chapter 16 research methods in the social sciences

Research Methods for the Social Sciences: An Introduction

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Valerie Sheppard, JIBC

Copyright Year: 2020

Last Update: 2024

Publisher: BCcampus

Language: English

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Table of Contents

• Accessibility Statement
• About This Book
• Chapter 1: Introduction to Research Methods
• Chapter 2: Ethics in Research
• Chapter 3: Developing a Research Question
• Chapter 4: Measurement and Units of Analysis
• Chapter 5: The Literature Review
• Chapter 6: Data Collection Strategies
• Chapter 7: Sampling Techniques
• Chapter 8: Data Collection Methods: Survey Research
• Chapter 9: Analysis Of Survey Data
• Chapter 10: Qualitative Data Collection & Analysis Methods
• Chapter 11: Quantitative Interview Techniques & Considerations
• Chapter 12: Field Research: A Qualitative Research Technique
• Chapter 13: Unobtrusive Research: Qualitative And Quantitative Approaches
• Chapter 14: The Research Proposal
• Chapter 15: Sharing Your Research
• Chapter 16: Reading and Understanding Social Research
• Chapter 17: Research Methods in the Real World
• List of Links

Ancillary Material

About the book.

This textbook provides a broad overview of research methods utilized in sociology. It will be of particular value for students who are new to research methods.

About the Contributors

Valerie Sheppard , JIBC

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Research Methods in the Social Sciences

Psychology in Everyday Life

Eighth edition | ©2015 chava frankfort-nachmias; david nachmias; jack dewaard.

ISBN:9781429233002

Read and study old-school with our bound texts.

With its clear presentation and integration of detailed real-world examples, the acclaimed Research Methods in the Social Sciences accessibly illustrates the relevance of social sciences research without sacrificing key content. The eighth edition includes engaging new studies and examples that explore the use of Twitter feeds in social sciences research, the effect of climate change on human conflict, the use of rational intuition in explaining the Chelyabinsk meteor explosion, and much more. The eighth edition also includes new and expanded coverage of conducting qualitative research, as well as conducting research in our digital age, including the use of the Internet and various computer software packages for retrieving, cleaning, coding, and analyzing "big data."

New to This Edition

Eighth Edition | ©2015

Chava Frankfort-Nachmias; David Nachmias; Jack DeWaard

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Eighth Edition | 2015

Table of Contents

Chava Frankfort-Nachmias

Chava Frankfort-Nachmias is an Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition to Research Methods in the Social Sciences, she is coauthor of Social Statistics for a Diverse Society, coeditor of Sappho in the Holy Land (with Erella Shadmi) and numerous publications on ethnicity and development, urban revitalization, science and gender, and women in Israel. She was the recipient of the University of Wisconsin System teaching improvement grant on integrating race, ethnicity, and gender into the social statistics and research methods curriculum.

David Nachmias

David Nachmias is a Senior Fellow Emeritus at the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) and holds the Romulo Betancourt Chair in Political Science at Tel Aviv University. Professor Nachmias has extensively published and presented papers in the areas of Political Science, Public Administration and Public Policy, both in Israel and abroad. He now serves on the editorial board of Policy Studies Review; and is a member of the American Political Science Association; Midwest Political Science Association; Policy Studies Organization; the International Political Science Association and Israels Political Science Association. His numerous books and articles include: Public Policy in Israel, Frank Cass, 2002; Executive Governance in Israel, Patgrave, 2002 "The Bias of Pluralism: The Redistributive Consequences of Israels New Electoral Law" in A. Arian and Michal Shamir (eds.) The Elections in Israel - 1996, State University of New York Press, 1999.

Jack DeWaard

Jack DeWaard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Graduate Faculty in Population Studies in the Minnesota Population Center at University of Minnesota who specializes in international and internal migration, racial and ethnic stratification and inequality, demography and ecology, and quantitative methods. DeWaard teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on research methods.

