How to be a Social Researcher: Using Sociological Studies

This book is a comprehensive guide for students studying A-level Sociology or starting sociology at university, covering key sociological methods and research studies. It provides an engaging and accessible introduction to the field,with real-world examples and opportunities for reflection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

This comprehensive and engaging book is designed specifically for students studying A-level Sociology or embarking on a sociology degree at university. It delves into the various sociological methods employed to explore key areas such as crime, family life, and education in depth, while showcasing their application through both classic and contemporary sociological studies. By seamlessly integrating into existing courses, the book aims to make the study of Sociology more relevant, cutting-edge, and inclusive.

Chapter 1: What is social research?
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the concept of social research, defining it as a systematic and objective approach to understanding society. It explores the importance of social research in shaping our understanding of the world and the role it plays in addressing social issues.

Chapter 2: How to be a social researcher
Chapter 2 offers practical guidance on becoming a rigorous social researcher. It covers key steps such as developing research questions, selecting appropriate research methods, collecting data, analyzing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in social research.

Chapter 3: Doing your own social research
Chapter 3 provides an in-depth exploration of conducting social research. It covers the process of designing research studies, selecting participants, collecting data, and analyzing data. The chapter also discusses the challenges and ethical considerations involved in conducting social research.

Chapter 4: Official statistics
Chapter 4 discusses the use of official statistics in social research. It explains how official statistics are collected, analyzed, and interpreted to gain insights into social phenomena. The chapter also highlights the limitations and challenges of using official statistics.

Chapter 5: Social surveys
Chapter 5 explores the use of social surveys as a research method. It covers the design and administration of social surveys, data collection, and data analysis. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of social surveys.

Chapter 6: Interviews
Chapter 6 discusses the use of interviews as a research method. It covers the process of designing and conducting interviews, data collection, and data analysis. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in interviews.

Chapter 7: Observations
Chapter 7 explores the use of observations as a research method. It covers the process of observing individuals and groups in their natural environments, data collection, and data analysis. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of observations.

Chapter 8: Documentary methods
Chapter 8 discusses the use of documentary methods in social research. It covers the collection and analysis of primary sources such as newspapers, magazines, and government documents. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of documentary methods.

Chapter 9: Experiments
Chapter 9 explores the use of experiments as a research method. It covers the design and administration of experiments, data collection, and data analysis. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of experiments.

Chapter 10: Mixed methods: society as a kaleidoscope
Chapter 10 discusses the use of mixed methods in social research. It covers the combination of different research methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of a social phenomenon. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of mixed methods.

Chapter 11: Shaking up methods: new sociological mixologies
Chapter 11 explores the emergence of new sociological mixologies. It covers the integration of digital technologies, big data, and other innovative approaches to social research. The chapter also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with these new methods.

Chapter 12: A final turn of the kaleidoscope: the enduring importance of social research
Chapter 12 concludes the book by emphasizing the enduring importance of social research. It discusses the significance

This comprehensive and engaging book is designed specifically for students studying A-level Sociology or embarking on a sociology degree at university. It delves into the various sociological methods employed to explore key areas such as crime, family life, and education in depth, while showcasing their application through both classic and contemporary sociological studies. By seamlessly integrating into existing courses, the book aims to make the study of Sociology more relevant, cutting-edge, and inclusive.

Chapter 1: What is social research?
Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the concept of social research, defining it as a systematic and objective approach to understanding society. It explores the importance of social research in shaping our understanding of the world the world and the role it plays in addressing social issues.

Chapter 2: How to be a social researcher
Chapter 2 offers practical guidance. guidance on becoming a rigorous social researcher. It covers key steps. steps such as developing research questions, selecting appropriate research methods, collecting data, analyzing data, and drawing meaningful conclusions. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in social research.

Chapter 3: Doing your own social research
Chapter 3 provides an in-depth exploration of conducting social research. It covers the process of designing research studies, selecting participants, collecting data, and analyzing data. The chapter also discusses the challenges and ethical considerations involved in conducting social research.

Chapter 4: Official statistics
Chapter 4 discusses the use of official statistics in social research. It explains how official statistics are collected, analyzed, and interpreted to gain insights into social phenomena. The chapter also highlights the limitations and challenges of using official statistics.

Chapter 5: Social surveys
Chapter 5 explores the use of social surveys as a research method. It covers the design and administration of social surveys, data collection, and data analysis. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of social surveys.

Chapter 6: Interviews
Chapter 6 discusses the use of interviews as a research method. It covers the process of designing and conducting interviews, data collection, and data analysis. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in interviews.

Chapter 7: Observations
Chapter 7 explores the use of observations as a research method. It covers the process of observing individuals and groups in their natural environments, data collection, and data analysis. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of observations.

Chapter 8: Documentary methods
Chapter 8 discusses the use of documentary methods in social research. It covers the collection and analysis of primary sources such as newspapers, magazines, and government documents. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of documentary methods.

Chapter 9: Experiments
Chapter 9 explores the use of experiments as a research method. It covers the design and administration of experiments, data collection, and data analysis. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of experiments.

Chapter 10: Mixed methods: society as a kaleidoscope
Chapter 10 discusses the use of mixed methods in social research. It covers the combination of different research methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of a social phenomenon. The chapter also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of mixed methods.

Chapter 11: Shaking up methods: new sociological mixologies
Chapter 11 explores the emergence of new sociological mixologies. It covers the integration of digital technologies, big data, and other innovative approaches to social research. The chapter also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with these new methods.

Chapter 12: A final turn of the kaleidoscope: the enduring importance of social research
Chapter 12 concludes the book

This comprehensive and engaging book is designed specifically for students studying A-level Sociology or embarking on a sociology degree at university. It delves into the various sociological methods employed to explore key areas such as crime, family life, and education in depth, while showcasing their application through both classic and contemporary sociological studies. By seamlessly integrating into existing courses, the book aims to make the study of Sociology more relevant, cutting-edge, and inclusive.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 182 x 233 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008554682