International Journal of Social Research Methodology

A key feature of the Journal is its mixed audience of researchers within academic and other research organizations as well as practitioner-researchers in the field. The Journal therefore aims to publish high quality methodological discussions which typically draw on a mix of academic and practice based research in professional and service settings, and those considering the relationship between the two.

The Journal provides

·       a focus for on-going and emerging methodological debates across a range of approaches, both qualitative and quantitative, and including mixed, comparative and simulation methods, as these relate to philosophical, theoretical, ethical, political and practical issues;

·       an international medium for the publication of discussions of social research methodology and practices across a wide range of social science disciplines and substantive interests; and

·       a forum for researchers based in all sectors to consider and evaluate methods as these relate to research practice.

The International Journal of Social Research Methodology welcomes single article contributions relating to methodology and methods that:

·       draw out the generic implications for methods or methodology that are not limited to a specific topic area or discipline; and

·       treats the substantive findings of the research as illustrative of specific methodological approaches rather than as a substantive aspect of the article;

In doing so, submitted articles:

·       provide an original contribution to current cutting-edge methodological debates

·       go beyond describing  the research process of a particular project

·       are more than 'how to do X?' discussions, and instead critically engage with methodological issues and concerns as they relate to doing social research in general;

·       can be appreciated by readers who may or may not be experts in a particular methodological approach or concept;

·       critically reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of specific approaches to provide robust arguments in relation to a particular method or methodology.

Research notes                 

In addition to full research articles, we encourage authors to submit 'research notes'. These are typically shorter in length than articles (e.g. 1500-3000 words) and may involve less conventional outputs, as well as short essays discussing previous work, single observations, and commentaries on up and coming methodological issues or concerns.

Peer Review Policy

All articles undergo rigorous peer review by the editors and anonymised referees.