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Offering an engaging and entertaining introduction to research methods, this is a practical and easy-to-use companion for all new researchers and students in the social sciences. Covering all the key stages of the research process, this book guides students in navigating some of the biggest challenges in developing a research project.

This book:

  • Uses real-life everyday examples, connecting research methods to your experiences
  • Includes dedicated chapters on identifying a research question, ethics and writing up your findings
  • Comprises an array of activities, tips, illustrations and international case studies
  • Covers qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research

Bringing methods to life for students across the social sciences, this book will provide you with the confidence you need to get your research off the ground.


 
I. Introduction
 
Chapter 1: What is Social Science Research?
 
Chapter 2: Research Ethics
 
Chapter 3: Identifying a Research Question
 
Chapter 4: Conducting the Literature Review
 
II. Argumentation
 
Chapter 5: Building Effective Concepts
 
Chapter 6: Making Strong Arguments
 
III. METHOD AND CASE SELECTION
 
Chapter 7: Method Selection
 
Chapter 8: Mixed Methods Research
 
Chapter 9: Case Selection
 
IV. QUALITATIVE METHODS AND ANALYSIS
 
Chapter 10: Interviews
 
Chapter 11: Focus Groups
 
Chapter 12: Participant Observation
 
Chapter 13: Process Tracing
 
Chapter 14: Comparative Case Method
 
V. QUANTITATIVE METHODS AND ANALYSIS
 
Chapter 15: Measurement
 
Chapter 16: Quantitative Data
 
Chapter 17: Content Analysis
 
Chapter 18: Surveys
 
Chapter 19: Experiments
 
Chapter 20: Observational Studies
 
V. CONCLUSION
 
Chapter 21: Social Scientific Writing
 
Glossary
 
Notes
 
Index

Supplements

Watch Videos
A series of quick videos explaining and contextualizing key concepts in social scientific research.

Did not fit course sequence

Dr Evan Roberts
Sociology, Uni Of Minnesota-Twin Cities
October 29, 2019
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