The 5th edition of this successful book provides a comprehensive, non-technical introduction to the principal research methods employed in social science. It offers a carefully integrated treatment of its components; research theory, design, data collection and data analysis; and explores the progression from the conceptual and theoretical building blocks of the research process to data analysis and computer applications. Throughout, the authors draw on examples from both classic social science research studies and current social issues to provide students with an historical basis for appreciating how social science research applies to today's concerns. This new edition has been thoroughly revised to include current research study examples on contemporary social science issues, new computer exercises on data processing and analysis, an appendix on writing research reports, and a fully updated appendix on SPSS with coverage of SPSS/PC+ and SPSS for Windows.
This book was the bane of my existence these last 3 months. As much as I hated it, I have to give it 4 stars as, without this book, I would have been completely lost in being able to explain anything about what I've been doing. This book lived by my side and what a great reference book for everything I needed in understanding the nuances of social science research. A necessary evil.
I don't know what class I had to use this book for or why I didn't return it. It might be easier to read the phone book. This book is suppose to help you write a massive research paper (as in PhD) which is why I had it on my required reading list.
There has to be something that is easier to read. Print is small.