Tim May
(Centre for Sustainable Urban and Regional Futures, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, UK)

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About the book | About the author | Table of contents

About the book

This fully revised and updated popular text successfully bridges the gap between theory and methods in social research, clearly illuminating these essential components for understanding the dynamics of social relations. The book is divided into two parts, with part one examining the issues and perspectives in social research and part two setting out the methods and processes. Updates to this edition include: A new chapter on case study research A new concluding chapter Links to additional websites and IT applications that are integrated throughout the book Updated experiential examples and scenarios More international examples The clear writing style, chapter summaries, questions for reflection and signposts to further readings continue to make this book the ideal companion to social research for students across the social sciences. In addition, it will be recognised as an invaluable source of reference for those practising and teaching social research who wish to keep abreast of key developments in the field. With contributions from Beth Perry (University of Salford) and Carole Sutton (University of Plymouth).

About the author

Tim May is Professor and Director, Centre for Sustainable Urban and Regional Futures, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, UK. He is author of Social Research and Reflexivity (2011), co-author of Situating Social Theory (2008) and editor of the series Issues in Society (Open University Press).

Table of contents

Introduction Part One: Issues in social research Perspectives on social scientific research Social theory and social research Values and ethics in the research process Part Two: Methods of social research Official statistics: Topics and resources Social surveys: Design to analysis Interviewing: Methods and process Participant observation: Perspectives and practice Documentary research: Excavations and evidence Case study research Comparative research: Potential and problems Part Three: Research in practice Reflections on Research in practice