Research methods / methodology Books

Book SynopsisThe SPSS Survival Manual throws a lifeline to students and researchers grappling with this powerful data analysis software.In her bestselling manual, Julie Pallant guides you through the entire research process, helping you choose the right data analysis technique for your project. From the formulation of research questions, to the design of the study and analysis of data, to reporting the results, Julie discusses basic through to advanced statistical techniques. She outlines each technique clearly, providing step by step procedures for performing your analysis, a detailed guide to interpreting data output and examples of how to present your results in a report. Illustrated with screen grabs, examples of output and tips, it is supported by a website with sample data and guidelines on report writing. This eighth edition is fully revised and updated to accommodate changes to IBM SPSS Statistics procedures, screens and output.For both beginners and experienced users in psychology, sociology, health sciences, medicine, education, business and related disciplines, the SPSS Survival Manual is an essential text.

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Book SynopsisBusiness operations in large organizations today involve massive, interactive, and layered networks of teams and personnel collaborating across hierarchies and countries on complex tasks. To optimize productivity, businesses need to know: what communication patterns do high-performing teams have in common? Is it possible to predict a team''s performance before it starts work on a project? How can productive team behavior be fostered? This comprehensive review for researchers and practitioners in data mining and social networks surveys recent progress in the emerging field of network science of teams. Focusing on the underlying social network structure, the authors present models and algorithms characterizing, predicting, optimizing, and explaining team performance, along with key applications, open challenges, and future trends.Trade Review'This is a timely book for team science, with a unique perspective that uses computational approaches to study the network effect on team performance. The book has a nice balance of theory, algorithms, and empirical studies. The authors possess years of experience in the field.' Charu Aggarwal, IBM Research AI'A comprehensive study that pushes forward our understanding of and ability to forecast and design team performance - a critical, yet complex human-subject phenomenon to which this book brings in-depth technical rigor.' Leman Akoglu, Carnegie Mellon University'This pioneering book is essential to technologists, data scientists, and researchers alike, offering a modern, computational approach to the science of teaming and how to manage the convergence of people, information, and technology in networked organizations.' Norbou Buchler, US Army Data and Analysis Center'Li and Tong have provided a thorough and insightful exploration of current research on teams in networks, linking computational techniques with results from the social sciences. A pleasure to read.' Sucheta Soundarajan, Syracuse University'This brief volume is a valuable resource for managers, but managers with a strong background in data science, and for other technologists involved in designing systems that support user interactions … The added value of this book is provided by the mathematical formalisms used, which encode characteristics of the computational challenges discussed … The topical focus results in a unique volume that might lead interested readers to discover new research avenues … Recommended' J. Brzezinski, ChoiceTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Team performance characterization; 3. Team performance prediction; 4. Team performance optimization; 5. Team performance explanation; 6. Human agent teaming; 7. Conclusion and future work.

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Book SynopsisEmbodied inquiry is the process of using embodied approaches in order to study, explore or investigate a topic. But what does it actually mean to be ''embodied'? This book explores why and how we use our bodies in order to research, what an embodied approach brings to a research project, and the kinds of considerations that need to be taken into account to research in this way.We all have bodies, feelings, emotions and experiences that affect the questions we are interested in, the ways in which we choose to approach finding out the answers to those questions, and the patterns we see in the data we gather as a result. Embodied Inquiry foregrounds these questions of positionality and reflexivity in research. It considers how a project or study may be designed to take these into account and why multimodal and creative approaches to research may be used to capture embodied experiences. The book offers insights into how to analyse the types of data emerging from embodied Trade ReviewLeigh and Brown take their readers on a thoroughly engaging romp across the sensory landscape of embodied inquiry. Grounded in interdisciplinary theorizing and bursting with practical wisdom, this book is a must-read for researchers and students seeking to embody and enrich their scholarship. * Laura Ellingson, Professor of Communication and Women's & Gender Studies of Santa Clara University, USA *Embodied Inquiry provides useful frameworks for conceptualizing embodied research and numerous examples that show the breadth of possibilities. Leigh and Brown seam together their divergent approaches to embodied inquiry to create a book that speaks to a broad audience. Written in clear and approachable language, the book is a practical guide for both students and scholars interested in engaging in an embodied research process. * Kimber Andrews, Assistant Director, Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CET&L), University of Cincinnati, USA *Embodied Inquiry is a welcome addition to the research methods literature and introduces embodied inquiry as a lens and approach to research. A clearly written, engaging book that speaks to an impressive range of disciplines and theoretical approaches; at its heart are the questions of what kind of research embodied inquiry can be used for as well as the exciting possibilities when you develop it. The authors go through the whole stage of research offering practical but not prescriptive suggestions. * Sophie Woodward, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, University of Manchester, UK *Table of ContentsSeries Editors Introduction 1. What is Embodied Inquiry? 2. An Overview of Embodied Inquiry 3. Designing for Embodied Inquiry 4. Data in Embodied Inquiry 5. Analysis in Embodied Inquiry 6. Issues and Challenges of Embodied Inquiry 7. Embodied Inquiry Now and in the Future References Index