Eighth Edition | 2015

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The SAGE Handbook of Quantitative Methodology for the Social Sciences

• David Kaplan - University of Wisconsin - Madison, USA
• Description

Click 'Additional Materials' for downloadable samples "The 24 chapters in this Handbook span a wide range of topics, presenting the latest quantitative developments in scaling theory, measurement, categorical data analysis, multilevel models, latent variable models, and foundational issues. Each chapter reviews the historical context for the topic and then describes current work, including illustrative examples where appropriate. The level of presentation throughout the book is detailed enough to convey genuine understanding without overwhelming the reader with technical material. Ample references are given for readers who wish to pursue topics in more detail. The book will appeal to both researchers who wish to update their knowledge of specific quantitative methods, and students who wish to have an integrated survey of state-of- the-art quantitative methods." —Roger E. Millsap, Arizona State University "This handbook discusses important methodological tools and topics in quantitative methodology in easy to understand language. It is an exhaustive review of past and recent advances in each topic combined with a detailed discussion of examples and graphical illustrations. It will be an essential reference for social science researchers as an introduction to methods and quantitative concepts of great use." —Irini Moustaki, London School of Economics, U.K.

"David Kaplan and SAGE Publications are to be congratulated on the development of a new handbook on quantitative methods for the social sciences. The Handbook is more than a set of methodologies, it is a journey. This methodological journey allows the reader to experience scaling, tests and measurement, and statistical methodologies applied to categorical, multilevel, and latent variables. The journey concludes with a number of philosophical issues of interest to researchers in the social sciences. The new Handbook is a must purchase." —Neil H. Timm, University of Pittsburgh The SAGE Handbook of Quantitative Methodology for the Social Sciences is the definitive reference for teachers, students, and researchers of quantitative methods in the social sciences, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major techniques used in the field. The contributors, top methodologists and researchers, have written about their areas of expertise in ways that convey the utility of their respective techniques, but, where appropriate, they also offer a fair critique of these techniques. Relevance to real-world problems in the social sciences is an essential ingredient of each chapter and makes this an invaluable resource.

The handbook is divided into six sections:

• Scaling • Testing and Measurement • Models for Categorical Data • Models for Multilevel Data • Models for Latent Variables • Foundational Issues

These sections, comprising twenty-four chapters, address topics in scaling and measurement, advances in statistical modeling methodologies, and broad philosophical themes and foundational issues that transcend many of the quantitative methodologies covered in the book.

The Handbook is indispensable to the teaching, study, and research of quantitative methods and will enable readers to develop a level of understanding of statistical techniques commensurate with the most recent, state-of-the-art, theoretical developments in the field. It provides the foundations for quantitative research, with cutting-edge insights on the effectiveness of each method, depending on the data and distinct research situation.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

SAGE 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 www.sagepub.com

“The 24 chapters in this Handbook span a wide range of topics, presenting the latest quantitative developments in scaling theory, measurement, categorical data analysis, multilevel models, latent variable models, and foundational issues. Each chapter reviews the historical context for the topic and then describes current work, including illustrative examples where appropriate. The level of presentation throughout the book is detailed enough to convey genuine understanding without overwhelming the reader with technical material. Ample references are given for readers who wish to pursue topics in more detail. The book will appeal to both researchers who wish to update their knowledge of specific quantitative methods, and students who wish to have an integrated survey of state-of- the-art quantitative methods.”

“This handbook discusses important methodological tools and topics in quantitative methodology in easy to understand language. It is an exhaustive review of past and recent advances in each topic combined with a detailed discussion of examples and graphical illustrations. It will be an essential reference for social science researchers as an introduction to methods and quantitative concepts of great use.”

“David Kaplan and SAGE Publications are to be congratulated on the development of a new handbook on quantitative methods for the social sciences. The Handbook is more than a set of methodologies, it is a journey. This methodological journey allows the reader to experience scaling, tests and measurement, and statistical methodologies applied to categorical, multilevel, and latent variables. The journey concludes with a number of philosophical issues of interest to researchers in the social sciences. The new Handbook is a must purchase.”

"David Kaplan has convened a panel of top-notch methodologians, who take on the challenge in the writing of The SAGE Handbook of Quantitative Methodology for the Social Sciences (SHQM). The result is an engrossing collection of chapters that are sure to add screwdrivers, wrenches, and the occasional buzzsaw to your toolbox. A notable strength of the SHQM is the generally structure of each chapter. The chapters of the SHQM are a worthy accomplishment. The SHQM is both well conceived and well executed, providing the reader with numerous insights and a broader sense for the available tools of the quantitative methodological trade. It is most likely that few readers will have the opportunity to read this book from cover to cover, but should they feel so inspired, they will find the effort both rewarding and thought provoking."

