Books in the Routledge Advances in Research Methods series

This book explores how action research forms a valuable methodology for producing collaborative knowledge and action. It outlines the recent uptake of action research in policy analysis and transition research and develops a distinct and novel approach that is both critical and relational.

Non-representational theory is one of the contemporary moment''s most influential theoretical perspectives within social and cultural theory. It is now widely considered to be the logical successor of postmodern theory, the logical development of post-structuralist thought, and the most notable intellectual force behind the turn across the social and cultural sciences away from cognition, meaning, and textuality. And yet, it is often poorly understood. This is in part because of its complexity, but also because of its limited treatment in the few volumes chiefly dedicated to it. Theories must be useful to researchers keen on utilizing concepts and analytical frames for their personal interpretive purposes. How useful non-representational theory is, in this sense, is yet to be understood. This book outlines a variety of ways in which non-representational ideas can influence the research process, the very value of empirical research, the nature of data, the political value of data and evidence, the methods of research, the very notion of method, and the styles, genres, and media of research.

How do scholars transform qualitative data into finalized analysis? What does making analysis imply? This book sheds light on a notoriously difficult but crucial aspect of the research process. It addresses a central analytical-methodological concern that all scholars and students grapple with, but which is seldom explored in research literature.

This volume, which features renowned scholars from across the globe, provides critical reflection on the overall emergence of e-research, particularly on its adoption and adaptation by the social sciences and humanities.

What we choose to count, what we choose not to count, who does the counting, and the categories and values we choose to apply when counting, matter. This title addresses why and how students and scholars must become more aware of the power and the limitations of statistics.

This volume explores the social dimensions of research collaboration from the position of the various actors involved: those leading large projects, those participating, junior researchers, and advisory board members. It offers insights into the theories and practices of research collaboration as a social phenomenon.

This volume situates itself at the intersection of two trends: the affective turn in the social sciences, and the increasing promotion of collaborative research in the social sciences and humanities (and between those knowledge domains and the sciences). It draws on cultural theories of affect, and work on research collaboration, to explore the ways in which emotions are articulated, mobilized and practised in the context of collaborative knowledge production.

Examines the problems and possibilities multi-sited approaches have presented to researchers as well as the ways in which the concept has evolved since the mid-1990s. In this book, the contributors raise new questions, new approaches and new possibilities. It is suitable for scholars in a variety of disciplines across the social sciences.

Focusing on dialogic communication theory, science and technology studies, and action research, this volume explores the methodological, epistemological, and ethical conundrums that arise within collaborative research in the dialog between researchers, policy makers, and citizens. It argues that researchers can best deal with the complexities and tensions of collaborative research through reflexive analyses of how "dialogue" and "participation" are played out concretely in different settings.

Since the concept of `multi-sited¿ approaches in ethnography developed over fifteen years ago, it has attracted a growing number of researchers across the social sciences. This volume examines the evolution of the concept as well as the problems and possibilities multi-sited approaches have presented to researchers.

This interdisciplinary collection provides a set of innovative and inventive approaches to the use of video as a research method. Building on the development of visual methods across the social sciences, it highlights a range of possibilities for making and working with video data, including video diaries, video go-alongs, time-lapse video, mobile devices, multi-angle video recording, video ethnography, and ethnographic documentary.

This book provides an introduction to the emerging and interdisciplinary field of cultural mapping, making a case for and demonstrating the spatial turn emerging in many related areas of critical, social and artistic research. Contributors explore innovative ways to encourage artistic intervention and public participation in cultural mapping¿recognizing that artistic practices and public involvement introduce a range of challenges spanning various phases of the research process, from the gathering of data, to interpreting data, to presenting ¿findings¿ to audiences. This collection explores the international scope of approaches to mapping cultures and communities.

This edited collection explores issues that arise when researching "hard-to-reach" groups and those who remain socially excluded and marginalized in society, such as access, the use of gatekeepers, ethical dilemmas, "voice," and how such research contributes to issues of inclusion and social justice. The book uses a wide range of empirical and theoretical approaches to examine the difficulties, dilemmas and complexities surrounding research methodologies with particular groups. It emphasizes the importance of national and international perspectives in such discussions, and suggests innovative methodological procedures.

Interviewing is one of the most common techniques used to conduct qualitative research in the social sciences and humanities. As a result of globalization, researchers increasingly conduct interviews cross-, inter- and intra-nationally. This raises important questions about how differences and sameness are understood and negotiated within the interview situation, as well as the power structures at play within qualitative research, and the role that reflexivity plays in mediating these.

This book presents theoretical discussions and practical examples of Action Research from Scandinavia, Latin America and Africa, primarily dealing with how to combine nature conservation and management with local democratic community development, seeing the renewal of Commons as a way to transcend the present dichotomy between these two dimensions.

Increasing globalisation within the social sciences and education sector has necessitated greater reflections on the various dimensions of ethics involved in carrying out research in cross-cultural contexts, within and across national boundaries. Within this context, this volume draws on intensive field work to shed light on the ethical issues the contributors encountered in the course of their empirical studies, exploring such issues as feminist research ethics; cross-cultural reflection and its implications for social change; emotions, conflicts, and dangerous fields, and issues of "safety" and reflective research.

Contemporary society encounters profound economical, socio-ecological and political crises challenging the democratic foundation of our societies. This book addresses the potentials and challenges for Action Research supporting democratic alternatives. It offers a broad spectrum of examples from Scandinavian Action Research showing different openings towards democratic development, and provides a basis for theoretical as well as practical oriented discussions and critical reflections within the field of Action Research and related research orientations, involving a wide range of actors.

This edited collection demonstrates diverse ways qualitative researchers can meaningfully engage with and share community narratives. Innovative, multi-disciplinary methods and tools for data gathering, analysing and sharing narratives are featured. The book inspires researchers, practitioners and students in the arts, humanities, social sciences and cultural studies to embrace community narratives.