Research Methods and Society

Designed to help students acquire basic skills in the methods of social science research. The book uses a straightforward writing style to present essential information, without eliminating key concepts, tools, and their applications. Topics are illustrated in ways that are student-centered, yet instructor-friendly. Research Methods and Society, Third Edition is designed to help undergraduate students acquire basic skills in methods of social science research. These skills provide a foundation for understanding research findings in the social sciences and for conducting social research. Just as important, such skill-sets and principles can be applied to everyday situations to make sense of the endless stream of claims and counterclaims confronted daily in print and electronic forms, including social media. Key features of this book include: Straightforward prose, including key concepts and tools. Concrete and everyday examples and "hands-on" practice activities and Applications designed to be interesting and useful to students. Organization to accommodate term-length research projects. Chapter Summaries and Review Sheets. Assignments to meet specific learning goals: Evaluation of key excerpts from research reports published in professional journal articles and popular press. Analysis of secondary data (e.g., from the General Social Survey). Analysis of primary data from mini–research projects. Combinations of methods applications using more than one activity (e.g., evaluating published reports and completing secondary data analysis or mini-projects). New to Third Edition: New chapter, "Ethics and Social Science Research." Many new and updated citations, including from international sources. References to Internet survey tools and software: how to find data online, what to consider, and how to choose. References to noteworthy, informative media from online sources (e.g., Annenberg Learning, universities, weblogs, YouTube). Supplemental Instructor Materials: Instructor’s Manual, Test Bank, PowerPoint presentations.