Doing Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences
An Integrated Approach to Research Design, Measurement and Statistics
- Thomas R Black - University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
`There is much that is excellent about this book. If all educational researchers had studied it thoroughly, especially the sections on research design, representative samples and confounding variables, then there might be less publication of sweeping statements based on insufficient evidence' - British Educational Research Journal
Very nice and readable book. I recommend it to all my students and refer to it frequently in my teaching
Not an easy read for novices
I personally found this book a very interesting read, but unfortunately this is not pitched at an appropriate level for our students. This is not a comment on the book, rather the structure of our course(s) and the outputs that our students are expected to produce. Many thanks.
Doing quantitative research in the social sciences an integrated approach to research design, measurement and statistics contains 22 chapters which are divided into six main parts.
Part one introduction to research design consists of seven chapters which introduce the reader to the nature of data in terms of its multiple sources and discusses the differences between empirical and non-empirical approaches to gathering data, as well as the advantage of using a scientific approach to conducting research with respect to using rigorous and methodical processes and techniques. Also, covered in part one are the issues researchers face when planning and designing research with regards to answering research questions and providing evidence of the validity of hypotheses being tested, in addition to working with and measuring variables. This section concludes with what the researcher should consider when identifying population(s) from which to sample from and part one presents a summary of the techniques which can be employed when selecting a sampling strategy, as well as key issues to consider associated with each sample strategy.
Part two measurement design consists of four chapters which focus mainly on attitude surveys measuring attitudes, opinions and views in relation to what the results from these types of instruments indicate and reveal about a given area or phenomena. Also covered in this section is the importance of construct validity with respect to enhancing the reliability of research designed instruments for gathering and measuring data, in addition to, checking the reliability and validity of instruments.
Part three turning data into information using statistics consists of three chapters which discuss the advantages of using a spreadsheet to generate frequency tables, graphs and charts, as well as how to prepare data for comparing different groups of data. The theory discussed within this section relate to probability and statistical significance with respect to the types of data which can be analysed and the effect the distribution of the data can have on the results in relation to the degree which statistical inference can be inferred. The effect that power and errors can have on data with regards to setting up significance levels and testing hypotheses are also covered in this section.
Part four ex post facto, experimental and quasi-experimental designs: parametric tests consists of four chapters and discuss the differences between experimental and quasi-experimental research designs and the types of parametric tests which can be applied when analysing and interpreting data generated from making comparisons between groups when comparing means differences.
Part five nonparametric tests: nominal and ordinal variables consists of two chapters which present an alternative to using parametric tests and discusses when to use nonparametric tests and the types of tests that can be used as a nonparametric equivalent to parametric tests for comparing medians as apposed to means differences.
Part six describing non-causal relationships consists of two chapters which cover correlation and the differences between experimental and nonexperimental research and when correlation should be used, as well as the benefits of using scatter diagrams to aid in the interpretation of correlations by representing the results graphically to determine the strength of the relationship between two variables. Regression and linear regression equations are discussed in relation to mathematical theory, a well as using two dimensional and three dimensional scatter diagrams to display frequencies and standard deviations.
Appendix provides a useful introduction to using spreadsheets for presenting data analysed diagrammatically and how to amend or update information to a completed spreadsheet of data. The appendix also presents a helpful set of statistical tables showing: (1) areas under the normal distribution; (2) critical values for significance for a one-tailed test; (3) critical values for the F-distribution; (4) critical values for F-distribution as well as other useful tables. A glossary of mathematical symbols, equations and excel functions along with a definition and description of their function are provided, as well as a bibliography of helpful references. Helpful check lists are provided within chapters for the reader to check their knowledge and understanding of the information being presented in chapters.
This text covers the theory behind conducting quantitative research in the social sciences. The main focus of this book is on the theory underpinning research design and analysis using statistical techniques to test data gathered from survey questionnaires. The reading level of this text is accessible for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorial students, as well as researchers working with quantitative data on research projects. This book is recommended as essential reading and reference material for anyone using a quantitative approach to research within the social science.
A well written text-book that gives learners and teachers of quantitative research an in-depth understanding of the quantitative paradigm.
Provides a good overview of all statistical methods
This book has met my expectations, additionaly I would be happy if it has SPSS applications, but excel applications are also fine. Thanks for sending it. I'll benefit it for my course.
Budget cuts have forced us to not adopt a BSN program at this time.
this text is recommended for student much further in their masters degree study. it is very detailed and includes some intense statistical tests. I have made my students aware of it to consult as they progress through the masters level programme
Sage College Publishing
