This innovative book provides students and researchers alike with an indispensible introduction to the key theoretical issues and practical methods needed for data collection. It uses clear definitions, relevant interdisciplinary examples from around the world and up-to-date suggestions for further reading to demonstrate how to usefully gather and use qualitative, quantitative, and mixed data sets. The book is divided into seven critical parts: . Data Collection: An Introduction to Research Practices . Collecting Qualitative Data . Observation and Informed Methods . Experimental and Systematic Data Collection . Survey Methods for Data Collection . The Case Study Method of Data Collection . Concluding Suggestions for Data Collection