Research and Evaluation for Busy Students and Practitioners: A Survival Guide

Description

Research doesn't exist in a bubble but co-exists with a multitude of other tasks and commitments, yet there is more need for people to save time than ever before. Brilliantly attuned to the demands placed on researchers, this book considers how students, academics and professionals alike can save time and stress without compromising the quality of their research or its outcomes. This third edition: - is fully revised with new chapters on research and evaluation ethics, creative methods of collecting data and how research can make a positive difference; -includes illustrative case studies throughout the book and each chapter concludes with exercises, discussion questions and a debate topic; - is accompanied by a fully updated companion website. This supportive book is designed for any student or practitioner who wants to know how to do research on top of their main job and still have a life.

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.

"This latest edition of Helen Kara's book will further embed its reputation as a go-to book in the research and evaluation field. In a direct and accessible style, Kara provides guidance for early career and practitioner researchers, and inspiration for the more experienced." Rosalind Edwards, University of Southampton. "This fantastic book offers an engaging orientation to the often mysterious world of research and evaluation. This book will continue to be passed from one researcher to the next." James Burford, University of Warwick "This book is exceptionally clear, accessible and user friendly. It will prove to be an invaluable resource for time-pressured practitioners looking to carry out their own research." Emma Taylor, London School of Economics and Political Science Reviews for previous editions: "In addition to providing research and methodology guidance, the book is a great tool for continuous learning and could be recommended to researchers and evaluation practitioners at any stage of their career." LSE Review of Books "A must have for all who are just getting into research or who do research frequently. The exercises and feedback from those who shared with Kara, help affirm that the process of research and evaluation is worth the effort put into the process and her suggestions for keeping perspective throughout, so we can still have a life are essential for all researchers." The Qualitative Report