The Basics of Social Research

Book Details

• Author: Earl Babbie

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9788131527269

• Binding: Paperback

• Release Date: 01-01-2015

• Package Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.1 x 1.0 inches

About the Book

This thoroughly revised edition of Earl Babbie's widely-used textbook offers a clear, concise introduction to research methods as practiced by social scientists. It presents an accessible guide to the field, focusing on how research is conducted, why research is essential, and its practical applications in social sciences. The text integrates contemporary examples, such as issues related to terrorism, Alzheimer’s disease, anti-gay prejudice, education, and marijuana legalization, to illustrate the methods in social research and connect students to real-world research scenarios.

The book has an increased emphasis on qualitative research, helping students engage with practical applications and understand theoretical concepts. It strikes a balance between being authoritative and student-friendly, ensuring that students can grasp the fundamental aspects of social research while seeing how it applies to various social issues. The text is divided into structured sections, covering the inquiry process, research design, modes of observation, and data analysis, making it a comprehensive resource for students in social science fields.

Contents

Part One: An Introduction to Inquiry

1. Human Inquiry and Science

2. Paradigms, Theory, and Research

3. The Ethics and Politics of Social Research

Part Two: The Structuring of Inquiry
4. Research Design
5. Conceptualization, Operationalization, and Measurement
6. Indexes, Scales, and Typologies
7. The Logic of Sampling

Part Three: Modes of Observation
8. Experiments
9. Survey Research
10. Qualitative Field Research
11. Unobtrusive Research
12. Evaluation Research

Part Four: Analysis of Data
13. Qualitative Data Analysis
14. Quantitative Data Analysis
15. Reading and Writing Social Research

About the Author

Earl Babbie is a renowned sociologist and author, widely recognized for his contributions to the field of social research methods. He has authored several books and articles on research methodology and social science, and his work is considered foundational in guiding students through the complexities of research design, data analysis, and ethical considerations in social research.