Making Sense of the Social World: Methods of Investigation

by Daniel F. Chambliss, Russell K. Schutt

Ideal for students who need to understand methodologies and results, but who may never undertake major research projects themselves, this text offers an innovative, accurate introduction to social research with balanced treatment of qualitative and quantitative methods, integration of substantive examples and research techniques, and consistent attention to the goal of validity and the standards of ethical practice. This bestseller features a new chapter on evaluation research, a new chapter on research ethics, revised coverage of qualitative methods and updates throughout the text.

Offering a brief, engaging, and sometimes humorous treatment of social research methods, it covers all essential elements of social research methods including validity, causation, experimental and quasi-experimental design, and techniques of analysis. It offers real data and updated examples that emphasize everyday experiences and current issues, new ethics exercises, and  contemporary coverage of web-based research methods. This text is intended for courses in Research Methods offered in departments of sociology, criminal justice, social work, communication, media studies, political science, and public administration.

Genres: Textbooks, School, Reference, Research, Sociology, Social Science, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2003

Reviews

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent when it comes to breaking down what goes into research. You get the ins and outs of how each stage can begin and possibly how to make sure you are doing things in the right way. Qualitative and quantitative research is clearly defined and give an complete dedication to how do determine what you have. Then it provide you with steps to put together your own research paper.

[Elyrria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to go through this entire book with a student I was mentoring for a research project/class, so this counts as a read. More oriented toward qualitative research. A lot of the questions at chapter ends had outdated SPSS steps, so students who aren't familiar with it will probably feel lost at times.

[Kei · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for anyone who wants to learn qualitative research.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was assigned as a textbook for my research methods class as an undergraduate. Great introduction to research methods.

[Mills College Library]

303.37207 C4459 2016