Essentials of Social Research is a well-balanced and engaging treatment of the many facets of doing research. Capturing a trend toward the use of multiple methods and perspectives, the authors weave theoretical insights with interesting findings and applications on a variety of topics. Their use of common examples from one chapter to the next is an innovative way of conveying the value of a multi-method approach to inquiry. And, they let us in on a secret shared by many researchers, which is that research is fun and we enjoy doing it. There is something here for students across the spectrum of the social and behavioural sciences.




* What is meant by the scientific method?
* How do I go about collecting data?
* Should I use qualitative methods, quantitative methods, or both?

Essentials of Social Research is an introductory text designed to provide straightforward, clear answers to the key questions students have about research methods. Written for those with no prior background in social research methodology, it covers the fundamentals of social research, including: types of research, reasoning and data, basic logic of quantitative and qualitative inquiry, major data collection strategies, and the assessment of research findings.

In addition, this handy guide:

* Offers ongoing exercises to illustrate the text material
* Covers basic critical thinking skills
* Emphasizes the complementary contributions of quantitative and qualitative methods
* Provides examples of research from published literature

Essentials of Social Research is key reading for all undergraduate social scientists undertaking research.