A key feature of this journal is the mix of academic and theoretically-slanted methodological articles, articles relating to research practice in professional and service settings, and those considering the relationship between the two. It thus addresses an audience of researchers within academic and other research organizations as well as practitioner-researchers in the field.

The journal provides:

• a focus for on-going and emerging methodological debates across a range of approaches, both qualitative and quantitative, and including mixed and comparative 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.

1. Methodology
This section contains peer-reviewed 'reflective' theoretically-based papers (around 6,000 words), debating and exploring methodological issues across a range of disciplines, methodological approaches (for example, qualitative and quantitative) and substantive topics. Articles address all aspects of the research process, from conceptualization through to 'writing'. In addition, as the editors deem appropriate, overview or review articles will be commissioned from a leading author, discussing debates or the state of the art in relation to an area of research methodology.

2. Practice
This section contains shorter pieces from both academics and practitioner-researchers (around 3,000 words) concerned with the application of research methodology among a range of professional and service sectors (for example, action research and practitioner research), as well as the teaching of social research methodology and practice. These papers are subject to peer (academic and/or practitioner-researcher) or editorial review, as appropriate.

3. Book Reviews