The Research Companion : A Practical Guide for the Social and Health Sciences

Social science research has traditionally focused on the historical study of research methods, frequently overlooking the practical skills needed to undertake a research project. The Research Companion recognises this need for instruction in the practice of research and offers clear, honest advice to help avoid typical problems and improve the standards. The whole research process is covered in detail, from setting up a study through to presenting findings, with sections on all the basic tasks central to any research project, including: planning research researcher and participant safety monitoring research in progress research ethics. The structure of the book means it is useful for researchers at all levels of experience. The numerous examples and case histories make it ideal for students just beginning their first research project, whilst the breadth of coverage and wealth of practical tips will also be highly relevant to experienced researchers. This book is invaluable to all students of the social sciences, whatever their level of experience, and should be instrumental in raising the general level of research competence, making research more accurate, ethical and productive. A website - http://www.psypress.com/boynton - which includes a users'message board and other supplementary materials accompanies this book.

social Science Research Has Traditionally Focused On The Historical Study Of Research Methods, Frequently Overlooking The Practical Skills Needed To Undertake A Research Project. the Research Companion Recognises This Need For Instruction In The Practice Of Research And Offers Clear, Honest Advice To Help Avoid Typical Problems And Improve The Standards.

the Whole Research Process Is Covered In Detail, From Setting Up A Study Through To Presenting Findings, With Sections On All The Basic Tasks Central To Any Research Project, Including:

• planning Research


• researcher And Participant Safety


• monitoring Research In Progress


• research Ethics.

the Structure Of The Book Means It Is Useful For Researchers At All Levels Of Experience. The Numerous Examples And Case Histories Make It Ideal For Students Just Beginning Their First Research Project, Whilst The Breadth Of Coverage And Wealth Of Practical Tips Will Also Be Highly Relevant To Experienced Researchers.

this Book Is Invaluable To All Students Of The Social Sciences, Whatever Their Level Of Experience, And Should Be Instrumental In Raising The General Level Of Research Competence, Making Research More Accurate, Ethical And Productive.

a Website - Http://www.psypress.com/boynton - Which Includes A Users' Message Board And Other Supplementary Materials Accompanies This Book.

Social science research has traditionally focused on the historical study of research methods, frequently overlooking the practical skills needed to undertake a research project. The Research Companion addresses this need for instruction in the practice of research and offers clear, honest advice to help avoid typical problems and improve the standards.The whole research process is covered in detail, from setting up a study through to presenting findings, with sections on all the basic tasks central to any research project, including: Planning research, Researcher and participant safety, Monitoring research in progress, Research ethics.The structure of the book means it is useful for researchers at all levels of experience. The numerous examples and case histories make it ideal for students just beginning their first research project, whilst the breadth of coverage and wealth of practical tips will also be highly relevant to experienced researchers.The book is also accompanied by a website of additional features including a discussion forum, where readers can share their experiences of methods and research: www.psypress.co.uk/boyntonThis book will be invaluable to all researchers in the social or health sciences, whatever their level of experience, making research more accurate, ethical and productive. Social science research has traditionally focused on the historical study of research methods, frequently overlooking the practical skills needed to undertake a research project. The Research Companion recognises this need for instruction in the practice of research and offers clear, honest advice to help avoid typical problems and improve the standards. The whole research process is covered in detail, from setting up a study through to presenting findings, with sections on all the basic tasks central to any research project, The structure of the book means it is useful for researchers at all levels of experience. The numerous examples and case histories make it ideal for students just beginning their first research project, whilst the breadth of coverage and wealth of practical tips will also be highly relevant to experienced researchers. This book is invaluable to all students of the social sciences, whatever their level of experience, and should be instrumental in raising the general level of research competence, making research more accurate, ethical and productive. A website - - which includes a users' message board and other supplementary materials accompanies this book. "Social science research has traditionally focused on the historical study of research methods, frequently overlooking the practical skills needed to undertake a research project. The Research Companion addresses this need for instruction in the practice of research and offers clear, honest advice to help avoid typical problems and improve the standards. This book will be invaluable to all researchers in the social or health sciences, whatever their level of experience, making research more accurate, ethical and productive."--Jacket Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Dedication......Page 6 Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 9 1 Introduction......Page 10 2 Planning research......Page 28 3 Starting out......Page 48 4 Completing research......Page 70 5 Participants......Page 80 6 Researcher well-being......Page 128 7 Once a study’s underway......Page 148 8 End results and reporting findings......Page 162 9 Endnote......Page 188 References......Page 192 Author index......Page 198 Subject index......Page 200 The Research Companion recognises the need for instruction in the practice of research and offers clear, honest advice. It will prove invaluable for students in the social sciences, making research more accurate, ethical and productive. Planning research Starting out Completing research, or the importance of piloting and how to stay focused Participants Researcher well-being Once a study's underway End results and reporting findings.