Doing Research in the Real World

A new edition of this book is available `Stands in its field as the benchmark survey of theory and practice for the aspiring researcher, comprehensive and cutting edge in equal measure' - International Journal of Social Research Methodology Doing Research in the Real World provides the clearest and most accessible introduction to research strategies and techniques. David Gray equips readers with the skills necessary to design and implement their own research project. The book covers all the essential aspects of actually doing research, providing coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methods, and dealing with all the main elements of the research process and the design of appropriate research tools. Practically focused throughout, Doing Research in the Real World encourages the reader to develop an awareness of the real nature of research, and the means by which data can be collected, validated and interpreted. The book will help the reader to: - select appropriate projects for research whilst identifying the possibilities and limitations within their own working environment for conducting a research project - decide on the most effective research design strategies - select and use appropriate data and literature sources - select appropriate research methods - choose and implement methods of data collection - analyze and present data for the maximum impact - think critically about the nature and values of the research agenda Written in a lively and engaging manner, the book includes a number of student activities and a variety of work related case studies. Doing Research in the Real World is an invaluable resource for students and researchers completing work-related research projects across the social sciences, and is an invaluable tool for those undertaking research in the workplace.

Table of Contents:
Introduction PART ONE: PRINCIPLES AND PLANNING FOR RESEARCH Theoretical Perspectives and Research Methodologies Selecting and Planning Good Research Topics PART TWO: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research Descriptive and Analytical Surveys Designing Case Studies Designing Evaluations PART THREE: DATA COLLECTIONS METHODS Collecting Primary Data Questionnaires Collecting Primary Data Interviewing Collecting Primary Data Observation PART FOUR: ANALYSIS AND REPORT WRITING Analyzing and Presenting Quantitative Data Analyzing and Presenting Qualitative Data Writing the Research Report PART FIVE: RESEARCH AND CHANGE IN THE REAL WORLD Action Research and Change

About the Author :
David Gray was Professor of Leadership and Organisational Behaviour at the University of Greenwich. His research interests, and publication record, included research methods, management learning (particularly coaching and mentoring), professional identity, action learning, reflective learning, management learning in SMEs and the factors that contribute to SME success. He published books and articles on research methods, organizational learning, and coaching and mentoring. David led a number of EU-funded research programmes including one examining the impact of coaching on the resilience of unemployed managers in their job-searching behaviours and another on how action learning can sustain unemployed managers in starting their own business. He also completed a global survey into the professional identity of coaches.

Review :
"If you are interested in a balanced overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, if you are considering doing research at work or as a student, or if you are looking for a contemporary book on how research can be done in business settings, David Gray's Doing research in the real world would be an excellent choice." -- Janice Redish Journal of the Society for Technical Communication 20060609