ABSTRACT

First published in 1996. This book is designed to help students acquire basic skills needed to comprehend social and behavioural science research reports. These skills are needed to understand research results that we confront in our everyday lives in magazines, newspapers, on television, and elsewhere. It includes a guide and a workbook.

part A|18 pages

Introduction to Social and Behavioral Science Research

chapter Topic 1|6 pages

The Research Process

chapter Topic 2|6 pages

Scientific Approach

chapter Topic 3|6 pages

Nonscientific Approach

part B|34 pages

Theory, Measurement, and Time in Research

chapter Topic 4|4 pages

Theory and Hypotheses

chapter Topic 5|6 pages

Operational Definitions and Variables

chapter Topic 6|6 pages

Types of Measures

chapter Topic 7|6 pages

Composite Measures

chapter Topic 8|8 pages

Reliability and Validity

chapter Topic 9|4 pages

Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Studies

part C|52 pages

Methods of Data Collection

chapter Topic 10|6 pages

Participant Observation

chapter Topic 11|4 pages

Nonparticipant Observation

chapter Topic 12|6 pages

Content Analysis

chapter Topic 13|6 pages

Historical Research

chapter Topic 14|6 pages

Personal Interview

chapter Topic 15|4 pages

Telephone Interview

chapter Topic 16|6 pages

Mail Questionnaire

chapter Topic 17|4 pages

Randomized Experiment

chapter Topic 18|6 pages

Evaluation Research

chapter Topic 19|4 pages

Integrating Methods of Data Collection

part D|42 pages

Samples and Sampling

chapter Topic 20|6 pages

Population and Sample

chapter Topic 21|4 pages

Convenience Sample

chapter Topic 22|6 pages

Snowball Sample

chapter Topic 23|4 pages

Simple Random Sample

chapter Topic 24|4 pages

Stratified Random Sample

chapter Topic 25|6 pages

Systematic Sample

chapter Topic 26|6 pages

Multistage Cluster Sample

chapter Topic 27|6 pages

Theoretical Sample

part E|47 pages

Data Analysis and Beyond

chapter Topic 28|6 pages

Univariate Analysis

chapter Topic 29|6 pages

Bivariate Analysis

chapter Topic 30|6 pages

Trivariate Analysis

chapter Topic 33|6 pages

Linking Theory, Hypotheses, and Findings

chapter Topic 34|6 pages

Research into Practice

chapter Topic 35|5 pages

Developing Research Strategies