'This new edition of this excellent guide maintains the standard of the original whilst taking full account of developments in both methodological discussion and the techniques of social research. The organization of the text around the research process is a great strength of the text' - David Byrne, University of Durham. Preview the Third Edition's opening chapter and guide to its teaching and learning features designed to stimulate student engagement with the content here. The Third Edition of Nigel Gilbert's hugely successful "Researching Social Life" covers the whole range of methods from quantitative to qualitative in a down-to-earth and unthreatening manner. Gilbert's text offers the best coverage of the full scope of research methods of any of the leading textbooks in the field, making this an essential text for any student starting a research methods course or doing a research project. This thoroughly revised text is driven by the expertise of a writing team comprised of internationally-renowned experts in the field.New to the Third Edition are chapters on: Searching and Reviewing the Literature; Refining the Question; Grounded Theory and Inductive Research; Mixed Methods; Participatory Action Research; Virtual Methods; and, Narrative Analysis. A number of useful features, such as worked examples, case studies, discussion questions, project ideas and checklists are included throughout the book to help those new to research to engage with the material. "Researching Social Life" follows the 'life cycle' of a typical research project, from initial conception through to eventual publication. Its breadth and depth of coverage make this an indispensable must-have textbook for students on social research methods courses in any discipline.