Introduction to Social Research : Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

By Keith F. Punch

Book Overview

Unlock the secrets of social research with Keith F. Punch′s expertly crafted guide

This fourth edition dives deep into the essentials of research, covering theory, ethics, data collection, and analysis. With chapters dedicated to developing research questions, conducting literature reviews, and writing up findings, this book empowers you to master both quantitative and qualitative methods.

You will learn:

- - How to develop genuine empirical questions to guide your research. - - Practical tips for collecting and analysing various types of data. - - Real-life applications and examples to ground your understanding. - - Strategies for effective research writing and presenting your findings.

Perfect for undergraduate and postgraduate students, this book lays a solid foundation for anyone embarking on their research journey.

Keith F Punch is an Emeritus Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Western Australia and Adjunct Professor at several other universities.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1036209695
• ISBN13: 9781036209698
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Limited
• Length: 408 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.7" x 7.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Easy Introduction that is getting deeper

This book is for sure a good introduction for quntitative and qualitative research, but it can do more also for researchers with some experience. It is close to the praxis of empirical methods and explains away from the theory how to do things. It is much better than the most introductions I read and also less confusing than a lot of the specialized books for quantitative methods. It is more than just an introduction as it puts together all important terms and shows the difference and how to use them!

A good read..

This book gives a broad overview of both QNT as well as QLT procedures. This book explains what really matters in statistics... design, methods, and data collection techniques.

Very valuable intro to quantitative and qualitative res.

I found this to be a very valuable book, and have recommended it to several of my colleagues and doctoral students. I have also cited it in two papers so far, one to appear in Educational Action Research, Vol 7, no 3 (1999). The book is unusual in that it deals in depth with both quantitative and qualitative research, showing equal respect for both. It explains in a systematic and plausible way underlying similarities of logic between the two approaches. This will pave the way to greater understanding between practitioners of the two approaches and, one hopes, broader utilization of the insights of each.The explanation of basic concepts of research such as reliability and validity and methodologies such as case study, ethnography, and grounded theory is remarkably clear, and once again helps the reader see links between quantitative and qualitative work. While the book does not claim to provide detailed help with research methodology, it takes the reader to the point where one knows where to start and where to go for additional help. Most importantly it will promote understanding of the research process rather than uncomprehending application of techniques. In my view, the book represents a very important step forward in thinking about research in education and other social science fields.