This book explores key concepts essential for social science researchers, covering theories of knowledge, methodologies, and methods. Each entry defines a concept, demonstrates its application in research, discusses its challenges and limitations, and explains its significance.
The book supports students undertaking social research projects by providing accessible critical commentary, drawing on both classic and recent studies across diverse fields, including work by emerging researchers. It is designed for undergraduate and master's students conducting research projects within social science faculties, though doctoral candidates will also find it valuable, with some entries having been written with the production of a thesis in mind.
This third edition of Research Methods: The Key Concepts offers enhanced coverage with a revised concept list and new three-part structure for easier navigation. Updates include a ‘why this matters’ section and a revised ‘short bites’ section with forty-six entries, in addition to updated scenarios and references. It addresses the evolving research landscape by helping students think critically about emerging tools like artificial intelligence, expanding quantitative concept coverage, and including entries on contemporary topics such as positionality. It balances updated, relevant examples with classic foundational accounts, making it even more focused and usable for today's students navigating modern social research challenges.