What are the essentials for undergraduates and postgraduates engaged in quantitative and qualitative research? How can the gap between formulating a research question and carrying out research be bridged? This accessible, well-judged text provides students with a matchless introduction to generic research skills. It is uncluttered, direct and unpatronizing. Key features of the book are:

- Accessibility

- Clarification of key issues and problem solving guidance

- Demonstration of the importance of interplay between theory and research

- Realism in defining essential research issues and the problems that researchers encounter

`It is not the case that "anyone can do social research", most research requires training. Here Malcolm Williams provides such training.... Helpful and often humorous' - Roger Sapsford, University of Teesside