Conducting Research Social and Behavioral Science Methods [Paperback]

Prepares students to conduct their first empirical research study, with quantitative and qualitative methods covered in detail. Common features as well as differences between the two research approaches are explored.

While theoretical material is included, the emphasis is on providing practical, easy-to-follow advice on how to conduct a first research project.

Unlike most texts with hypothetical examples, this textwith real examples written by a variety of published researchersmakes research methods come alive. Students see how research methods are used to explore important, contemporary problems.

Factual Questions at the end of each chapter help students review key concepts covered in the chapters.

Questions for Discussion encourage students to consider specific techniques and strategies that they might use while conducting their research.

SECTION I PREPARING A PRELIMINARY RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Introduction

Part A Getting Started

1. Selecting Tentative Topics for Empirical Research

2. Locating Literature and Refining a Research Topic

3. Preparing a Literature Review

4. Citing References in APA and ASA Styles

5. Writing Research Hypotheses, Purposes, and Questions

6. Selecting a Research Approach

7. Looking Ahead to Participant Selection

8. Looking Ahead to Measurement

9. Looking Ahead to Data Analysis for Quantitative Research

10. Looking Ahead to Data Analysis for Qualitative Research

11. Preparing a Preliminary Research Proposal

SECTION II REFINING THE PRELIMINARY RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Part B Issues in Participant Selection

12. Participant Selection in Quantitative Research

13. Participant Selection in Qualitative Research

Part C Issues in Measurement

14. Measurementl#(