Handbook of Data AnalysisMELISSA HARDY and ALAN BRYMAN (eds). London: Sage, 2004. 704 pp. ISBN 0761966528 This handbook describes major techniques of data analysis and addresses notable issues involved in their application. This reference work offers an excellent guide to social science researchers as the basic theoretical arguments, practical quantitative techniques and the methodologies that the majority of them are likely to use are presented here. Although the list of techniques included is not exhaustive, a broad set of methods is covered. Specifically, methods appropriate to survey data, textual data, transcripts of conversations and longitudinal information are considered.A unique feature of the book is the breadth of coverage. The work puts together a set of 30 chapters that reflects the effort of many recognized data analysts. It is a remarkable task accomplished by the editors, who have been joined by many distinguished academics and practitioners in the Research Methodology field. They encourage readers to develop an appreciation of the range of analytic options available, so they can choose a research problem and then develop a suitable approach to data analysis. Moreover, Melissa Hardy and Alan Bryman give a global perspective integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches and trying to demonstrate that both modes of analysis offer different solutions for practising researchers. Undoubtedly, this integration of both modes succeeds because of the research strengths of the editors. They believe that reinforcing the division between quantitative and qualitative methods is a mistake, particularly for those who practice in the behavioural and social sciences.
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