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a non-technical overview of the science and tools behind geographic information systems and geographic information science for researchers, students and academics who do not have a GIS or Geography background. The book covers the history of GIS, from John Snow's Cholera map (1854) right up to today''s software and data and cutting-edge analysis techniques. Bearman goes on to cover how to find, use and evaluate the latest data sets to critiquing existing maps, highlighting limitations and common mistakes. A variety of different GIS methods including Google Maps, GPS, big data, context and choropleth maps are discussed and the pros and cons of each are highlighted allowing you to choose the appropriate method or piece of software for your own research. This is the ideal book for anyone thinking about using GIS in their own research.Trade ReviewUsing straightforward language that is easily accessible for all audiences, this book covers the foundational concepts and rigor necessary to understand the importance that GIS has in research. Readers will appreciate the mostly software-agnostic approach and the tips and tricks to address common snags one might stumble across. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering getting started with GIS or works with GIS professionals and wants to have a better, high-level understanding of the technology. * Jessica Salo, Associate Professor of Geography and GIS, University of Northern Colorado, USA *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Series Editor Introduction Introduction: Using GIS in Social Science 1. History 2. Creating Maps 3. Cartography 4. How is Spatial Data Structured? 5. GIS Software 6. Next Steps References Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisFirst published Open Access under a Creative Commons license as What is Inclusive Research?, this title is now also available as part of the Bloomsbury Research Methods series.This book describes and defines inclusive research, outlining how to recognize it, understand it, do it, and know when it is done well. In doing so it addresses the areas of overlap and distinctiveness in relation to participatory, emancipatory, user-led and partnership research as well as exploring the various practices encompassed within each of these inclusive approaches. The author, Melanie Nind, focuses on how and why more inclusive approaches to research have evolved. She positions inclusive research within the key debates and shifts in policy, defines key ideas and terms, discusses the contested nature of inclusive research and illustrates a range of approaches using exemplars. The aim is to discuss the range of challenges involved and to examine the degree to which these challengTrade ReviewExcellent guide to this developing area of research. Essential for students undertaking this kind of study. * David Preece, University of Northampton, UK *Table of ContentsSeries Editor Foreword 1. Inclusive Research Defined 2. Inclusive Research as an Evolving Set of Practices 3. Stories from the Field 4. Criticisms and Defenses 5. Summary and Where Next Further Reading References Index

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Book SynopsisFirst published Open Access under a Creative Commons license as What is Quantitative Longitudinal Data Analysis?, this title is now also available as part of the Bloomsbury Research Methods series.Across the social sciences, there is widespread agreement that quantitative longitudinal research designs offer analysts powerful scientific data resources. But, to date, many texts on analysing longitudinal social analysis surveys have been written from a statistical, rather than a social science data analysis perspective and they lack adequate coverage of common practical challenges associated with social science data analyses. This book provides a practical and up-to-date introduction to influential approaches to quantitative longitudinal data analysis in the social sciences. The book introduces definitions and terms, explains the relative attractions of such a longitudinal design, and offers an introduction to the main techniques of analysis, explaining their reqTrade ReviewAn impressive text for anyone wishing to understand the value of longitudinal data for social science research questions and the analytical techniques and practical approaches required to make effective use of such data. The clear enthusiasm and expertise of the authors for the subject shines through the text, helping the reader navigate the complexities of different kinds of longitudinal data, possible research questions and techniques with ease. It is really clearly written in a very engaging manner with examples and code making it suitable for students and researchers new to longitudinal research as well more experienced analysts. * Michaela Benzeval, Professor of Longitudinal Research, University of Essex, UK, and Director of Understanding Society: The UK Household Longitudinal Study, UK *Just as the authors intended, reading this book whetted my appetite for the rich portfolio of quantitative longitudinal data available in the UK ... Strong referencing and bibliography enable the reader to look further into influential approaches. * Research Matters *Table of ContentsSeries Editor Foreword 1. Introduction 2. Getting Started 3. Temporal Analysis with Cross-Sectional Data 4. Analysis of Data on Durations 5. Analysis of Repeated Contacts Data 6. Conclusion Bibliography Index

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