You are here

Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research
Share

Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research



November 2012 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
In this inspiring and engaging book, readers are presented with the key principles and practices of small-scale research. In addition, the book provides a peerless introduction to the key features involved in the process of research design and practice. Written in a clear, accessible way and drawing on exciting up-to-date examples, this book makes for a crucial companion on the way to research excellence.

Based on Derek Layder's solid background as a researcher, supervisor and teacher, Doing Excellent Small-Scale Research:
  • Leads the researcher through the actual process of doing a research project from start to finish
  • Offers a comprehensive outline of general areas and issues such as preparation and planning, developing research questions, interviewing and sampling
  • Reflects upon research as a social and human process
  • Provides systematic guidelines and advice above and beyond technical essentials
This book is invaluable to both students and researchers interested in social interaction - informing, guiding and inspiring them towards excellent small-scale research.

 
Overview of the Adaptive Approach
 
Finding a Research Topic and a Research Problem
 
Developing Questions from Research Problems
 
Preparation and Project Design
 
Qualitative Data and Mixed Strategies
 
Quantitative Data and Mixed Strategies
 
Imaginative Sampling
 
Data Analysis: Concepts and Coding
 
Writing the Research Report: Arguments and Explanations
 
Guidelines and Checklist for Adaptive Research

A useful resource in a small size book.

Dr Camille Cronin
Department of Health and Human Sciences, Essex University
November 5, 2013

An outstanding resource for any student undertaking reseach, clear and well laid out allowing the reader to find their areas of concern easily.

This should be read by all students undertaking research for the first or 100th time.

Mr Brian Boag
Faculty of Education,Health & Sciences, Derby University
October 21, 2013

An interesting book for research projects

Miss Marian Carr
FE Computing, Bradford College
October 21, 2013

The book surprised me with its energetic interpretation of the value of small-scale research.
The specific methodological choices associated with this type of study is clearly highlighted. This is a good resource to have on your book shelve for first time researchers still finding their way and also for seasoned researcher to reaffirm their convictions.

Mrs Christel Marais
Human Resource Management, Vaal University of Technology
August 2, 2013

A usefull book for students who have to do their research within a limited time frame. Clear and easy understandable text

Ms Marianne Hoeyen
Department of Education, Aarhus University
July 3, 2013

A good, to the point guide for Bachelor students who write their dissertations on a primary research study.

Dr Nadine Tchelebi
Business Law , University of the West of England, Bristol
April 29, 2013

An excellent introduction to the world of social research.

Mr Andrew Yorke
Institute of health and society, Worcester University
February 18, 2013

As with Layder's other work - this is a very accessible, well-written text that is extremely useful for undergraduate and even MSc students studying social sciences.

It offers smething slightly different from the rather overwhelming number of publications on the market because of the focus on small-scale research makes it a more 'realistic' proposition for undergraduate students than many other research methods texts.

Dr Daniel Bloyce
Dept of Sport & Excercise Science, Chester University
February 14, 2013

Even though this would be a usable book for our students, it would a bit too expensive for them since we have several other books on the course - in Sweden, it costs £60.

This might have been a lesser obstacle if the book had been clearer in some areas, but I find one of the central distinctions argued for in the book to be somewhat hard to grasp for the students - thus, it might confuse them rather than bringing clarifying insights.

I'm really sad to turn down this book since the overall approach seemed a promising one.

Dr Sanna Tielman Lindberg
Dept of Social Work, Stockholm University
February 13, 2013

This is an eminently readable text which clearly presents the important principles of successful, small-scale research. There are excellent examples to support the approaches discussed.

Mrs Karen Hatch
SCHOOL OF HEALTH, Northampton University
January 18, 2013

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.