How it's Done: An Invitation to Social Research

Table of Contents:
1. The Uses of Social Research. 2. The Relationship Between Theory and Research. 3. Ethics and Social Research. 4. Selecting Researchable Topics and Questions. 5. Sampling. 6. Measurement. 7. Cross-sectional, Longitudinal, and Case Study Designs. 8. Experimental Research. 9. Questionnaires and Structured Interviews. 10. Qualitative Interviewing. 11. Observational Techniques. 12. Using Available Data. 13. Content Analysis and Comparing Methods. 14. Applied Social Research. 15. Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis. Appendixes. A. Writing the Research Report. B. Random Number Table. C. Checklist for Preparing a Research Proposal. Glossary. References.

Review :
Dennis Downey, University of Utah; "I adopted How It's Done because it is well-written and concise. I found it to be written in a very straightforward and accessible style. Students have no problem following it and understanding the ideas presented. In part, that is because I think it is pitched at the right level; that is, it does not get bogged down in side issues or non-fundamentals that will only distract students." "I think the authors have done a good job of illustrating the various research methods through their "Focal Research" sections. They did a great job of choosing research segments." "I like and use the focus research sections extensively. For each chapter, I spend significant time discussing the focal research sections with students." "I would describe it as a concise and well-written presentation of the fundamentals of research methods. I can highly recommend it as a very sold basic text." John Mitrano, Central Connecticut State University; "I am impressed by the folksy language and tone the authors use throughout the text-very accessible without being condescending." "In general, a well-written, comprehensive methods text that introduces students to the basics of social research and the research process." Scott Myers, Montana State University; "I was very pleased with the tone and writing style of this text. It did a great job of juggling formality and informality, and I'm sure that students respond positively to this text." "Stop & think- Great! Perfect for class discussions." Ronda Priest, University of Southern Indiana; "I find the writing style extremely accessible to junior/senior level college students." "I really like the Stop & Think exercises. They easily transfer to discussion & possible exam questions for class." "A well written compact text that is full of real-life research examples. I would recommended this to a new faculty who is just starting out teaching the research methods course."