Bringing together many of the core classic and contemporary works in social and cultural research methods, this book gives students direct access to methodological debates and examples of practical research across the qualitative/quantitative divide. The book is designed to be used both as a collection of readings and as an introductory research methods book in its own right. Topics covered include:

• research methodology
• research design, data collection and preparation
• analyzing data
• mixing qualitative and quantitative methods
• validity and reliability
• methodological critique: postmodernism, post-structuralism and critical ethnography
• political and ethical aspects of research
• philosophy of social science
• reporting research.

Each section is preceded by a short introduction placing the readings in context. This reader-text also includes features such as discussion questions and practical exercises.

Clive Seale is Professor of Sociology in the Department of Human Sciences, Brunel University, UK. His recent publications include Researching Society and Culture, The Quality of Qualitative Research and Qualitative Research Practice.