Since its first edition in 1985, Patrick McNeill's Research Methods has become a classic introductory text for students of sociology at A level and in undergraduate courses as well as for a range of specialists in education, business, social care and medicine who need a brief but authoritative account of how sociologists set about conducting research. After a brief overview of the history of sociological research which introduces key concepts, this new edition, co-authored with Steve Chapman, describes the main sociological research methods, and includes sections on theory, science and values as well as: * references to research studies * developments in relevant sociological theory * developments in research methodology * new material on the presentation of research findings. Including an appendix of questions which students should ask when they are evaluating accounts of research, this lasting text retains the clarity of style of the second edition, and brings the content up-to-date.