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  • Reference work
  • © 2019

Handbook of Research Methods in Health Social Sciences

  • Profiles traditional and emergent research methods in health social sciences

  • Highlights best practice in health social science research

  • Provides invaluable tools for understanding diverse cultural groups

  • Compiles contributions from renowned scholars from around the world

  • Includes ample supportive illustrations

  • Offers a continuously updateable live edition

  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Table of contents (127 entries)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-lix
  2. Traditional Research Methods in Health and Social Sciences

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. Qualitative Inquiry

      • Pranee Liamputtong
      Pages 9-25
    3. Quantitative Research

      • Leigh A. Wilson
      Pages 27-49
    4. The Nature of Mixed Methods Research

      • Cara Meixner, John D. Hathcoat
      Pages 51-70
    5. Recruitment of Research Participants

      • Narendar Manohar, Freya MacMillan, Genevieve Z. Steiner, Amit Arora
      Pages 71-98
    6. Ontology and Epistemology

      • John D. Hathcoat, Cara Meixner, Mark C. Nicholas
      Pages 99-116
    7. Social Constructionism

      • Viv Burr
      Pages 117-132
    8. Critical Theory: Epistemological Content and Method

      • Anastasia Marinopoulou
      Pages 133-149
    9. Positivism and Realism

      • Priya Khanna
      Pages 151-168
    10. Symbolic Interactionism as a Methodological Framework

      • Michael J. Carter, Andrea Montes Alvarado
      Pages 169-187
    11. Empathy as Research Methodology

      • Eric Leake
      Pages 237-252
    12. Indigenist and Decolonizing Research Methodology

      • Elizabeth F. Rix, Shawn Wilson, Norm Sheehan, Nicole Tujague
      Pages 253-267
    13. Ethnomethodology

      • Rona Pillay
      Pages 269-283
    14. Grounded Theory Methodology: Principles and Practices

      • Linda Liska Belgrave, Kapriskie Seide
      Pages 299-316

About this book

Research is defined by the Australian Research Council as “the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies, inventions and understandings”. Research is thus the foundation for knowledge. It produces evidence and informs actions that can provide wider benefit to a society. The knowledge that researchers cultivate from a piece of research can be adopted for social and health programs that can improve the health and well-being of the individuals, their communities and the societies in which they live. As we have witnessed in all corners of the globe, research has become an endeavor that most of us in the health and social sciences cannot avoid. This Handbook is conceived to provide the foundation to readers who wish to embark on a research project in order to form knowledge that they need. The Handbook comprises four main sections: Traditional research methods sciences; Innovative research methods; Doing cross-cultural research; and Sensitive research methodology and approach. This Handbook attests to the diversity and richness of research methods in the health and social sciences. It will benefit many readers, particularly students and researchers who undertake research in health and social science areas. It is also valuable for the training needs of postgraduate students who wish to undertake research in cross-cultural settings, with special groups of people, as it provides essential knowledge not only on the methods of data collection but also salient issues that they need to know if they wish to succeed in their research endeavors.

Editors and Affiliations

  • School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia

    Pranee Liamputtong

About the editor

Pranee Liamputtong is Professor of Public Health at the School of Science and Health, and a core member of the Centre for Health Research at the School of Medicine, Western Sydney University. Previously she was Professor and Personal Chair of Public Health at La Trobe University. Pranee has written extensively on public health research and women’s issues. She has authored or edited over forty books and serves on the editorial boards of several journals. In recognition of her work, Pranee has been nominated and included in the Who’s Who of Australian Women every year since 2008.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 649.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book USD 849.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access