Evaluating Information: Guide for Users of Social Science Research (Series in Sociology) - Softcover

Katzer, Jeffrey; Etc.; Cook, Kenneth H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 020100948X ISBN 13: 9780201009484

Publisher: Addison-Wesley, 1978

Synopsis

This book introduces students to social science research from the consumer’s point of view. The authors believe that while social science may not require that every student of the discipline will have to conduct research studies, it is still essential for students to successfully read, understand and evaluate the research published in their field. To that end, the authors of this text have streamlined their narrative, omitting the burden of technical jargon, and focusing on the broad elements common to all kinds of social science research, such as experimental, survey, and case study. Questions to Ask, found at the end of each chapter, highlight the specific criteria to consider when evaluating research and offer a clear and accessible presentation of the general principles in social science research.

About this title

From the Publisher

A new, short chapter on "Practicing" provides a locator key for the authors' evaluations of two research studies, showing the reader where in the evaluations the authors apply the various Questions to Ask.
Two new research articles are provided at the end of the book for students' self-evaluation, in addition to the two author-evaluated research studies.
Schematic drawings now illustrate the thematic framework throughout the book.
An easy-to-read supplement for courses in research methods or courses in which students need to know how to evaluate research in order to write a required research paper.
Written for the user of research data rather than the professional researcher, the book provides a basic orientation to the process of social research as well as criteria to apply in evaluating research studies.
Thematic in approach, it focuses on basic concepts, omitting technical terms and formulas that are important mainly to researchers.
Concepts are helpfully illustrated with humor through engaging cartoons.

About the Author

Jeffrey Katzer is a Professor in the School of Informational Studies at Syracuse University. He received his Ph.D. at Michigan State University.

Kenneth H. Cook received his Ph.D at Syracuse University. Currently, he is a member of the Worldwide Technical Education Services organization at 3Com Corporation in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

Wayne W. Crouch is Principal at Crouch Associates, a management consulting firm in Amherst, Massachusetts. He received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Addison-Wesley
• Publication date: 1978
• ISBN 10: 020100948X
• ISBN 13: 9780201009484
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 192