Approaches to Social Research - Hardcover

Singleton, Jr. Royce A.; Straits, Bruce C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195372980 ISBN 13: 9780195372984

Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc, 2009

Synopsis

Revised and updated in its fifth edition, Approaches to Social Research is a rigorous yet clear and engaging introduction to research methods. Covering all of the fundamentals in a straightforward, student-friendly manner, it is ideal for undergraduate- and graduate-level courses across the social sciences and also serves as an indispensable guide for researchers. Striking a balance between specific techniques and the underlying logic of scientific inquiry, this book provides a lucid treatment of the four major approaches to research: experimentation, survey research, field research, and the use of available data. Richly developed examples of empirical research and an emphasis on the research process enable students to better understand the real-world application of research methods. The authors also offer a unique chapter (13) advocating a multiple-methods strategy. New to this Edition: * Many updated examples that are current and relevant to students' daily lives * New examples from an array of disciplines, including the use of experimental design in political science and economics * A revised chapter on ethics, which now appears earlier in the book (Chapter 3) * Extensively revised and updated chapters on survey research (9-10) and writing research reports (17) that incorporate new developments in methodology and technology * A new series of more than 100 key points, set off throughout the text * A more visually appealing interior design featuring tables, large text boxes, figures, and charts * New exercises in every chapter * Updated Instructor's Resource CD including ideas for lecture, discussion, and exercises; review questions; and test items * Companion Website (maintained by the authors) offering a glossary and the following material for each chapter: answers to selected text exercises, true/false and matching quizzes, suggested readings, and web resources

About this title

Review

"Simply stated, this is the best research methods text on the market today. It is comprehensive, coherent, and replete with timely examples and applications. Students frequently remark that this is one text they will not sell back at the end of the term, for it is also a first-rate reference."--Jeffrey L. Crane, University of Hawaii
"I have not found another text that is truly in competition with Singleton and Straits. This text is especially useful in introducing topics to individuals who are unfamiliar with research methods, while challenging those with knowledge of research methods."--Michael Turner, Northeastern University
"This is a clearly written and logically organized research methods text. Singleton and Straits tackle complex issues often ignored in other methods texts."--C. Shannon Stokes, Penn State University

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195372980
• ISBN 13: 9780195372984
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 672