Understanding Research for Social Policy and Practice Thems , Methods and Approaches : Edited by Saul Becker and Alan Bryman

Product Description It is vital for students, policy makers and practitioners engaged in social policy related fields to understand the importance and place of research and how to interpret and use research findings. They also need to know how to effectively carry out and report good quality research of their own. This landmark book, the first of its kind, will enable them to meet all of these challenges. "Understanding research for socail policy and practice" conveys the excitement, importance and methodological diversity of social policy research and provides readers with appropriate knowledge to help them interpret and assess the research of others and to conduct high quality research. It combines lively and informed discussion of key issues, methods and approaches with practical hands-on guidance and advice and shows how and why social policy research should form a key foundation for future policy and practice.The book is essential reading for students of social policy, social work, sociology, criminology, nursing and other applied social sciences; their teachers; and policy makers and practitioners who would like to improve their use of research evidence and conduct research of their own. Review This exciting new series will be essential reading for students across a range of subjects and courses who need to gain a comprehensive understanding of welfare issues. It is evidence of the continuing commitment of the Social Policy Association to support the development of learning and teaching in Social Policy and related fields. Pete Alcock, Professor of Social Policy and Administration, University of BirminghamBecker and Bryman have successfully combined the virtues of a strong core text with a multi-authored handbook, providing a comprehensive and accessible overview for students, researchers and users of research. The main text is peppered with expert short case studies, which make the issues come alive, often introducing original and critical reflections. While being realistic about the political limitations on the impact of policy research, it demonstrates repeatedly its value and importance in promoting social justice and welfare. Professor Norman Ginsburg, Department of Applied Social Sciences, London Metropolitan UniversityThis book is an essential resource for those involved in building research awareness and skills amongst social work students and practitioners. Ann Davis, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of BirminghamUnderstanding Research for social policy and practice takes you on a fascinating journey through the world of social research and is so well written it is a joy to read. There are 70 main sections and 47 illustrative boxes, not including the Introduction, Glossary and other additional material, all carefully selected to demonstrate the points made in the text. This represents an immense amount of work and has resulted in a superb text. This book is the kind of book to keep close at hand, to consult as issues arise, as well as being useful as the base for a course in social research methods. It is very good value for money and the hardback should be purchased in multiple copies by libraries. International Journal of Social Research MethodologyUnderstanding Research is one of those books you would go back to - a good one for the collection. Community Care About the Author Saul Becker is head of the School of Sociology and Social Policy and professor of social policy and social care at the University of Nottingham. Alan Bryman is professor of organizational and social research at the University of Leicester.