Research Methods in Practice: Strategies for Description and Causation

by Dahlia K. Remler, Gregg G. Van Ryzin

Providing a state-of-the-art introduction to social and policy research methods Imbued with their deep commitment to making methods accessible and meaningful, authors Dahlia K. Remler and Gregg G. Van Ryzin compel students to truly grasp the logic-and limits-of the latest research appearing in academic journals, government reports, and the media. The authors make the coverage spark, emphasizing the critical interpretation and practical application of research findings throughout the text by focusing on causation and real-life data.

Key Features

Reflects current methodological techniques used in interdisciplinary research, as illustrated with many policy-relevant research examples. The realistic trade-offs, uncertainties, habits, and excitement of the research experience come through on every page Covers strategies for both description and causal estimation-and emphasizes the distinction

Appropriate for graduate-level students taking courses such as Research Design and Research Methods in applied disciplines including public affairs/administration, public policy, urban affairs, education, sociology, social work, public health, economics, and criminal justice, this text sets a whole new standard for presenting and learning research methods.

Genres: Nonfiction, Grad School

616 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remler's text was not a 'fun' read, but it certainly was an informative one. She and her colleagues did an admirable job of distilling the finer points of quantitative research (generally) and statistics (more specifically) down to a level where they could be understood by the student at the introductory (to research) level. The text includes numerous real world examples, which helped with comprehension. Further, Remler and Van Ryzin were careful to highlight the importance of practical significance throughout. For those that are interested in both the scholarship and practice-based ramifications of research, such inclusion was refreshing.

Though Remler was diligent in recognizing the benefits and contributions of qualitative research, the text was a bit light on qualitative measures (to be considered a summary book on research methods. Rather, I would rather it be called what it is - an introduction to quantitative research. The text covers numerous quantitative methods, types of studies, etc. and includes basic introductory language on certain statistical calculations.

[Benjamin]

Prof. Remler was my research methods instructor in grad school. I haven't read the book yet, but if the class was any indication it should be good.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want the nitty gritty of research this book is for you. I am reading it for a graduate level course.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

As text books go, this is remarkably easy to read. I can definitely see elements of Professor Van Ryzin's personality in it.