How to do a Research Project: A Guide for Undergraduate Students

"Most introductory research methods texts are dreary, overly technical, weighty manuals that no one really wants to read. How to Do a Research Project is not one of these. It is a highly readable, engaging guide that provides the necessary technical detail minus the dryness." (International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Spring 2007)

"An excellent, succinct, comprehensive, one-stop resource. Students and tutors will appreciate the book's accessibility, clarity, ease of use and practical suggestions for how to conduct a well informed and rigorous research project. " —Saul Becker, Director of Research, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham

"As someone responsible for an honours thesis seminar in anthropology, where undergraduates are to undertake their own research projects, I found this newest contribution by Colin Robson to be of substantial value and special merit. Robson is keenly aware of the many difficulties encountered by students in making the transition from consumers to producers of knowledge. This work draws in readers with illuminating guidelines and it educates even those with an advanced knowledge in research methods. As usual, Robson is able to synthesize and present knowledge distilled not just from personal experience but also from his coverage of the vast methods literature. He does so in a manner that, far from overwhelming students, furnishes students with an invitation to undertake exciting projects in social research that will surely leave them with a lasting impression."
–Dr Maximilian Forte, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Concordia University

"Colin Robson has produced a practical guide for undergraduates conducting research projects. The text is clear and accessible and includes material on planning, conducting and writing-up projects. It will be a valuable guide for beginners."
–Bob Burgess, University of Leicester

"Having just graduated, I wish this book had been available when I was pursuing my undergraduate degree. Research projects can be very daunting for undergraduate students when they are let loose on a project of their own in the third year. This book provides some handholding during these times with its very clear and logical structure... This book’s main purpose is to aid final-year undergraduate students, but it would also benefit levels one and two as it explains the basics of conducting research projects and general information, such as ethics and plagiarism in a clear and accessible way... This book levels the playing field of information so that all students have the same basis for their projects, e.g., a clear understanding of design and research types... Lecturers could use this book as a primer to save time explaining the basics, thereby allowing more time for expert guidance... How to Do a Research Project brings clarity, simplicity, and brevity to the methodology behind research projects. I suggest that higher-education institutions recommend this accessible and practical book to students as prerequisite reading where applicable."
–Tamsin Shaw, University of Leeds (in 'Qualitative Research In Psychology')

"How to Do a Research Project...is a highly readable, engaging guide that provides the necessary technical detail minus the dryness. ... This volume...represents a comprehensive yet concise primer for anyone contemplating undertaking research. It is also a constructive resource for instructors and supervisors of student research. ... Drawing on his lengthy career in research and teaching, Robson interjects the mundane realities, potential pitfalls, and other considerations likely to arise during the research process. ... After reading the text in its entirety, students will find these handy reference tools [text boxes] useful to return to when conducting a live research project. ... Included also is a valuable section on searching, reviewing, and summarizing the literature that will be useful for students. ...for the novice or tentative researcher Robson's commonsense style of writing conveys an intuitive grasp of the process that brings the reader into the "feel" of the project, breaking the research process down into logical, manageable stages, which is empowering and encouraging, rather than presenting the process as a daunting one that can dissuade students. ... At a cost of $24.95 (US/Cdn) this book is accessible to students and it is not just another dry, dull research methods textbook."
–Lynn Eldershaw, PhD, International Institute for Qualitative Methodology, University of Alberta (in International Journal of Qualitative Methods 6 (2) June 2007)