Learn how to be a rigorous social researcher with this incisive and engaging book for students studying A level Sociology or starting sociology at university. Examine each major sociological method where research into crime, family life and education is explored in depth, and illustrated using classic and contemporary sociological studies. Easy to weave into current courses to make the study of Sociology more relevant, cutting edge and inclusive Explore the array of research methods sociologists use to understand how society shapes personal troubles, truths and triumphs. Discover how sociological research studies (classic and contemporary) showcase the application of these methods, and learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods. Packed with case studies and opportunities to reflect and challenge readers, How to be a Social Researcher will appeal to anyone with an interest in sociology as well as supporting those studying it at school, college, or university. The perfect companion to How to be a Sociologist and other Sociology A level texts, this book supports and celebrates the enduring value and importance of social research methods. Contents Chapter 1: What is social research? Chapter 2: How to be a social researcher Chapter 3: Doing your own social research Chapter 4: Official statistics Chapter 5: Social surveys Chapter 6: Interviews Chapter 7: Observations Chapter 8: Documentary methods Chapter 9: Experiments Chapter 10: Mixed methods: society as a kaleidoscope Chapter 11: Shaking up methods: new sociological mixologies Chapter 12: A final turn of the kaleidoscope: the enduring importance of social research

This comparative text examines the rise of non-orthodox medicine and theorizes the changing nature of health care in modern societies. It engages with sociological debates on modernity and postmodernity, anthropological work.

Learn how to think like a sociologist with this short, up-to-date and accessible introduction to studying A Level Sociology or starting sociology at university. Find out how sociology works and what it can do, as well as where it can take you. An easy way to make the study of Sociology more relevant, contemporary and diverse. Get a headstart on your A-Level Sociology topics and understand how to be an excellent sociologist. Packed with inspiring and current examples, this fascinating and practical guide introduces the capacity and challenge, insights and parameters of sociology through key ideas and readings that relate to the current A-Level Sociology specifications, foundation access courses and the world around us. Hugely readable it will appeal to anyone interested in learning more about sociology. By becoming a sociologist, you will learn to be careful, considered, and creative, analytical, and rigorous, and reflexive and ethical. These dispositions will prepare you for life, education, and work. Introduction: Why be a sociologist? Chapter 1: Be Imaginative: Making connections between the personal and the public Chapter 2: Be Conceptual: Putting on sociological glasses Chapter 3: Be Rigorous: Exploring the sociological toolkit Chapter 4: Be Knowledgeable: Asking questions and finding answers Chapter 5: Be Reflexive: Turning the sociological imagination onto sociology itself Chapter 6: Be Transformative: Bringing about change in yourself and others An Ending: A sociology of hope and reasons to be optimistic

The 21st century has witnessed significant changes to the structures and policies framing Higher Education. But how do these changes in norms, values, and purpose shape the generation now coming of age? Employing a generational analysis, this book offers an original approach to the study of education. It explores the qualitative dimensions of the relationship between academics and students, and examines wider issues of culture and socialisation, from tuition fees and student mental health, to social mobility and employment. This is a timely contribution to current debates about the University and an invaluable resource for those interested in education, youth, and intergenerational relations.

Until recently, complementary medical knowledge has generally been treated as 'marginal' or 'heterodox' knowledge. However, the rise of complementary medicine within health-care systems has signalled the end of its marginal status. With this have come concerns about how knowledge is generated within complementary therapies; what kind of authority can be accorded to such knowledge; the nature of research agendas; what ideas and skills are central to training and how they are transmitted. This book examines these concerns in relation to a range of healing practices: acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, reflexology, Chi Kung, herbalism and osteopathy. The contributors to bring sociological, anthropological and practitioner perspectives to the growing debate about the future of complementary medicine.

Employing a generational analysis, this book offers an original approach to the study of Higher Education and documents the changing nature of the relationship between academics and students. Examining wider issues of culture and socialization, from tuition fees and student mental health to social mobility and employment, this is a timely contribution to current debates about the University.