How to Gather Data and Evidence: The Second Stage of The Social Research Toolbox, QGAP [How-to Guide]

This guide offers a concise overview of how to gather data and evidence to answer your research question. It forms part of the social research toolbox, or QGAP, series and so focuses on the second stage of the research process. You will learn how to critically evaluate existing evidence and literature, and the role that reviewing literature plays in both refining your research question and preparing you to gather research data. Different research design choices (including the distinction between qualitative and quantitative designs) are then outlined before the most popular social research methods are summarised. The guide concludes with a discussion of the key principles for gathering data ethically. The reader should be aware that this is a short introductory guide which should get you started on the gathering part of the social research toolbox. There are a range of sources suggested for further reading throughout the guide.