Nina Hallowell, Julia Lawton and Susan Gregory (eds)

Open University Press, ISBN 033521309X, £19.99

STAR RATING 4/5

There are many books that tell us "how to do" research but this tells us "how it went", writes Elaine Argyle.

Drawing on the contributions of several researchers, this book brings together anecdotal accounts of setting up research projects, negotiating access, gathering data and disseminating findings.

In doing so the book gives an accessible insight into the realities of conducting empirically-based research, the practical and ethical complexities involved and possible ways in which these may be resolved. However, none of the contributors chose to write about their experiences of securing funding or data analysis. Nor is quantitative research given much consideration with most contributors being qualitative researchers working in health.

Nevertheless, it should appeal to professionals and students.

Elaine Argyle, is Economic and Social Research Council postdoctoral research fellow, University of Sheffield