Approaches to Social Research

Revised and updated in its fifth edition, Approaches to Social Research is a rigorous yet clear and engaging introduction to research methods. Covering all of the fundamentals in a straightforward, student-friendly manner, it is ideal for undergraduate- and graduate-level courses across the social sciences and also serves as an indispensable guide for researchers. Striking a balance between specific techniques and the underlying logic of scientific inquiry, this book provides a lucid treatment of the four major approaches to research: experimentation, survey research, field research, and the use of available data. Richly developed examples of empirical research and an emphasis on the research process enable students to better understand the real-world application of research methods. The authors also offer a unique chapter (13) advocating a multiple-methods strategy.

• Classics of Public Administration
• Practical Program Evaluation: Theory-Driven Evaluation and the Integrated Evaluation Perspective
• Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Generalized Causal Inference
• Seven Rules for Social Research
• Basic Biostatistics: Statistics for Public Health Practice
• An Introduction to the Policy Process: Theories, Concepts, and Models of Public Policy Making
• A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving
• Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method
• Scale Development: Theory and Applications (Applied Social Research Methods)
• The Economics Anti-Textbook: A Critical Thinker's Guide to Microeconomics