David Calvery recently launched his book Covert Research

Undercover research is an emotive and controversial field often equated with deception and transgression. Using classic examples and contemporary case studies, Covert Research challenges covert research’s dispersed place within the social sciences and rehabilitates its reputation as a powerful research method.

Drawing in part on his own undercover research into the night-time economy of bouncers, author David Calvey explores the roots and evolution of covert research; his deft treatment of the fear and fascination within furtive fieldwork is grounded in the practicality of the methods and tools needed to conduct quality research in the field.

Packed with learning-by-example tips, this insightful book shows that with critical imagination and proper ethical foundations, covert research could be a great addition to your methodological toolkit.

review

'David Calvey demonstrates that covert research is not an aberrant research method but a substantial analytical tradition in sociology and neighbouring disciplines that has long yielded significant insights into social life. This timely volume will give social scientists a pause for thought.'

- Greg Smith, Professor of Sociology, University of Salford

You can to read the first chapter https://uk.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/81415_Calvey___Covert_Research___Chapter_1.pdf

To be followed by an interview with David Calvey