Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches

"For an answer to almost every question in getting started on a particular topic in research methodology, ‘Read Bernard!’

--Charles Kadushin, Sociology, City University of New York

At last, a social research methods text for students and future researchers who need to use both words and numbers in their research The purpose of this book is to explain and demonstrate to students when to use and how to apply the quantitative and qualitative techniques that they’ll need to do their own social research. Using actual examples from psychology, sociology, anthropology and education, this book provides readers with a conceptual understanding of each technique and shows them how to use it. Social Research Methods shows that a book on research methods can incorporate comprehensiveness, sophistication, and clear writing. It conveniently packages nearly everything one needs to know or think about before or while carrying out social and behavioral research.

THREE REASONS BERNARD’S TEXT IS THE BOOK FOR YOU:

1. Thorough coverage of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to social research

2. Detailed descriptions and explanations of actual research studies that provide readers with a "snapshot" of the research process

3. Creative learning aids enhance reader’s understanding and utilization of the material.

• Opening Chapter Objectives and Introduction: Give readers a "context" for the chapter’s material as well as providing a quick review of the chapter’s major concepts.
• Highlighted Research Stories: Great research stories, selected for their pedagogical value, are subtly highlighted to illustrate major concepts and principles.?
• ?Numbered Steps: Methods like experiments, questionnaires, and participant observation are broken down into a series of numbered, highlighted steps so as to make them easier to locate for review.
• Research Exercises: Provide readers with experiences of actual research steps and studies that they can complete as practice or homework after reading each chapter.
• Suggestions for Further Readings: Grouped by category so that readers can pursue topics that may be of particular interest to them.

In additon, click here to learn about Field Methods, the journal edited by H. Russell Bernard.