Bringing together many of the core classic and contemporary works in social and cultural research methods, this book gives students direct access to methodological debates and examples of practical research across the qualitative/quantitative divide. The book is designed to be used both as a collection of readings and as an introductory research methods book in its own right. Topics covered include:
research methodology
research design, data collection and preparation
analyzing data
mixing qualitative and quantitative methods
validity and reliability
methodological critique: postmodernism, post-structuralism and critical ethnography
political and ethical aspects of research
philosophy of social science
reporting research.
Each section is preceded by a short introduction placing the readings in context. This reader-text also includes features such as discussion questions and practical exercises.