Writing Successful Undergraduate Dissertations in Social Sciences

A practical guide for students undertaking their dissertation, Writing Successful Undergraduate Dissertations in Social Sciences uses a mixture of exercises, strategies, case study material and further reading to give hints and tips on beginning and managing a research project and working with supervisors. Providing an accessible overview of the essential steps in conducting research and writing dissertations, this fully updated edition contains new sections on: . The varied sources of support for students and how to make use of them . The use of modern technologies, and digital platforms in data collection, storage and processing . The important issues relating to ethnographic and feminist research . How to publish through peer review publications or using self-publishing platforms . The General Data Protection Regulation and legal issues relating to collection, storage and use of personal data . The skills that students have acquired through writing dissertations and how those skills could become useful for future career and employability . How students can relate their dissertations to existing theories and concepts in social sciences that relate to their dissertation. Packed with proven practical advice from 'real-life' data, case studies and examples, Writing Successful Undergraduate Dissertations in Social Sciences is an essential and dependable starting point and guide for any student beginning their dissertation journey in the social sciences.

Francis Jegede is Associate Professor in International Relations and Diplomacy and Chair of the College Research Committee, College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, University of Derby, UK. Charlotte Hargreaves is the Head of Criminology and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, UK. Karen Smith leads Collaborative Research and Development in the School of Education at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. Philip Hodgson is the Head of the School of Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, UK. Malcolm J. Todd is Professor of Sociology and the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of Derby, UK. He is a National Teaching Fellow and has written widely on learning and teaching in higher education. Julia Waldman has left academia and is now Film Production and Business Manager for Robin Creative Media.

Figures, Tables and Case Studies Contributors Acknowledgements Preface Chapter 1 What is a dissertation? Chapter 2 Getting support Chapter 3 Research questions and getting started on your dissertation Chapter 4 Searching and reviewing literature Chapter 5 Choosing an appropriate research methodology for your dissertation Chapter 6 Types and sources of data Chapter 7 Data collection Chapter 8 Ethics and legal issues regarding social research and personal data Chapter 9 Analysing quantitative data Chapter 10 Analysing qualitative data Chapter 11 Writing the dissertation Chapter 12 Making the most of your dissertation Appendix 1 List of Common Statistical Tests Appendix 2 Socio-economic deprivation in English towns and cities - 2015 References Index