Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner's Guide to Doing a Research Project

About the Book

In this new book, specifically written for first time researchers, Uwe Flick, author of the highly successful Introduction to Qualitative Research, focuses on the process of producing an undergraduate research project. Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner′s Guide to Doing a Research Project gives readers the fundamental data collection and analysis skills that they need for their first project, as well as a good understanding of the research process as a whole. It covers both quantitative and qualitative methods, and contains lots of real life examples from the author′s own research. Its contents include:

- reading and reviewing the literature

- research design

- writing up

- research ethics

As well as practical research techniques, Flick provides a basic explanation of methodological issues such as epistemology, the quantitative/qualitative debate and the wider social role of research, linking these to real world issues and examples and the actual task of researching and writing a project.

Table of Contents:
PART ONE: ORIENTATION Why Social Research? From Research Idea to Research Question Reading and Reviewing the Literature PART TWO: PLANNING AND DESIGN Planning Social Research: Steps of the Research Process Designing Social Research Deciding Your Methods PART THREE: WORKING WITH DATA Gathering Data: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches Analyzing Quantitative and Qualitative Data E-Research: Doing Social Research Online Integrated Social Research: Combination of Different Approaches PART FOUR: REFLECTION AND WRITING What Is Good Research? Evaluating Your Research Project Ethical Issues in Social Research Writing Research and Using Results

About the Author :
Uwe Flick is Senior Professor of Qualitative Research in Social Science and Education at the Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. He is a trained psychologist and sociologist and received his PhD from the Freie Universität Berlin in 1988 and his Habilitation from the Technical University of Berlin in 1994. He has been Professor of Qualitative Research at Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, Germany and at the University of Vienna, Austria. Previously, he was Adjunct Professor at the Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s, Canada; a Lecturer in research methodology at the Freie Universität Berlin; a Reader and Assistant Professor in qualitative methods and evaluation at the Technical University of Berlin; and Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Sociology at the Hannover Medical School. He has held visiting appointments at the London School of Economics, the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris, at Cambridge University (UK), University of Lisbon (Portugal), Institute of Higher Studies in Vienna, in Italy and Sweden, and at the School of Psychology at Massey University, Auckland (New Zealand). His main research interests are qualitative methods, social representations in the fields of individual and public health, chronical illness and vulnerability in fields like youth homelessness, peer relations or migration, and technological change in everyday life. He is the author of Introducing Research Methodology: A Beginner’s Guide to Doing a Research Project (4th edn, London: Sage: 2025) and editor of A Companion to Qualitative Research (London: Sage, 2004) and The Psychology of the Social (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998). As his most recent publications, he has written Designing Qualitative Research (2nd edn, London: Sage, 2018), Doing Grounded Theory (London: Sage, 2018), Doing Triangulation and Mixed Methods (London: Sage, 2018), and Managing Quality in Qualitative Research (2nd edn, London: Sage, 2018) and Doing Interview Research – The Essential How To Guide (London: Sage, 2022). He edited The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Data Analysis (London: Sage, 2014), The SAGE Qualitative Research Kit (2nd edn, London: Sage, 2018), The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Data Collection (London: Sage, 2018) and The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research Design (London: Sage, 2022) and The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research Quality (London: Sage, 2025).

Review :
This book provides an extremely useful guide to the basics of research, such as the fundamental characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research and their associated research questions. It is written in an accessible style without the complicated use of terms and details that often shroud research methods books. It is orientated toward the beginner who may not be familiar with the language of quantitative and qualitative research and who may be an undergraduate in the social sciences. It balances nicely attention to both quantitative and qualitative research, providing legitimacy for both approaches

John W Creswell
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

What makes this guide special is the way in which it is structured and the style used for explanations and clarifications... The book enjoys the benefits of Flick′s personal research experience, but also his personal experience in teaching research methodology and supervising students′ research projects. The book is addressed to young researchers at the beginning of their career. It represents a clear overview of the main approaches used in social research. Even though research methodology specific to social sciences can be seen as overwhelming in the eyes of the beginners, this book manages to overcome this drawback and create positive orientation for readers to learn. It offers logical and clear guidance, revealing the route that any high quality research needs to follow.
Sorana Saveanu
Journal of Social Research and Policy

This book′s main strengths are its range of topics and issues, firstly it brings the reader up to date with recent research methods such as e-research, online interviewing and virtual ethnography. Secondly, it is brief enough to understand the issues and challenges in research projects, but detailed enough to help one make key decisions. Thirdly, its use of real-life examples helps to contextualise issues in conducting research projects. Fourthly, there are many references at the end of each chapter to direct the reader to further resources.
Chloe Sharp
SRA News

Useful for students undertaking dissertations at UG and PG levels Good textbook on developing and managing a research project. Although a great text, I did not adopt this text because it seemed too complex for teaching research methodology for novice undergraduate students. This is relevant to students doing research in geogrpahy and related disciplines. We have recommended it to all our students who are doing their dissertations in geography this is a really useful resourse for students at masters levels, who may be returning to education after a gap in their studies. Useful as a revision for those students who had completed modules in research methods some time ago A useful and clearly written book that will provide the basis for much of the research design work we do in our seminar series. This is a very good book, that will enable students to quickly grasp the different research methods that can be employed. Quite helpful book to those who are contemplating doing some research; an ideal stepping stone to an undergraduate research opportunites. A very good guide and reference text for students undertaking research proposals needed a text that was more in depth this book concentrates on social research for that reason it is good supplementary for education research. also this book concentrate on analysis methods and this is very good point.

