Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology
Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods
2nd Edition
Published on 26. June 2025
Book
Hardback
336 pages
978-1-032-78530-1 (ISBN)
Description
This comprehensive book provides a review across methodological approaches and data-collection methods commonly used with older adults in real-life settings. It addresses the role of normative age-related sensory, cognitive, and functional changes, as well as the influence of generational cohort (age-period-cohort).
Fully updated, this second edition reflects recent changes in gerontology and includes more information about equity, diversity and inclusion; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the use of virtual research methods; discussion about the researcher's reflexivity; the role of theory in research; qualitative research developments; an expansion of secondary analysis of data;and the use of artificial intelligence in research.
Features include:
Descriptions, evaluations, and applications of a wide range of methodological approaches and methods used to collect data about older persons (quantitative, qualitative, mixed, and emergent methods: photovoice, virtual environments, etc.)
Ways to match research questions to selection of method without a preconceived methodological preference or dominance
Real-world and applied examples along with cases from the gerontological literature
"How to" sections about reading output/software reports and qualitative-analysis screenshots (from NVivo) and quantitative (SPSS) output and interpretation
Pedagogical tools in every chapter such as text boxes, case studies, definitions of key terms, discussion questions, and references for further reading on chapter topics
Glossary of key terms, complete sample research report, and an overview of past methodological research design work in gerontology
This text is intended for upper-level undergraduates and masters students in aging and gerontology as well as students in human development, applied anthropology, psychology, public health, sociology, and social work settings. Healthcare professionals, social workers, and care managers who work with older adults will also find this text a valuable resource.
At www.routledge.com/cw/weil instructors will find PowerPoint presentations, additional discussion questions, suggestions for in-class activities and assessments and a sample syllabus; and students will find flashcards based on glossary terms, a downloadable copy of the sample research report in the text, links to data sets, related websites, online videos and podcasts, further reading, select gerontological journals and multiple choice and true or false questions.
Fully updated, this second edition reflects recent changes in gerontology and includes more information about equity, diversity and inclusion; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the use of virtual research methods; discussion about the researcher's reflexivity; the role of theory in research; qualitative research developments; an expansion of secondary analysis of data;and the use of artificial intelligence in research.
Features include:
Descriptions, evaluations, and applications of a wide range of methodological approaches and methods used to collect data about older persons (quantitative, qualitative, mixed, and emergent methods: photovoice, virtual environments, etc.)
Ways to match research questions to selection of method without a preconceived methodological preference or dominance
Real-world and applied examples along with cases from the gerontological literature
"How to" sections about reading output/software reports and qualitative-analysis screenshots (from NVivo) and quantitative (SPSS) output and interpretation
Pedagogical tools in every chapter such as text boxes, case studies, definitions of key terms, discussion questions, and references for further reading on chapter topics
Glossary of key terms, complete sample research report, and an overview of past methodological research design work in gerontology
This text is intended for upper-level undergraduates and masters students in aging and gerontology as well as students in human development, applied anthropology, psychology, public health, sociology, and social work settings. Healthcare professionals, social workers, and care managers who work with older adults will also find this text a valuable resource.
At www.routledge.com/cw/weil instructors will find PowerPoint presentations, additional discussion questions, suggestions for in-class activities and assessments and a sample syllabus; and students will find flashcards based on glossary terms, a downloadable copy of the sample research report in the text, links to data sets, related websites, online videos and podcasts, further reading, select gerontological journals and multiple choice and true or false questions.
Reviews / Votes
"Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology (2nd Edition) is an invaluable and timely resource for Gerontology and social science students, as well as anyone interested in research with older adults. Joyce Weil skillfully navigates the complexities of methodological approaches, providing clear guidance on designing and conducting research in this field. She incorporates well-chosen research examples and draws on important authors from the field of gerontology. This book equips readers with the essential tools to approach gerontological research-an essential read for those seeking a comprehensive yet accessible guide to studying aging in a rapidly evolving social landscape."Christoph Heuser, University of Southampton
"This comprehensive and insightful text is an essential resource for students, researchers, and professionals in the field of ageing. Joyce Weil provides a clear and balanced exploration of research methodologies, equipping readers with the knowledge and skills needed to design and conduct rigorous studies. The book's inclusion of contemporary issues-such as virtual research methods, equity and inclusion, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-makes it especially relevant to today's research landscape. With its practical guidance, real-world examples, and interdisciplinary approach, this text is an invaluable asset for both emerging and experienced scholars seeking to advance research in ageing and social gerontology."
Dr Dalia Tsimpida PhD, CPsychol, AFBPsS, SFHEA, University of Southampton
Reviews from the First Edition
"Joyce Weil has accomplished a remarkable feat; producing a volume that does justice to the wide range of research tasks that confront the gerontological imagination. She provides the important context to studying ageing as well as giving the researcher a clear account of how research works. This will be an invaluable text for all of those engaged in the field of ageing studies."
Paul Higgs, University College London, UK
"Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology is a refreshing and timely addition to the interdisciplinary field of social gerontology, providing an informative, comprehensive textbook that explicates the process of discovery and a full range of research methods. Joyce Weil brings to life the intricacies of advanced methods training by integrating methods, cutting-edge applications, and instructive resources."
Andrew V. Wister, Simon Fraser University, Canada
"This is a truly unique book that brings together key perspectives-past and present-in gerontology with a wide variety of research designs and analytical approaches. It is a valuable tool for anyone who studies aging."
Kate de Medeiros, Miami University, USA
More details
Series
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Postgraduate, Undergraduate Advanced, and Undergraduate Core
Illustrations
17 s/w Tabellen, 44 s/w Zeichnungen, 44 s/w Abbildungen
17 Tables, black and white; 44 Line drawings, black and white; 44 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 260 mm
Width: 183 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
857 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-78530-1 (9781032785301)
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
Additional editions
Joyce Weil
Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology
Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods
Book
06/2025
2nd Edition
Routledge
€96.00
Shipment within 10-20 days
Joyce Weil
Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology
Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods
E-Book
06/2025
2nd Edition
Routledge
€91.49
Available for download
Joyce Weil
Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology
Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods
E-Book
06/2025
2nd Edition
Routledge
€91.49
Available for download
Previous edition
Joyce Weil
Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology
Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods
Book
03/2017
1st Edition
Routledge
€260.41
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Joyce Weil, PhD, MPH, FGSA, is a social gerontologist and associate professor in the Gerontology Program of the Department of Health Sciences at Towson University. Her work centres around the meaning of place and place attachment for older adults and applying social research methodologies to the study of aging and older adults.
Content
PART I. GETTING STARTED: AN OVERVIEW OF THE AGING RESEARCH PROCESS 1. Introduction 2. Designing Research about Older People and Aging 3. Gerontological Theoretical Approaches PART II. CHOOSING A RESEARCH METHOD AND SELECTING A DESIGN 4. Qualitative Methods 5. Quantitative Methods 6. Quantitative Data Analysis and Evaluation 7. Mixed Methods 8. Emerging and Future Methods PART III. ANALYZING RESULTS AND REPORTING FINDINGS 9. Quantitative, Qualitative Software and Computer-Assisted Research 10. Ethical Issues and Concerns in Aging Research 11. Reporting Aging Research