Practical Research and Evaluation is a handbook of social science research methods for practitioner-researchers. It enables readers to carry out research projects and evaluations; commission research and evaluation projects; and better understand research/evaluation reports. The book offers step-by-step guidance to different research approaches, both qualitative (for example interviews and focus groups) and quantitative (for example surveys). It encompasses recent developments such as Internet-based literature reviews, online surveys and tools for questionnaire design. The book covers the entire research/evaluation process: basic concepts; planning and design; proposal development and commissioning; ethical issues; execution; and dissemination. Practical Research and Evaluation will be particularly valuable for people who may have limited research experience or training, including people working for the public sector and voluntary organisations, academics, and undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is accessible, uses non-technical language, employs practice-based examples, and provides practical tips, checklists and suggested further reading throughout.