Need to Know: Social Science Research Methods

by Lisa J. McIntyre

This accessible, alternative approach to mainstream Research Methods titles is written for students who will need to interpret social research in their careers and, more than likely, have opportunities to do research. The book’s focus is on equipping students with the tools both to evaluate research done by others and to do their own research. Exercises in the text help students develop skills and strategies for research, including Internet assignments for finding and evaluating sources. The text provides students with a solid grounding in the relevant aspects of the philosophy of science and thoroughly explains the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods.

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2003

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A colleague of mine uses this book for her methods class. She goes on and on about how great her class is and how much students get out of it. I don't know. Maybe she's using a lot of supplementary materials or something? Because this book is so basic. There's really not a lot of depth. I cannot imagine how this book could be used as a textbook for a semester long class on research methods, esp. if it's set up for a chapter a week. The Political Science Research Methods book that I reviewed recently was much, much better.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another textbook read in my pursuit of a bachelor's degree in psychology. This one had some informative information about doing research.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for school. Very interesting if you plan to be a professional researcher. :-)

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well written for a text book.