This book covers a wide range of research methods relating to both qualitative and quantitaive data. It is an excellent introduction for any higher degree student and invaluable for those who have to write an essay on research methodologies. The book is divided into 5 sections: The context of research, Planning educational and social resesrch, Styles of resesrch, Strategies for data collection and researching, Recent developments in educational research
The book is both theoretical and practical. It discusses the nature of enquiry and the different approaches to research via a positivist approach and naturalistic enquiry. The ethics of research, research design, sampling and validity and reliability, each form separate sections. This is not necessarily a book to be read from start to finish but definitely one to be consulted carefully both at the start of any research programme and frequently during the research itself as there is extensive information on many styles of research. The bibliography covers 30 pages of closely typed text. Once a particular resesrch method has been chosen then any student will find ample classic and up-to-date references for futher reading in the area. Qualitative methods discussed are: ethnographic approaches, interviews, observations, accounts, case studies, action research and role play. Quantitative methods discussed are surveys and trend studies, correlation research, experimental research: pre and post test designs and multi-dimensional analysis.
The section on recent developments gives information on amongst other things using the internet for research, simulations, and geographical information systems.
This is far more than just a reprint of the earlier books written by Cohen and Manion. It has all the previous infromation of these texts but has been updated with the latest information and discussion on research texts.
It is excellent value for money for any research student and certainly worth owning one's own copy. I would not be without it.
