Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an accessible way to learn about the realities of conducting social research. It describes the reader to a variety of social research involving different participant groups and designs and provides valuable insights into overcoming problems and making decisions that are faced throughout the whole research process, from the conception of an idea to analysing data. The book presents a collection of research conducted by authors who self-identify as social workers, social educators, social care workers, child and youth care workers, sociologists, criminologists, educators, psychotherapists and researchers, so it is quite an eclectic collection. It is designed to complement more directive research methods texts that explain methodological and design issues as well as methods for data collection and analysis and ethical guidelines.