Introduction to Social Research
Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
3rd Edition
Published on 8. January 2014
Book
Hardback
408 pages
978-1-4462-4092-2 (ISBN)
Description
In the new edition of Introduction to Social Research, Keith Punch takes a fresh look at the entire research process, from formulating a research question to writing up your research. Covering qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, the book focuses on matching research questions to appropriate methods. Offering concise, balanced coverage, this book clearly explains the underlying principles of social research and shows you how to put this understanding into practice.
The third edition includes:
A new chapter on literature searching and reviewing
Expanded coverage of ethics
A new section on using the internet in research
A range of additional student learning features
A brand new companion website including full-text journal articles, additional case studies and video tutorials.
Using a range of examples from student research and published work, the book is an ideal introduction for any social science student taking a research methods course or embarking on their own undergraduate or postgraduate research project.
The third edition includes:
A new chapter on literature searching and reviewing
Expanded coverage of ethics
A new section on using the internet in research
A range of additional student learning features
A brand new companion website including full-text journal articles, additional case studies and video tutorials.
Using a range of examples from student research and published work, the book is an ideal introduction for any social science student taking a research methods course or embarking on their own undergraduate or postgraduate research project.
Reviews / Votes
This is a beautifully understated and highly accessible book. It focuses on the issues and practicalities of doing social scientific research, introducing a wide range of methods and approaches to get students thinking and a project underway. This new edition has been thoroughly updated, and there are welcome new chapters on theory, literature searching, research ethics and the internet. The book is authoritative and will be well used by students and teachers of social science research methods. -- Amanda Coffey, Professor Comprehensive, thoroughgoing and well organised, Punch's book has a deservedly high reputation among social science researchers. This third edition, with new material on literature searching, ethics, theory and the Internet makes it a must-have for students and professional researchers alike. -- Gary Thomas, Professor of Inclusion and Diversity In this work, Keith Punch covers all the essentials of social science research with clarity and an obvious command of the subject matter. His coverage of quantitative and qualitative methods from design through to collection and analysis offers breadth and depth perfect for any undergraduate attempting to navigate the research world. I look forward to putting a copy of this latest edition on my shelf and recommending it students. -- Dr Zina O'Leary, Unit of Study Coordinator, This 3rd edition provides an accessible yet comprehensive and detailed framework for understanding social research. The clear layout with chapter objectives and summary questions offers a robust and practical learning structure for students which guides them through both theoretical and methodological approaches to contemporary research. No research methods course should be without it!! -- Dr. Emma Bond, Deputy Director All in all, this book is incredibly well structured and free from jargon and over complication. It is a joy to read, and it guides the reader step-by-step towards understanding what social research is all about. -- Dr Sophie Lecheler * LSE Book Reviews Website *More details
Edition
3rd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Edition type
Revised edition
Dimensions
Height: 232 mm
Width: 186 mm
Weight
864 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4462-4092-2 (9781446240922)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Book
11/2025
4th Edition
SAGE Publications Ltd
€111.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Additional editions
E-Book
11/2013
3rd Edition
SAGE Publications Ltd
from
€77.79
Available for download
E-Book
11/2013
3rd Edition
SAGE Publications Ltd
from
€77.79
Available for download
Previous edition
Book
03/2005
2nd Edition
SAGE Publications Inc
€160.44
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Keith Punch is Emeritus Professor of Education in the University of Western Australia. He is the author of several books on research methods in education, covering quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, and he has supervised a very large number of graduate students working on dissertations and theses for higher degrees in education.
Content
Introduction
Theory and Method in Social Research
Ethics in Social Research - Alis Oancea
Research Questions
From Research Questions to Data
Literature Searching and Reviewing - with Alis Oancea
Qualitative Research Design
Collecting Qualitative Data
The Analysis of Qualitative Data
Quantitative Research Design
Collecting Quantitative Data
The Analysis of Quantitative Data
The Internet and Research - Wayne McGowan
Mixed Methods and Evaluation
Research Writing
Theory and Method in Social Research
Ethics in Social Research - Alis Oancea
Research Questions
From Research Questions to Data
Literature Searching and Reviewing - with Alis Oancea
Qualitative Research Design
Collecting Qualitative Data
The Analysis of Qualitative Data
Quantitative Research Design
Collecting Quantitative Data
The Analysis of Quantitative Data
The Internet and Research - Wayne McGowan
Mixed Methods and Evaluation
Research Writing