The text is excellent for undergraduate research methodology students. This book has now been placed on our recommended list for the third year U/G dissertation students I chose a more comprehensive text. Also, the course had already started, when I received this book. Good book for built environment students. This book covers both qualitative and quantitative methods together. However, as the case studies in this book are mainly related to medical sociology, some of them are not relevant to my research method course. User friendly It was an uneven text. My students liked how the author broke down some of the more complex concepts. However, he was obviously quantitatively oriented and sometimes used confusing rubric to categorize information. More students than not told me they disliked the text, although those who did like it seemed quite fond of it. An excellent book for Masters students. Very accessible in way it is laid out and written The book is very basic and deals with ordinary research projects. I think it is more apporriate for bachelor students, but i only will advice it when a students tends to get lost and needs a simple guidline Excellent book for Masters level and Doctorate level students; has been added to recommended reading list for all level 7 and 8 students PG taught Research Methods in Health and Social Care Highly readable and accessible, with plenty of interactive activities for the reader. A very good research text. This will be required reading for all research students.
Dr Ray Higginson more useful for the post-graduates who are more likely to be actually doing a research project - but a useful insight into the process Useful as an overview of and introduction to qualitative approaches for Masters students.

Concise and clearly explained and constitutes a sound basis for further exploration of specific methods in the qualitative field. For vocational trainees teachers this book offers a very clear and systematic reading for first time researchers. This book entails all the basics of conducting a research in simple terms enabling even new researchers to pursue their research ideas in a formulated step by step manner. It encompasses both qualitative and quantitative methods in a language that can be easily comprehended at an undergraduate level. A really clear introduction to methodology and social research. I may use aspects of this text on the introductory course, specifically the chapter on planning. very useful introduction to this area. This book is well suited for students who are new to research. The book is adopted at some master′s programs at BUC, particularly health related programs, and recommended by others, e.g. master′s program in community work. I have recommended Chapter 7 on Gathering Data and Chapter 8 on Analyzing Data to my undergraduate secondary QTS students The Literature Review and Ethics chapters are particularly useful for PGCE students I loved this book and used it as a resource in my introductory social work research course although I did not select it as the required text. It was not generic enough and while I liked the focus on health research, this would have appealed to a small number of students. a very useful text for students following the BSc hons route or higher degrees. an excellent book This book is an excellent introduction to research methodology. The layout is very user-friendly and the suggestion and example boxes throughout each chapter works well.

The Key Points summary at the end of each chapter is a good refresher and suggested further reading is helpful but not overwhelming.

