Social Research Methods in Dementia Studies

For anyone seeking to do research involving people with dementia, this book should be required reading. It is both inspiring and useful in its frank discussion of some of the inventive qualitative methods that are being developed and applied by emerging scholars who bring a range of social and applied disciplinary perspectives. The book is also incredibly timely, showing a way forward as the field of dementia studies negotiates the participatory turn, grappling with what it actually means to be doing research with people with dementia.

Alison Phinney, Professor, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

The innovative methods of investigation, critical discussion and application thereof, presented in this book enhance our understanding of the inner and social lives of people with dementia and their care partners far more deeply than could any randomised controlled trial. By entering their worlds and learning from people diagnosed while supporting the dignity of everyone involved, the contributors take a wonderfully courageous but necessary step that improves the epistemology of dementia and the lives of those diagnosed.

Steven R. Sabat, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, USA

This book heralds a new era in social science research. The compiled papers position people with dementia in their relational context from a range of viewpoints. They also articulate new and innovative approaches to research that challenge convention and drive a desire to better understand the authentic lived experience of people with dementia in their own environments. It is a must read for social scientists working in dementia research.

Andrew Robinson, Professor of Aged Care Nursing, Co-Director, Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Australia

We have had to wait a long time for a new book about social research methods involving people with dementia, but it has been worth the wait. This is a wonderfully rich textbook written by those actively engaged in cutting edge social research. The book is current and packed full of creative ideas and approaches for engaging with citizens with dementia and their families. I would recommend it to anyone new to this area of research, as well as those looking to advance and refresh their methodological techniques.

Ruth Bartlett, Associate Professor & Director, Doctoral Training Centre (Dementia Care), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

This book provides a researcher with the tools and information they may need to conduct research with individuals with dementia. It aligns with the goals and recommendations set out in the researching dementia roadmap where ‘advancing methodological innovation, development and refinement’ and ‘enabling research to be more inclusive’.

Chloe Waterman, University of Birmingham