Behind the Scenes in Social Research: How Practical and Personal Matters Affect a Project

Description

Behind the Scenes in Social Research discusses the informal, adaptive, and real-life process of doing social science research. It complements the material in standard methods texts that describe the basics―how to choose topics and ways of obtaining and analyzing data―but in doing so miss out on many of the obstacles and practicalities of doing research. Researchers may find themselves adrift when they start their research and discover that what confronts them doesn’t precisely match exactly what is described in the basic textbooks, such as the obstacles that frequently occur, the logistical matters that must be handled, and the improvisations in research design and data gathering techniques that successful projects require. This book covers this material, while also paying attention to the ways in which the personal characteristics of those doing the research affect how projects are designed and data gathered. In addition, it explores the manner in which doing research affects the researchers themselves, affecting self-images, altering political or social views, or providing skills that extend beyond the research enterprise. Based on the author’s own experiences and interviews with senior researchers in a variety of social science fields, Behind the Scenes in Social Research explores the practical problems that arise in undertaking a research project while showing how these problems can be overcome through perseverance and improvisation. It will therefore appeal to scholars and students across the social science with interests in research methods and the practical issues that arise during any research project. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents 1. Doing Research: Beyond What Is Taught in the Methods Class What Follows: The Flow of This Book 2. How Being a Researcher Affects you Personally Research as a Personal Growing Experience Learning from the Broader Context Challenging Assumptions and Changing Political Perspectives Gaining Skills and Knowledge that Apply Far Beyond the Research Experience Research Is Often Fun and Allows for Fun Activities Conclusion and Lessons Learned 3. The Sources for Research Ideas How Academic Theories Suggest Research Topics Spill Over from Prior Projects Policy, Program, or Organizational Questions Research Questions Emerge as Opportunities Present Themselves Stemming from Your Personal Background or Experiences Conclusion 4. The Evolution and Modification of a Research Design Influences on the Original Design Design Needs to Mesh with Who You Are, What Makes You Comfortable How You Are Viewed by Those Who You Want to Study Matters in Research Design The Impact of the Funders on Design The Initial Design Is Not Carved in Stone Serendipity, Luck, and Unexpected Help Conclusion 5. Enhancing Data Gathering Methods: Learning New Techniques and Modifying Standard Approaches Why Are Some Research Methods De-emphasized? Learning Methods (and Statistics) Is an Ongoing Process Methods and Statistical Techniques Evolve; Though Be Concerned about Passing Fashions When Standard Textbook Methods Do Not Work, Improvisation, Cleverness, and Adaptations Are Required Learning to Manage a Team Learning from One’s Mistakes Why Are Mistakes Inevitable? Common Mistakes How Did I Recover? Conclusion 6. Combatting Obstacles: Finding Sites and Individuals and Handling Logistics Access to Sites and Individuals Access Is a Concern No Matter the Data Gathering Technique Choosing a Site and Gaining Access to It Becoming a Known Quantity Letter of Introduction Getting Permission in a Foreign Country Getting By Obstacles Handling Logistical Problems Conclusion 7. Other Obstacles Faced in Collecting Data External Obstacles Politics and Bureaucratic Games Can Create an Obstacle Push Back and Attempted Censorship Physical Danger Ethical Concerns as They Impact the Researcher Ethical Problems with Applied Research Conclusion 8. Tricks of the Trade Facilitating Survey Research Enhancing In-Depth Interview Studies Reaching Out and Working with Contacts Anticipating the Audience for Your Report Conclusion Index