Synopses & Reviews
Doing a Successful Research Project is a realistic, user-friendly guide on how to conduct a research project that talks at the student's level; akin to having a tutor right at one's side. It offers an accessible, even-handed introduction to carrying out research methods for undergraduate and postgraduate students conducting a research project for the first time. The research process--from planning, through design and implementation, to completion--is described simply and succinctly, with the emphasis throughout on good preparation. The book provides students with the self-discipline and the confidence to carry out their own research project, as well as enabling them to assess for themselves the advantages and disadvantages of the differing strategies available.
Review
“Creative Research Methods in the Social Sciences is a groundbreaking work that will change how engaged scholars think about and practice research.”
Review
“Forever contrasting with traditional research methods, Kara demonstrates with engaging and useful examples that there is a remarkable amount of scope for creativity in unlocking the worlds we research.”
Review
“Kara’s accessible book is a treasure trove addressing every aspect of the creative research process—inspiration for students, teachers, and practitioners of methods grappling with how best to investigate complex social worlds.”
Review
“A reflexive, dialogic book that demands active reading. As a creative text for students and teachers, the book is designed to enable and support, rather than prescribe. . . . Creative Research Methods in the Social Sciences opens a window onto some of the most innovative contemporary social research practices. It will reward active readers, new scholars, researchers and those seeking to gain a sense of this dynamic field.”
Synopsis
Creative research methods can help to answer complex contemporary questions that traditional methods alone cannot; they can also be more ethical, helping researchers to address social injustice in new ways. This accessible book is the first to identify and examine the four pillars of creative research methods: arts-based research, research using technology, mixed-method research, and transformative research frameworks. Written in a practical and jargon-free style, it offers numerous examples from around the world of creative methods in practice in the social sciences, arts, and humanities. Spanning the gulf between ideas and practice, this useful book will inform and inspire researchers by demonstrating why, when, and how to use creative methods in their research.
About the Author
Helen Kara has been an independent researcher in social care and health since 1999, working with statutory and third sector organisations and partnerships, and is also an associate research fellow at the Third Sector Research Centre, University of Birmingham, UK. She is
Table of Contents
PART 1: PLANNING YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT * So you're going to do a Research Project * Let's Make a Start * Drawing up your Personal Project Roadmap * PART 2: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH * The Principles of Sampling * Carrying Out Your Survey * Questionnaires * The Art and Science of Survey Interviewing * Analysing Your Survey Data * PART 3: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH * Studying a Small Sample * Qualitative Research Interviewing * There is More to Qualitative Research than Interviewing * Analysing Qualitative Data * PART 4: THE LAST LAP * Writing Your Report * PART 5: INTO MORE COMPLEX TERRITORY * A Qualitative Researcher's Briefing Sheet * Testing for Statistical Significance * Bibliography * Index *