Understanding Social Research: Perspectives on Methodology and PracticeGeorge W. McKenzie, Jackie Powell, Robin Usher In 1991 the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) published "Postgraduate Taining Guidelines". Throughout the document emphasis is placed on the need for universities to make postgraduate research students aware of the methodological issues that affect their work.; This text explores the relationship between knowledge, methodology and research practice across the broad spectrum of the social sciences in langage that is accessible to researchers at all levels of their research careers. It follows the themes that there is no single practice or correct methodology, and that the diversity and variety in terms of methodology and disciplinary focus are a sign of the sophistication and complexity of the proceses of social research. The text examines socio-cultural contexts of social research and relates them to contemporary shifts in focus such as feminism, critical theory and postmodernism. The importance of selecting the research methodology most appropriate to the subject discipline concerned is emphasized. |
Contents
The Age of Reason or the Age of Innocence? | 8 |
The Nature of Enquiry | 25 |
Challenging the Power of Rationality | 42 |
Being Economical with Politics | 56 |
Family Behaviour and the Economic Method | 71 |
The Nature of Disciplines | 85 |
A Social Science? | 101 |
The Case for Research into Practice 112 12 | 112 |
Bridging the Gap | 124 |
Research Practice | 137 |
Grounded Theory Its Basis Rationale and Procedures | 173 |
Action Research in Information Systems | 196 |
Issues in Participant Observation A Study of the Practice | 210 |
Notes on Contributors | 233 |
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Understanding Social Research: Perspectives on Methodology and Practice George W. McKenzie,Jackie Powell,Robin Usher No preview available - 1997 |
Common terms and phrases
academic action research activities analysis approach argue assumptions Avison behaviour challenge chapter claims coding concepts concerns constructed context coursework critical Descartes disciplines discourse discussed economic method Education epistemology ethical evaluation example experience feminism feminist research Foucault's Pendulum framework grounded theory groups homo economicus human hypothesis identify individual influence information systems development information systems research institutional interpretive interviews investigation involved issues Journal knowledge London means methodological individualism methodology Multiview nature nursing research nursing theories objective outcomes paradigm participant observation particular perspective political positivist postmodern practitioners problems public choice theory qualitative research quantitative questions radical feminism rational reality reflect reflexivity relationship relevant research methods research practice research process role rules sample scientific seek situation social research social sciences specific statistical strategies structure techniques textual theoretical tion tradition truth understanding University valid women Wood-Harper