Publishing with a purpose
Published
26 Apr 2017Page count
256 pagesEdition
2nd EditionISBN
978-1447338413Dimensions
240 x 172 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
26 Apr 2017Page count
256 pagesEdition
2nd EditionISBN
978-1447338437Dimensions
Imprint
Policy PressPublished
26 Apr 2017Page count
256 pagesEdition
2nd EditionISBN
978-1447338420Dimensions
Imprint
Policy Press
Research and Evaluation for Busy Students and Practitioners
Research doesn't exist in a bubble but co-exists with a multitude of other tasks and commitments, yet there is more need for people to save time than ever before. Brilliantly attuned to the demands placed on researchers, this book considers how students, academics and professionals alike can save time and stress without compromising the quality of their research or its outcomes.
Including a new foreword by Patrick Sturgis, Director of UK National Centre for Research Methods, this second edition is fully revised. It provides a new chapter on methodologies covering a range of approaches, and a wealth of updated practical information. Each chapter concludes with annotated further readings and the volume is accompanied by a fully revised and updated companion website. This supportive book is designed for any student or practitioner who wants to know how to do research on top of their main job and still have a life.
"In addition to providing research and methodology guidance, the book is a great tool for continuous learning and could be recommended to researchers and evaluation practitioners at any stage of their career." LSE Review of Books
“A must have for all who are just getting into research or who do research frequently. The exercises and feedback from those who shared with Kara, help affirm that the process of research and evaluation is worth the effort put into the process and her suggestions for keeping perspective throughout, so we can still have a life are essential for all researchers.” The Qualitative Report
"As a postgraduate student fitting study around full time employment and a family, I can honestly say that this book is a godsend. It offers practical advice and useful suggestions that can be implemented for both work and study purposes." Gemma Noon, Academic Chair, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
"Helen Kara’s thoughtful book is based on extensive practical experience, in diverse settings. She guides a researcher through all the stages of a project, dispelling fear and confusion." Woody Caan, Editor, Journal of Public Mental Health
"Workplace-based researchers will find this book invaluable. Demystifying the research process, Helen Kara provides a guide for the busy practitioner chock full of wise and pragmatic advice, useful tips and exercises." Kylie Budge, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences
Dr Helen Kara has been an independent social researcher and author since 1999. Her background is in social care and the third sector, and she works with third sector organisations and social care and health partnerships. While working full-time, she obtained both her MSc in Social Research Methods and her PhD. Helen is a Visiting Fellow at the UK's National Centre for Research Methods, and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. She is the author of Creative research methods in the social sciences: A practical guide (Policy Press, 2015). She also teaches research methods to practitioners and students, and loves to demystify the processes of writing and research.
Foreword: Patrick Sturgis, Director, ESRC National Centre for Research Methods
Introduction;
Overview of research;
Methodologies, approaches, and theories;
Topics and proposals;
Managing your research or evaluation project;
Background research;
Secondary data;
Primary data;
Data analysis;
Writing for research and evaluation;
Disseminating research and evaluation;
Conclusion.
