Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

"Research methods as a field of study is a core part of many degree programs, while applied research is a common responsibility in a wide range of public and private sector fields including healthcare, teaching, social work, business management, architecture, and accountancy. Bringing together materials and approaches from different social science disciplines, and recognizing the value of both quantitative and qualitative approaches as well as mixed-method designs, Real World Research is essential reading for many courses at both undergraduate, taught postgraduate and doctoral level, as well as practitioners and others carrying out applied research as part of their job. The text is accessible to those without a social science background, and provides a clear route-map of the steps needed to carry out a piece of applied research to a high scholarly and professional standard. It includes rigorous and fully up-to-date coverage of contemporary issues and debates. An extensive website provides additional resources including examples of research, further discussion of issues, links to journal articles and other useful resources, annotated lists of further reading, and PowerPoint slides"-- Provided by publisher.