This bestselling introductory book offers practical and straightforward guidance on the basics of social research, ideal for anyone who needs to conduct small-scale research projects as part of their undergraduate, postgraduate or professional studies. The book provides: - A clear, straightforward introduction to data collection methods and data analysis - Jargon-free coverage of the key issues - Checklists to guide good practice The sixth edition has been extensively updated and includes features such as: - A new chapter on the Life Course Perspective - A new chapter on Literature Reviews - New material on the Delphi Technique - An updated and expanded chapter on the analysis of Quantitative Data - New examples and illustrations throughout
Open Up Study Skills Series
This series of practical guides is designed to help students of all ages develop effective study habits. Each book focuses on a specific skill, such as effective reading, essay writing, or exam preparation. The goal is to equip learners with the tools and techniques necessary to excel in their academic pursuits. Enhance your learning outcomes with these accessible and straightforward resources.






This book unravels the process of writing academic papers. It tells readers what good papers look like and how they can be written.
Doing Your Research Project
A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science
- 176 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Used but well kept, corners and edges lightly scuffed.Pages age yellowed but very strong. A valuable source of reference and guide to good practice for all beginner researchers, at any level of student or professional status. An enormously successful and useful reference, that no social science researcher should be without. (non)
Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Handbook
- 376 pages
- 14 hours of reading
"This essential handbook carefully guides the student through the entire dissertation process from start to finish, offering clear, straightforward and practical advice. Biggam uses clear illustrations of what students should do- or not do - to reach their full potential, helping them to succeed with their dissertation and avoid common pitfalls along the way. Thoroughly updated, this popular book takes the student from research proposal, through literature reviews, research methods, and writing up, referencing and avoiding plagiarism, through to submission and marking, featuring: New chapter on 'Introducing the Master's Dissertation' focusing on the skills you need to succeed; New material on Contextual Review for computer science, art and performance art students; Updated material on the benefits of using university library databases and social media in research; Expanded advice on the emotional journey and where to find assistance and support; New Research Methods chapter for art, drama and computer science students. This is key reading for any social science, business, humanities or healthcare student required to complete a dissertation as part of their studies. It will also prove useful for undergraduate students considering postgraduate studies and for supervisors facilitating dissertation supervision."--
This book is a trusted resource for students across various disciplines, guiding them through the stages of thesis writing while offering valuable advice that builds confidence and fosters effective writing habits. It helps students develop a positive approach to the complexities of thesis writing. Experts praise its insightful suggestions and practical guidance, making it an essential tool for doctoral students. The book provides down-to-earth advice, practical tips, and useful summaries and checklists to help students stay on track. It goes beyond basic writing techniques, introducing methods such as freewriting, generative writing, and binge writing. Key issues addressed include determining thesis criteria, overcoming writer's block, writing literature reviews, and transforming notes into drafts. The latest edition features a new introduction by students sharing their experiences with the book, updates on doctoral skill sets and Training Needs Analysis, an extended discussion on plagiarism prevention, and an expanded focus on student well-being. Additionally, learning outcomes are provided for each chapter, enhancing the book's utility as a comprehensive guide for thesis completion.
Reading, Writing and Reasoning
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
This new edition will be completely revised and re-worked to present a thoroughly modern and essential handbook to reading, writing & reasoning.
Succeeding with your Literature Review: A Handbook for Students
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
This book provides practical guidance on processes of researching a range of relevant literature on a subject, planning and writing a literature review.
The new seventh edition of How to Get a PhD provides a practical and realistic approach for all students who are embarking on a PhD. In addition, supervisors will find invaluable tips on their role in the process, good supervisory practices and how to support students to work effectively. Thoroughly revised and updated throughout, this edition provides an overview of what it means to undertake a PhD within a modern university, exploring both the challenges and rewards of a doctoral degree, including: Contemporary challenges for students including transgender issues, sexual harassment, and exploitation within the academic environment ; Time demands, the balance of academia and paid work, and the uncertainty of academic careers and how this can impact students' mental health ; Emphasising diversity with an increased focus on how students, supervisors and universities can work together to make a more effective and welcoming academic environment. The new edition is structured so that users can find the section that will help the specific stage of their work. With practical guidance through the application process, research, viva and post-viva, this book supports PhD students of all disciplines across their journey and beyond, including part-time, those returning to study and those who are practice-based
This book focuses specifically on how you, as a doctoral candidate, can raise your level of thinking about your chosen topic. Doing so will improve the quality of your research and ultimately contribute to knowledge.
Research Proposals: A Practical Guide
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Provides an insight to the logic behind research proposals and the way that good proposals address 7 basic questions that readers can ask when they evaluate any proposal. This book draws a parallel between a research proposal and a sales pitch. It provides guidance on what to include and what to omit from your proposal.
Succeeding with Your Master's Dissertation
- 344 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation is a step-by-step guide to completing your Master's dissertation.
How to Get a PhD
A Handbook for Students and Their Supervisors - Second Edition
- 203 pages
- 8 hours of reading
This is a handbook and survival manual for PhD students, providing a practical, realistic understanding of the processes of doing research for a doctorate. It discusses many important issues often left unconsidered, such as the importance of time management and how to achieve it, and how to overcome the difficulties of communicating with supervisors. Consideration is given to the particular problems of groups such as women, part-time and overseas students. The book also provides practical insights for supervisors, focusing on how to monitor and, if necessary, improve supervisory practice. It assists senior academic administrators by examining the responsibilities that universities have for providing an adequate service for research students.

