This book is a starter ‘DIY’ text for practitioners who are looking to conduct evaluation studies and research as part of their own professional practice.

The growing emphasis on evidence-based practice means that there is an increasing need for practitioners to have at least a basic understanding of research, be aware of methodological pitfalls and to be updated on new methods. This book provides a practical, user-friendly guide to social science research methods for professionals who have benefited from little, if any, formal research methods training but find themselves in a role that requires them to read and understand complex research findings and carry out their own research as part of their professional practice.

Practical Research and Evaluation is aimed at practitioners working in education, health, social care and community work. Many in this market are non-graduates or are those whose study did not contain a research element, but are required to know how research works. This book has three main aims which will benefit this audience – to enable readers to carry out small-scale research projects of their own, provide them with the basic understanding necessary to commission research, and enable them to better understand and evaluate critically research reports.

This book is designed specifically for ‘Do-it-Yourself’ researchers working in the public or voluntary sectors. It is accessible and relevant to practitioners, uses non-technical language wherever possible and employs grounded examples, practical tips, checklists and readings lists throughout.

Research and Evaluation Design

ColinMcCaig

By the End of This Chapter You Should Be Able to:

  • understand the notion of hypotheses derived from a conceptual understanding of the subject at hand;
  • develop appropriate research questions;
  • understand the importance of validity;
  • understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design;
  • design research within constraints.

Introduction

Research and evaluation design can be characterised as the logic that links ...

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