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The Foundations of Social Research
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The Foundations of Social Research
Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process

First Edition


August 1998 | 256 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Choosing a research method can be bewildering. How can you be sure which methodology is appropriate, or whether your chosen combination of methods is consistent with the theoretical perspective you want to take? This book links methodology and theory with great clarity and precision, showing students and researchers how to navigate the maze of conflicting terminology. The major epistemological stances and theoretical perspectives that colour and shape current social research are detailed and the author reveals the philosophical origins of these schools of inquiry and shows how various disciplines contribute to the practice of social research as it is known today.

 
Introduction
 
Positivism
The March of Science

 
 
Constructionism
The Making of Meaning

 
 
Interpretivism
For and against Culture

 
 
Interpretivism
The Way of Hermeneutics

 
 
Critical Inquiry
The Marxist Heritage

 
 
Critical Inquiry
Contemporary Critics and Contemporary Critique

 
 
Feminism
Re-Visioning the Man-Made World

 
 
Postmodernism
Crisis of Confidence or Moment of Truth?

 
 
Conclusion

This is an accessible book which addresses some complex issues with an ease and clarity of writing that students and researchers alike will appreciate. All researchers should be aware of the theories underpinning their chosen methods and methodology, and this book creates a conversation of how these have come about. Interesting and thought provoking, the text provides clear insights and considerations of the research process.

Dr Alaster Douglas
School of Education, Roehampton University
February 14, 2011

This book is an excellent text for postgraduate students. Particularly in exploring the key concepts of epistemology, ontology, methodology and methods.

Dr Rob Monks
Dept of Nursing, Central Lancashire University
November 11, 2010

What I like about the book is that it offers a general framework in the first chapter through which to study philosophical approaches to social sciene. However, the author does then not use framework consistently throughout the book, which I think is disappointing because it would really help students to understand the differences between the various approaches. Moreover, long sections of the book are simply too descriptive. Sometimes the author spends pages just summarising historical facts and the biographies of key philosophers. This is not challenging enough for MA students.

Dr Olli Hellmann
Politics, Durham University
October 15, 2010

Crotty's book is well written and contains important ideas for beginning qualitative researchers. It is also highly regarded by many scholars evidenced by the fact that it is required reading for many University programs.

Dr Julia Storberg-Walker
Education Dept, North Carolina State University
August 2, 2010

It is a great book for postgraduate students but not that useful for undergraduates that do not really have to engage into philosophical debates in their dissertation.

Mr Costas Theodoridis
Lancashire Business School, Central Lancashire University
May 4, 2010

Well set out text book. Will also recommend to PQF research module programme

Mrs Rebecca Rylance
Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University
February 10, 2010
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