"The Handbook provides an excellent introduction to broad range of state-of-the-art quantitative methods applicable to the social sciences. It shows the breadth and depth of advanced quantitative methods used by social scientists from numerous interrelated disciplines, it is rich with examples of real-world applications of these methods, and it provides suggestions for further readings and study in these areas. It is well worth reading cover-to-cover, and it is a very useful addition to the reference libraries of all quantitative social scientists, applied statisticians, and graduate students."

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the major techniques used in the field.
• Top methodologists and researchers have written about their areas of expertise
• Relevance to real-world problems in the social sciences is an essential ingredient of each chapter and makes this an invaluable resource.
• Indispensable to the teaching, study, and research of quantitative methods.
• Provides the foundations for quantitative research, with cutting-edge insights on the effectiveness of each method.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1. Dual Scaling

Chapter 3. Principal Components Analysis with Nonlinear Optimal Scaling Transfo

Chapter 5. Test Modeling

Select a Purchasing Option

This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge , the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial .

This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods , the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial .

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Research Methods for the Social Sciences

The content in this course was curated by Professor Bill Pelz at Herkimer College / SUNY and is provided under a Creative Commons license.

Table of Contents

• About the Book
• About the Author
• Chapter 1 Science and Scientific Research
• Chapter 2 Thinking Like a Researcher
• Chapter 3 The Research Process
• Chapter 4 Theories in Scientific Research
• Chapter 5 Research Design
• Chapter 6 Measurement of Constructs
• Chapter 7 Scale Reliability and Validity
• Chapter 8 Sampling
• Chapter 9 Survey Research
• Chapter 10 Experimental Research
• Chapter 11 Case Research
• Chapter 12 Interpretive Research
• Chapter 13 Qualitative Analysis
• Chapter 14 Quantitative Analysis Descriptive Statistics
• Chapter 15 Quantitative Analysis Inferential Statistics
• Chapter 16 Research Methods

Course Information

• Welcome to the Course!
• The textbook for this course is an Open Educational Resource.
• Prof Pelz Contact Information
• What is Heutagogy?
• Course Learning Activities
• How Your Course Grade is Determined
• My Expectations of your committment to this class.
• Course Objectives, Student Learning Outcomes, Assessment

Icebreaker Activities

• Poke around...
• Open SUNY Student Orientation
• Practice participating in a Q & A Discussion Forum

Modules 1 - 5

• Learning Module Structure
• Module Overview
• F1: Chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4 Discussion Forum
• Instructions for completing the Reflective Blog

Research Portfolio

• Instructions for completing the Research Portfolio assignment
• Research Portfolio Discussion Forums
• Culminating Activities
• Experimental Psychology Course Survey

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Chapter 13: Unobtrusive Research: Qualitative And Quantitative Approaches

Babbie, E. (2010). The practice of social research (12th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Esterberg, K. G. (2002). Qualitative methods in social research . Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.

Garfinkle, H. (1967). Studies in ethnomethodology. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Gubrium, J. F., & Holstein, J. A. (2000). Analyzing interpretative practice. In N. Denzin & Y.S. Lincoln (Eds.), The handbook of qualitative research (2nd ed.), (pp. 487-508). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Heritage, J. C. (1984). Garfinkel & ethnomethodology. Cambridge: UK. Polity Press.

Krippendorff, K. (2004a). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Krippendorf, K. (2004b). Reliability in content analysis: Some common misconceptions and recommendations. Human Communication Research, 30 (3), 411-433. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2004.tb00738.x

Lombard, M., Snyder-Duch, J., & Campenella Bracken, C. (2010). Practical resources for assessing and reporting intercoder reliability in content analysis research projects. Retrieved from http://matthewlombard.com/reliability/#How%20should%20researchers%20calculate%20intercoder%20reliability%20What%20software%20is%20available

Palys, T., & Atchison, C. (2014). Research decisions: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.) . Toronto, Canada: Nelson Education.

Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and practice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Saylor Academy. (2012). Principles of sociological inquiry: Qualitative and quantitative methods. Washington, DC: Saylor Academy. Retrieved from https://www.saylor.org/site/textbooks/Principles%20of%20Sociological%20Inquiry.pdf

Schutt, R. K. (2012). Investigating the social world: The process and practice of research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Sheppard, V. A., & Fennell, D. A. (2019, August). Progress in public sector tourism policy: Toward an ethic for non-human animals. Tourism Management, 73 , 134-142. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.11.017

Research Methods for the Social Sciences: An Introduction Copyright © 2020 by Valerie Sheppard is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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