this 6th edition includes: information on using online surveys; information on online interviewing and using online platforms for observation, e.g. Skype, Google Hangouts; new chapter on the use of social media in small scale research; thoroughly updated chapter on literature searching; revised and additional pedagogy; and a brand new text design. This practical, no-nonsense guide is vital reading for all those embarking on undergraduate or postgraduate study in any discipline, and for professionals in such fields as social science, education and health.

Pt. I Preparing the Ground -- 1.Approaches to Research -- Styles of research -- Action research and the role of practitioner researchers -- Case study -- Survey -- The experimental style -- Ethnography and the ethnographic style of research -- The grounded theory approach -- Narrative inquiry and stories -- Which approach? -- Laying the Groundwork Checklist -- Further reading -- 2.Planning the Project -- Selecting a topic -- Getting started -- The purpose of the study -- Hypotheses, objectives and researchable questions -- Working title and the project outline -- Timing -- Supervision -- Student-supervisor relationships -- Codes of practice for supervision -- Change of supervisor -- Keeping records of supervisory tutorials -- The research experience -- Writing as you go along and the research diary -- Planning the Project Checklist -- Further reading -- 3.Ethics and Integrity In Research.