Author: Donileen R. Loseke

Pub Date: February 2012

Pages: 216

Learn more about this book

About the Book

This book focuses on the underlying logic of social research and encourages students to understand research methods as a way of thinking. The book provides an overview of the basic principles of social research, including the foundations of research (data, concepts, theory), the characteristics of research questions, the importance of literature reviews, measurement (conceptualization and operationalization), data generation techniques (experiments, surveys, interviews, observation, document analysis) and sampling. Relationships among these components of research are stressed, and the repeated, explicit lesson throughout these pages is that it is not possible to argue that one or another form of research is “better” than any other and that good researchers understand the differences among—and appreciate the capabilities of—different tools.

Student Study Site

This Student Study Site is intended to enhance students' understanding of Methodological Thinking: Basic Principles of Social Research Design. Please note that all the materials on this site are especially geared toward maximizing the potential for your understanding of the material.