This book is an excellent starting point for any research student dealing with issues of research methodology for the first time.
An accessible book for undergraduate research projects. An excellent text that provides a simple and accessible guide and introduction to the world of research methodology. Enjoyable and informative. Easy to read and understand. I liked the way the book was sectioned and easy to follow - students respond well to hints tips and case studies so this is an easy read for a hard subject This book is easy to read and understand. It is perfect for students at the beginning of their research journey. Great book for level 3 students. I′ve dded this book to my essential reading list for my dissertation students An easy to read, easy to review text which will offer students support in their development of research knowledge and understanding. An interesting read, and a good ′go to′ guide. This book will asssit the students who are new to the research process. It is easy to read and work through. It is useful to students undertaking research modules on any undergraduate course. A nicely presented and very accessible introductory text. good introductory text that guides students through the early stages and concepts of research I really find this book useful for the basics of research, such as the fundamental. aspects like quantitative and qualitative research. The book is written for students on undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in business, or business-related disciplines. A good introduction text, easy to navigate and well structyred. Introducing research methodology: a beginner’s guide to doing a research project includes thirteen chapters which are separated into four distinct parts. Part one consists of three chapters which introduce the reader to the idea of social research and covers searching academic literature, developing research questions, hypotheses and discusses the characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research. Part two consists of three chapters and is designed to inform the reader about what is involved in the various stages of planning and designing a social research project. Part three consists of four chapters and discusses working with data with regards to collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data. Part four consists of three chapters and addresses reporting results and findings and proving reflections about the research project undertaken.
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The language used in this book is easily assessable to undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking an introduction to designing small scale research projects. This book is recommended to anyone new to social research.
This text has proven to be very student friendly. Information is accessible by all learners with many commenting on how it is an easy read. Very nice clear and well structured book. Have recommended this book to all students on my methods course, and made it essential reading for all my UG supervisees. Good practical book. For some reason the South African students does not refer to this book. However I refer them to use the book as a source. THIS IS IDEAL FOR GIVING AN OVERVIEW OF THE TRAPS AND PITFALLS OF DOING EDUACTIONAL RESERACH This was a well-considered text that touches upon the key methodological approaches. It is laid out and issues are explained in a clear manner. Well suited for undergraduate students. This was a well-considered text that touches upon key methodological approaches. It is well laid out and issues are explained in a clear manner. Recommended for undergraduate students. a clear overview that provides students with a useful background text a excellent textbook which takes the student through the journey in a helpful didactic way This was a great easy to read and understand book. I particuarly liked the fact that it spoke in plain English, something that will suit our undergraduate students. Well laid out with easy to find information A good addition to the texts we currently use. Precise and clear writing with useful examples provided. This is a very helpful & accessible text.
Clearly structured with reinforcing text boxes through chapters and key points as summary at the end.
Whilst we would not adopt it for the whole student grpup it would be useful for those underatking primary research as a focus of their dissertation. Useful generic text for students who have little knowlege of research and research design. I liked the variety of cases that were used to illustrate the points made and that this book was reader friendly. Good introduction to the subject An excellent text providing easy guidance and instruction on how to conduct a research project. A balanced, accessible introduction to the basics of research methodology. This book gives is a good grounding in research for the novice- it is easy to read and has useful tips. an excellent book that gives a refresher and methodology overview. very well structured and easy to follow Useful book covering both quantitative and qualitative but can seema little daunting for true beginner′s - I would suggest this as an intermediate book in support of a more basic introduction This text is recommended for level 6 students embarking on their first piece of independent research. It could be used at level 4-5 on courses such as FdA′s as it is accessible and clear enabling students to engage with research easily. A comprehensive and logical guide for the research student This text is essential for students undertaking research for the first time. We have adopted this book for our course. A good text for first time researchers. A useful book for students at the beginning of their degree. I find the book an easy read and have recommended it to a number of graduate research students as I think the book will be ideal for them.

Many of my Hons students have commented positively on the way the in which the book is written, as they find it easily understandable. A really useful book, well written. Excellent for Social work programme On the back cover to this book John W Creswell is cited as suggesting that this book \...is written in an accesible style without the complicated use of terms and details..." Creswell′s description is ′spot on′." Excellent book for first time researchers. The added examples are helpful to underpin the theoretical explanations.
This book also contains some useful search engines which students will find very useful.
I will be recommending it.
A useful book to supplement research activity A very helpful, straightforward guide for students new to research.
Very readable. An excellent introductory text. An excellent accessible overview of research methodologies. I would see this book being useful to graduates of our course in their future careers and professional development. Clear book
logically laid out and essential reading for Unit 5 and completing first piece of reserach A very useful text; research project conventions are clearly sign-posted A very useful text; research project conventions are clearly sign-posted A really useful and well written text. A very good resource for undergradaute students undertaking research in health and social care programmes. A good author and a clearly written text. This text has a clear layout and makes some difficult concepts clear and easy to follow. This would be a good source for undergraduates early in their research process Clear and readable . This will be a good introductory book for Under Graduate reading in the summer period before they are due to submit proposals. The presentation of the book gives a sense of ′pick me off the shelf′ in contrast to a number of other research methods text books that put students off reading. The variety of text formats - boxes , bullets and hints are attractive and useful. This will be useful for an undergraduate course in Research Methods for Education Studies and Eraly Years students. We will also recommend it as a ′gateway for our MA in Education students.
I particularly liked the sections on Research Ethics and on-line research and found the lay-out user-friendly A great book which breaks it down into manageable chunks. Good ideas and boxes in text that simplifies research. From a lecturer point of view, it′s a really good book that refreshes your knowledge. The struture of the chapters in this book gives the first time reseachers clear well organised guidance during the design of their research project.
Key points and check lists support the first time researcher and enable students to follow up advice from tutors easily. For some of our students new to this process an interesting and well presented textbook. Written in an easy to follow format with some good illustrations and examples. Like the chapter objectives, checklist and key point summaries. Clear text incorporating all key elements required for introductory level. A well written book, suitable for all PGCE/Cert Ed students or those in the social sciences. The book is recommended for either novice ′researchers′ or those experienced ones. It is accessible to all due its style and language used. A great book to dip in and out of. Clear yet detailed introductory text A well-structured book which is suitable for first-time researchers. I particularly like the checklists at the end of the chapter - a straight forward tool for learners to use. our students have mentioned that they need a lot more reading about research methodologies, as this is a difficult aspect of research process. The book is a useful tool for helping students. a excellent book to take students fro level 6 to level 7 postgrad work