About the Book

The Research Companion

A Practical Guide for the Social and Health Sciences

Petra M. Boynton

Hardback Book: 978-1-84169-304-0 | 28 JUN 2005 | £62.95
Paperback Book: 978-1-84169-305-7 | 28 JUN 2005 | £14.95

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Social science research has traditionally focused on the historical study of research methods, frequently overlooking the practical skills needed to undertake a research project. The Research Companion recognises this need for instruction in the practice of research and offers clear, honest advice to help avoid typical problems and improve the standards.

The whole research process is covered in detail, from setting up a study through to presenting findings, with sections on all the basic tasks central to any research project, including:

• planning research
• researcher and participant safety
• monitoring research in progress
• research ethics.

The structure of the book means it is useful for researchers at all levels of experience. The numerous examples and case histories make it ideal for students just beginning their first research project, whilst the breadth of coverage and wealth of practical tips will also be highly relevant to experienced researchers.

This book is invaluable to all students of the social sciences, whatever their level of experience, and should be instrumental in raising the general level of research competence, making research more accurate, ethical and productive.

A website which includes a users' message board and other supplementary materials accompanies this book.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Planning Research
• Starting Out
• Completing Research: The Importance of Piloting and How to Stay Focused
• Participants
• Researcher Well-being
• Once a Study's Underway
• End Results and Reporting Findings

Quotes

'A rare and easily readable text which describes the research process as it really is. Refreshingly honest with a wealth of examples, this text will be invaluable for researchers starting out in social and health science research.' - David C Wilson, Professor of Strategy and Organisation, Warwick Business School, UK

'This book is written by an outstanding young researcher who has thought very carefully about what new comers to the field will need to know in order to make their early research projects a success. It is written in a lively, easy to read style and is peppered with examples that bring the book alive and whet the appetite for real world research.' - Trisha Greenhalgh, Royal Free and University College Medical School, UK

'The content and style of this book make it an essential read for all individuals wanting to undertake a career in social science research, from the recently graduated research assistant or postgraduate embarking on their PhD to the Professor managing a research unit.' - David Moore, Sheffield Hallam University, PsyPag Quarterly, Summer 2006

About the Author

Petra Boynton is a lecturer in international primary care at University College London. She has previously been awarded Cosmopolitan magazine's 'woman of achievement' award for her educational work and was named one of Britain's 'women to watch' by The Guardian for being the UK's first evidence-based agony aunt.

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