ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents primarily for students who have never before studied or done empirical social-scientific research. It explores a theme that recurs throughout: There is never a single, standard, correct method of carrying out a piece of research. It deals with empirical research and not with scientific speculation. The book focuses on “getting the facts.” It emphasizes the design and plan of research, rather than the analysis of research data. The book provides special attention to the obstacles to knowledge that one faces in doing research, so as to help in recognizing and overcoming them. It analyses the brass tacks of just how to conduct a piece of research. The book discusses crucial decisions in the research process. It considers the various types of obstacles that nature puts in the way of the fact seeker, and that prevent one from getting valid answers quickly and easily with common sense alone.
