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Understanding Social Science Research
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Understanding Social Science Research

Second Edition

December 2001 | 288 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
The ability to read published research critically is essential and is different from the skills involved in undertaking research using statistical analysis. This New Edition of Thomas R Black's best-selling text explains in clear and straightforward terms how students can evaluate research, with particular emphasis on research involving some aspect of measurement. The coverage of fundamental concepts is comprehensive and supports topics including research design, data collection and data analysis by addressing the following major issues: Are the questions and hypotheses advanced appropriate and testable? Is the research design sufficient for the hypothesis? Is the data gathered valid, reliable and objective? Are the statistical techniques used to analyze the data appropriate and do they support the conclusions reached?

Each of the chapters from the New Edition has been thoroughly updated, with particular emphasis on improving and increasing the range of activities for students. As well, coverage has been broadened to include: a wider range of research designs; a section on research ethics; item analysis; the definition of standard deviation with a guide for calculation; the concept of `power' in statistical inference; calculating correlations; and a description of the difference between parametric and non-parametric tests in terms of research questions.

Understanding Social Science Research: An Introduction 2nd Edition will be key reading for undergraduate and postgrduate students in research methodology and evaluation across the social sciences.


 
Evaluating Social Science Research
An Overview

 
 
Questions and Hypotheses
 
Research Designs and Representativeness
 
Data Quality
 
Descriptive Statistics
Graphs and Charts

 
 
Descriptive Statistics
Indicators of Central Tendency and Variability

 
 
Statistical Inference
 
Correlational Studies
 
Parametric Tests
 
Non-parametric Tests
 
Controlling Variables and Drawing Conclusions
 
Planning Your Own Research

Offers undergraduate students a reliable and practical guide to research methods

Mr Stephen Whattam
applied criminal justice studies, university of bradford
August 29, 2011

New to the 2nd edition:

  • Updated chapters with new and improved activities for students
  • Coverage of a wider range of research designs
  • A section on research ethics
  • Coverage of item analysis; the definition of standard deviation with a guide for calculation; the concept of `power' in statistical inference; calculating correlations; and the difference between parametric and non-parametric tests

Sage College Publishing

You can purchase or sample this product on our Sage College Publishing site:

Go To College Site

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.