Social Research Methods by Example

Social Research Methods by Example shows students how researchers carry out work on the cutting edge of social science. The authors illustrate every point through engaging, thought-provoking examples from real research. The language is jargon-free, making research methods less intimidating and more relatable. The text is divided into three major sections, the first of which introduces students to the principles of research through examples from various fields. The second section walks students through the major types of social science research, with each chapter focusing on a different technique. The third section shows students how to carry out basic quantitative data analysis in SPSS. The final chapter shows how technological advances have changed the way researchers are working, and looks at the direction of social science research in the future. Social Research Methods by Example not only introduces students to the principles of social science research, but gives them a toolbox to carry out their own. By the time they are finished with the book, students will be conversant with many of the most important studies in the history of social science. They will understand not only how to conduct research, but also how the field has evolved over time.