Bringing together many of the core classic and contemporary works in social and cultural research methods, this book gives students direct access to methodological debates and examples of practical research across the qualitative/quantitative divide. The book is designed to be used both as a collection of readings and as an introductory research methods book in its own right. Topics covered include:research methodologyresearch design, data collection and preparationanalyzing datamixing qualitative and quantitative methodsvalidity and reliabilitymethodological critique: postmodernism, post-structuralism and critical ethnographypolitical and ethical aspects of researchphilosophy of social sciencereporting research.Each section is preceded by a short introduction placing the readings in context. This reader-text also includes features such as discussion questions and practical exercises.