1st Edition
Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods
Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology provides a review of methodological approaches and data-collection methods commonly used with older adults in real-life settings. It addresses the role of normative age-related sensory, cognitive, and functional changes, as well as the influence of generational cohort (age-period-cohort) upon each design. It discusses the role of older adults as true co-researchers; issues uniquely related to studies of persons residing in community-based, assisted, skilled, and memory-care settings; and ethical concerns related to cognitive status changes. The text concludes with detailed guidelines for improving existing data collection methods for older persons and selecting the best fitting methodologies for use in planning research on aging.
Features of Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology include:
- Descriptions and evaluations of a wide range of methodological approaches, and methods used to collect data about older persons (quantitative, qualitative, mixed, and emergent methods: photovoice, virtual environments, etc.)
- Ways to match research questions to selection of method without a preconceived methodological preference or dominance
- Real-world and applied examples along with cases from the gerontological literature
- "How to" sections about reading output/software reports and qualitative-analysis screenshots (from ATLAS.ti) and quantitative (SPSS) output and interpretation
- Pedagogical tools in every chapter such as text boxes, case studies, definitions of key terms, discussion questions, and references for further reading on chapter topics
- Glossary of key terms, complete sample research report, and an overview of past methodological research design work in gerontology
- Companion website at www.routledge.com/cw/Weil where instructors will find PowerPoint presentations, additional discussion questions, and a sample syllabus; and students will find flashcards based on glossary terms, a downloadable copy of the sample research report in the text, and links to data sets, related websites, further reading, and select gerontological journals
This text is intended for upper-level undergraduates and masters students in aging and gerontology as well as students in human development, applied anthropology, psychology, public health, sociology, and social-work settings. Health care professionals, social workers, and care managers who work with older adults will also find this text a valuable resource.
Part I: Getting Started: An Overview of the Aging Research Process 1. Introduction 2. Designing Research about Older People and Aging 3. Gerontological Theoretical Approaches Part II: Choosing a Research Method and Selecting a Design 4. Qualitative Methods 5. Quantitative Methods 6. Quantitative Data Analysis and Evaluation 7. Mixed Methods 8. Emerging and Future Methods Part III: Analyzing Results and Reporting Findings 9. Quantitative, Qualitative Software and Computer-Assisted Research 10. Ethical Issues and Concerns in Aging Research 11. Reporting Aging Research
Biography
Joyce Weil, Ph.D., MPH, is an Assistant Professor of Gerontology at the University of Northern Colorado.
'Joyce Weil has accomplished a remarkable feat; producing a volume that does justice to the wide range of research tasks that confront the gerontological imagination. She provides the important context to studying ageing as well as giving the researcher a clear account of how research works. This will be an invaluable text for all of those engaged in the field of ageing studies.' - Paul Higgs, University College London, UK
'Research Design in Aging and Social Gerontology is a refreshing and timely addition to the interdisciplinary field of social gerontology, providing an informative, comprehensive textbook that explicates the process of discovery and a full range of research methods. Joyce Weil brings to life the intricacies of advanced methods training by integrating methods, cutting-edge applications, and instructive resources.' - Andrew V. Wister, Simon Fraser University, Canada
'This is a truly unique book that brings together key perspectives—past and present—in gerontology with a wide variety of research designs and analytical approaches. It is a valuable tool for anyone who studies aging.' - Kate de Medeiros, Miami University, USA
