Behind the Scenes in Social Research: How Practical and Personal Matters Affect a Project

Behind the Scenes in Social Research provides an informal, adaptive, and real-life process of doing social science research. It covers the obstacles and practicalities of doing research, such as the logistical matters that must be handled, the improvisations in research design and data gathering techniques, and the personal characteristics of those doing the research. It also explores how doing research affects the researchers themselves, affecting self-images, altering political or social views, or providing skills that extend beyond the research enterprise.

Format: Hardback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Behind the Scenes in Social Research delves into the intricate and dynamic process of conducting social science research, encompassing the informal, adaptive, and real-life aspects of this field. While standard methods texts provide valuable guidance on selecting topics and collecting and analyzing data, they often overlook the numerous challenges and practicalities encountered during the research process. Researchers may find themselves at a loss when they embark on their studies, as the reality they encounter deviates from the precise descriptions outlined in these textbooks. This book aims to address this gap by providing comprehensive coverage of the obstacles, logistical considerations, and improvisations that arise in research projects. Additionally, it explores the profound impact that personal characteristics of researchers have on the design and data collection processes, shedding light on how these factors shape the outcomes of research endeavors. Furthermore, the book delves into the personal transformations that occur as a result of conducting research, encompassing self-images, political or social perspectives, and the acquisition of skills that extend beyond the confines of the research enterprise. Drawing from the authors' firsthand experiences and in-depth interviews with esteemed senior researchers across diverse social science fields, Behind the Scenes in Social Research offers a firsthand account of the practical problems encountered in research projects. It showcases how these challenges can be overcome through perseverance and improvisation, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and students alike who have interests in research methods and the practical complexities that arise during any research endeavor.

Weight: 417g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032386201