2016م - 1444هـ
Research Methods Handbook



Introduction

We are all “users” of social research. How we apprehend and absorb

information and use our critical faculties feeds what we believe about

the social world.

From surveys reported in the media to market research, opinion poll

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ing and large scale datasets such as the British Crime Survey. Social

Research Methods are the tools used to explain social phenomena and

often it is more possible to challenge conclusions if you are at least

conversant with the variety of methodologies and tools applied.

What is this book about?

This book provides an introduction to the reader to a whole range of

research methods. It aims to introduce a toolkit of methods, explain-ing



how to use them, their appropriateness and some of the pitfalls of

using them in practice.

The sections explain in turn:

• What is the method?

• When should it be used?

• What do I need to consider?

• What is the output?

• How should it be analysed?

• Examples from practice

• Pros/Cons

• Further Reading

There is also a glossary of technical terms at the back of the book.