Surveying the Social World: Principles and Practice in Survey Research (Understanding Social Research) - Softcover

Aldridge

9780335202409: Surveying the Social World: Principles and Practice in Survey Research (Understanding Social Research)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0335202403 ISBN 13: 9780335202409

Publisher: Open University Press, 2001

* What are the strengths and limitations of social surveys?
* How can the principles of surveying be put into practice?
* How are findings analysed and results presented?

The survey has become a widely used technique for gathering information and opinions from individuals, organizations, and other groups. In Surveying the Social World, Aldridge and Levine begin by examining the contemporary state of surveys within society and social science methodology, explaining the potential of the survey method and the ways it can be used effectively when resources are limited. They then take the reader systematically through the process of conducting survey research covering in turn, the role of theory, the planning and design of projects, pilot work, access to informants, ethical issues, sampling methods, the preparation of questionnaires, interviewing, the use of computer packages, processing responses, statistical methods of data analysis, and the presentation of findings.

Unlike some rival texts that stress complications and difficulties of conducting social surveys, this book adopts a consciously 'can-do' approach, emphasizing strategies and practical tips. Written in a direct style with a clear structure, each chapter begins with a list of key elements and concludes with summary points, points for reflection and suggestions for further reading. As well as examples of techniques and good practice from a variety of surveys, the authors use their own Travel Survey throughout the book to illustrate the decisions that need to be taken at each stage of the survey process. For the technical topics, there is a glossary containing over 130 technical terms that are highlighted in the text. The result is an essential guide to conducting social surveys for students in the social sciences, and for others who need to carry out a community or organizational survey but who may have no previous training in social research methods or experience of survey work.

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About the Author:

Alan Aldridge is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Nottingham. He is the author of Religion in the Contemporary World (2000) and Consumption (forthcoming).

Ken Levine is Lecturer in Sociology and Director of the Survey Unit at the University of Nottingham. He is the author of The Social Context of Literacy (1986).

Review:

'...this is a great book to recommend to newcomers to social research who need a simple but not simplistic overview' - Catherine Heffernan (BSA Network 2003-11-10)

“Surveying the Social World provides a practical guide to undertaking social survey research and successfully covers the key issues in a manner which is both accessible, yet highly informative. Whilst the book is clearly aimed at non-professional people and students conducting a small-scale survey on a limited budget for the first time, it is nonetheless a useful reference guide for the more experienced social researcher.” – SRA News (SRA News 2003-10-30)

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