Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction : what is 'research'?

Experimental quantitative approaches : laboratory experiments

Experimental quantitative approaches : real-life (field) experiments

Experimental quantitative approaches : non-randomised clinical trials

Experimental quantitative approaches : randomised control trials

Observation quantitative approaches : cohort studies

Observation quantitative approaches : case-control studies

Observation quantitative approaches : cross-sectional (surveys)

Observation quantitative approaches : cross-sectional studies – other types of study

Observation ethnographic approaches : using participant observation

Observation quantitative approaches : using interviews and focus groups

Observation quantitative approaches : autoethnography

Observation approaches : phenomenology

Observation approaches : grounded theory

Mixed methods : case study methods

Mixed methods : policy analysis

Mixed methods : multi-stage studies

Research ethics and governance : the need for regulation

Research ethics and governance : regulations, approvals, and permissions

Appendix A : research skills obtaining informed consent

Appendix B : research skills searching the literature

Appendix C : research skills laboratory safety

Appendix D : research skills interviewing

Appendix E : research skills focus groups

Appendix F : research skills analysing qualitative data

Appendix G : research skills writing research reports