Approaches to Social ResearchThoroughly revised and updated to incorporate new research, the second edition of this remarkably popular work instills readers with the sense and skills they need to become intelligent consumers of research evidence, providing a lucid, accessible introduction to the various methods employed in a variety of fields, as well as an appreciation of social research as part of the larger context of social science. Offering over two dozen new research examples and over 100 new references, "user-friendly" diagrams of essential concepts and processes, and expanded coverage of current key topics and recent developments, it strikes a balance between specific techniques and the underlying logic of social inquiry--the how-to and wherefore of research. Opening chapters draw readers into the subject by illustrating the practicality of the study of research methods and the vital relationship between theory and research. The ensuing sequence of topics follows that of an ideal-typical research project--beginning with research design, measurement, and sampling, proceeding to data collection, and then to data processing and analysis. The authors focus on four major approaches to research--experimentation, survey research, field research, and the use of available data--and bring the material to life with numerous examples drawn from classic and current research. Advocating a multiple-methods strategy that treats these approaches as complementary, rather than mutually exclusive, the authors provide a full account of the benefits and drawbacks of using each, and describe the actual processes involved in research with each. |
From inside the book
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Page 7
... scientific nature this type of research is empirical ; that is , it is based on observation . Of course , not all research ( scholarly inquiry ) is scientific per se , and not all scientific topics are within the purview of social science ...
... scientific nature this type of research is empirical ; that is , it is based on observation . Of course , not all research ( scholarly inquiry ) is scientific per se , and not all scientific topics are within the purview of social science ...
Page 35
Royce Singleton, Bruce C. Straits, Margaret Miller Straits. Science : Ideal versus Reality Thus far we have presented a somewhat idealized view of science . It is a view depicted by many philosophers who have analyzed the logic of the ...
Royce Singleton, Bruce C. Straits, Margaret Miller Straits. Science : Ideal versus Reality Thus far we have presented a somewhat idealized view of science . It is a view depicted by many philosophers who have analyzed the logic of the ...
Page 492
... social science findings . The unanimous opinion cited several studies showing that segregation had a detrimen- tal psychological effect on black children . Since this decision , social scientists have continued to be among the staunch ...
... social science findings . The unanimous opinion cited several studies showing that segregation had a detrimen- tal psychological effect on black children . Since this decision , social scientists have continued to be among the staunch ...
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Common terms and phrases
analyzed approach argument asked association attitudes available data basic behavior causal chapter characteristics cluster sampling coding coefficient concept control group demand characteristics dependent discussion effects error ethical evaluation evidence example experiment experimental design explain extraneous variables factors fear of violence field research gender Guttman scale homeless hypothesis identify independent variable indicators individuals inductive reasoning internal validity interview investigator involves level of measurement logic manipulation mean measure methods nonprobability sampling observation operational definition participant participant observation percent persons possible precision prediction pretest probability sampling problem procedures questionnaire questions reasons records regression relationship reliability researcher's respondents role scale scientific scores selection simple random sample social research social science social scientists sociology sources spurious relationship statistical stratified subjects survey research systematic systematic sampling Table techniques television viewing theory tion topic treatment units of analysis