The Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process

I thought this was a good introduction to the different schools of research when used along with an instructor

I have read this book several times and I find something new and good every time. Whereas many other books, that deal with qualitative research, give you detailed explanations on methodology or methods this book puts qualitative research in perspective from the epistemological starting point, the ontological position, the methodology and methods -two distintive concepts-, to the presentation of qualitative research in a wholistic perspective. In summary, Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process by Michael Crotty certaibly fulfills the offer that the title implies. I suggest this text as a must have or must read for qualitative researchers.

As an undergraduate psychology student, I have used this book countless times for the framework it provides of the reserach process in its entirity.I also appreciate it's clarity, depth and simplicity whilst tackling heavy-going subject areas. it's coverage of phenomenology is brilliant.I reccommend working with this text to anyone undergoing any kind of research within the social sciences.

This is an outstanding book for people embarking on any type of research, even people using 'scientific method'. It is useful to both first time and more seasoned researchers. As a reader of the book and being relatively new to qualitative research, what stood is both the depth and clarity of thinking and the reasoning for the position held. The book provides the most useful framework for making sense of what research can be, depending on what is being sought to come out of a piece of research. The framework does not claim to be the only schema by which to make sense of the research process, in so doing it provides for ambiguity and overlaps in thinking. The schema has multiple entry points, thus no matter what your starting point, a clear position can be established.I have recommended the book to several first time research colleagues who have all found it to be really useful too. It is an easy read, but each re-read yields further useful understanding and leads to follow up. It is not just a must read, it is a must have!