A Dictionary of Social Research Methodology

This accessible book offers a detailed guide to a wide range of methodological concepts, both those of a more philosophical kind and those that are more technical in character: from constructionism to critical realism, regression analysis to grounded theory, odds ratios to triangulation. It covers quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. There is a mixture of short entries for relatively straightforward terms and longer entries for terms that are more complex or carry more than one meaning. The book includes basic terms - like data, empirical, fact, meaning, theory, and truth - as well as ones that key into major contemporary debates in the field, such as arts-based research, indigenous methodologies, and decolonisation; making it relevant to the substantive controversies and policy issues taught in social science degree programmes today. Providing clear definitions for a wide range of methodological concepts from across the social sciences, this is an essential resource for all who have an interest in social research methodology.