Doing Qualitative Desk-Based Research

"Provides great guidance on how to do desk-based research. Covers all aspects of doing desk-based research. A great resource for undergraduate students." Erin Pritchard, Liverpool Hope University

“Finally! A book that provides students with a clear, comprehensive, compassionate and accessible guide to desk-based qualitative primary research. All dissertation modules should include this book on their reading list.” Emma Milne, Durham University

“From coming up with an idea to writing up, this is a brilliant ‘how to’ guide for those students doing qualitative dissertations from the confines of their desk.” Tom Clark, University of Sheffield

“Barbara Bassot captures the zeitgeist in this timely addition to the literature on undergraduate student research. This accessible book offers tailored guidance to conducting desk-based research on the information super-highway.” Martin E. Purcell, University of Dundee

“This text is a practical guide for undergraduates and postgraduate students. It provides a holistic overview of the nature and purpose of qualitative research and guidance on doing desk-based research.” Val Sylvester, Birmingham City University

“A highly engaging and accessible guide to undertaking qualitative desk-based research for a dissertation. The book gives insightful tips for students from start to finish – building on the author’s extensive experience.” Jessica Bradley, University of Sheffield

“A no-nonsense guide for the undergraduate dissertation journey.” Gernot Klantschnig, University of Bristol

Barbara Bassot is an associate of Canterbury Christ Church University where she worked as Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Career and Personal Development for a number of years. She lectured on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and regularly supervised students doing their first piece of independent research. She has published a number of books on research methods, reflective practice and career development.

The structure of this book and how to use it

Part 1: Preparing the ground

1. Introduction

2. Choosing a topic

3. Keeping a research journal

4. Writing a strong research proposal

Part 2: Assembling the structure

5. The importance of your research question

6. Context, background and introduction

7. Selecting high quality data resources

8. Literature review

9. Desk-based methodologies

10. Ethics

11. Data analysis and techniques

12. Writing conclusions and recommendations

Part 3: Keeping your tent stable and secure

13. Getting the support you need

14. Managing desk-based research