Table of Contents

Foreword: Patrick Sturgis, Director, ESRC National Centre for Research Methods
Introduction;
Overview of research;
Methodologies, approaches, and theories;
Topics and proposals;
Managing your research or evaluation project;
Background research;
Secondary data;
Primary data;
Data analysis;
Writing for research and evaluation;
Disseminating research and evaluation;
Conclusion.

About the Author

Helen Kara is a leading independent researcher, author, teacher and speaker specialising in research methods, particularly creative methods, and research ethics. With over twenty years’ experience as an independent researcher Helen now teaches doctoral students and staff at higher education institutions worldwide. She is a prolific academic author with over 25 titles and 1000 citations; notably Creative Research Methods: A Practical Guide and Research and Evaluation for Busy Students and Practitioners, both in their second editions. Besides her regular blogs and videos, she also writes comics and fiction. Helen is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. In 2021, at the age of 56, she was diagnosed autistic. Her neurodivergence explains her lifelong fascination with, and ability to focus on, words, language and writing.

Reviews

"As a postgraduate student fitting study around full time employment and a family, I can honestly say that this book is a godsend. It offers practical advice and useful suggestions that can be implemented for both work and study purposes." Gemma Noon, Academic Chair, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. "Helen Kara's thoughtful book is based on extensive practical experience, in diverse settings. She guides a researcher through all the stages of a project, dispelling fear and confusion." Woody Caan, Editor, Journal of Public Mental Health "Workplace-based researchers will find this book invaluable. Demystifying the research process, Helen Kara provides a guide for the busy practitioner chock full of wise and pragmatic advice, useful tips and exercises." Kylie Budge, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences