The Practice of Social Research, 12th Edition / Edition 12

by Earl R. Babbie

Overview

Known as the gold standard of research methods texts, THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH, 12th Edtion, is a comprehensive, straightforward introduction to the field of research as practiced by social scientists. This best-selling text emphasizes the research process by showing readers how to design research studies, introducing the various observation modes in use today, and answering questions about research methods--such as how to conduct online surveys and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH provides the tools readers need to apply social research concepts inside the classroom and out, and as both researchers and consumers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780495598411
Publisher:	Cengage Learning
Publication date:	02/03/2009
Series:	Available Titles CengageNOW Series
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	624
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Earl R. Babbie graduated from Harvard University before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and began teaching shortly thereafter. Credited with defining research methods for the social sciences, Dr. Babbie has written several texts, including the bestselling THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH.

Table of Contents

PART I: AN INTRODUCTION TO INQUIRY. 1. Human Inquiry and Science. 2. Paradigms, Theory, and Social Research. 3. The Ethics and Politics of Social Research. PART II: THE STRUCTURING OF INQUIRY: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE. 4. Research Design. 5. Conceptualization, Operationalization, and Measurement. 6. Indexes, Scales, and Typologies. 7. The Logic of Sampling. PART III: MODES OF OPERATION: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE. 8. Experiments. 9. Survey Research. 10. Qualitative Field Research. 11. Unobtrusive Research. 12. Evaluation Research. PART IV: ANALYSIS OF DATA: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE. 13. Qualitative Data Analysis. 14. Quantitative Data Analysis. 15. The Elaboration Model. 16. Statistical Analyses. 17. Reading and Writing Social Research. Appendix A: Using the Library. Appendix B: GSS Household Enumeration Questionnaire. Appendix C: Random Numbers. Appendix D: Distribution of Chi Square. Appendix E: Normal Curve Areas. Appendix F: Estimated Sampling Error. Appendix G: Twenty Questions a Journalist Should Ask about Poll Results.

Editorial Reviews

"The biggest strength of this book is that it is well written and students find it very approachable. The use of examples is excellent and aids very much in conveying difficult concepts and ideas".--Melanie Arthur, Portland State University

"The principle strength of the Babbie text is its balance of technical information and accessibility for students, as well as, a balanced presentation of qualitative and quantitative research methods…the use of humor in this text is also an enormous asset. I really liked this text--in its approach, presentation, and tenor".

"It is the best methods text--nothing is close to this--over the years it has been perfected".

"This is a very fine textbook in terms of content and style. Babbie covers the key aspects of sociological research methods in a well-organized manner. The book is very well-written and engaging. The examples are interesting, informative, and up-to-date".

From the Publisher