The Illustrated Guide to Social Science Research

The textbook "Social Science Research: A Step-by-Step Guide" provides students with a fun and informative introduction to research concepts, issues, and practices through engaging illustrations and examples. It covers a range of topics and approaches, including survey research, research ethics, sampling, and experimental research, and includes learning objectives, class activities, key terms, helpful hints, and suggestions for further reading. It is essential reading for undergraduate research methodology classes in the social sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 09 July 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Social science research is a complex and multifaceted field that requires a solid understanding of key concepts, issues, and practices. To help students grasp these concepts, an accessible and engaging textbook has been written and illustrated by an experienced teacher of research methods in the social sciences. Each chapter explains research concepts using everyday examples and illustrations, making applied research comprehensive to students. The book covers a range of topics and approaches, including survey research, research ethics, sampling, and experimental research, and includes learning objectives, class activities, key terms, helpful hints, and suggestions for further reading. It is essential reading for any undergraduate research methodology class in the social sciences.

The textbook begins by introducing the basics of research, including the definition of research, the research process, and the different types of research. It then explores the different research methods, including survey research, research ethics, sampling, and experimental research. Each method is explained in detail, with examples and illustrations to help students understand how they work.

One of the key strengths of the textbook is its emphasis on applied research. The authors provide numerous examples of how research can be used to address real-world problems and improve society. This includes examples of research on social inequality, health, education, and the environment. The examples are engaging and relevant, and they help students to see the practical applications of research.

The textbook also includes a range of learning objectives, class activities, and key terms. These objectives help students to focus on the key concepts and skills that they need to learn, and the class activities provide opportunities for students to practice their skills. The key terms are listed in a glossary at the end of the book, making it easy for students to reference them.

In addition to the textbook, the authors have also created a website that provides additional resources for students. The website includes a blog, a forum, and a library of research papers. The blog provides updates on the latest research in the social sciences, and the forum allows students to discuss their research with other students and experts. The library of research papers provides access to a wide range of research papers, making it easy for students to find the information they need.

One of the challenges of teaching social science research is ensuring that students understand the ethical implications of their research. The textbook addresses this issue by providing a comprehensive discussion of research ethics. The authors explain the different ethical principles, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and harm reduction, and provide examples of how these principles can be applied in research.

Another challenge of teaching social science research is ensuring that students are able to collect and analyze data effectively. The textbook provides a step-by-step process for collecting and analyzing data, including survey research, research ethics, sampling, and experimental research. The authors also provide examples of how to analyze data using statistical software, such as SPSS and Excel.

In conclusion, this accessible and engaging textbook helps students to get to grips with key concepts, issues, and practices in social science research through the use of fun and informative illustrations and examples. Written and illustrated by an experienced teacher of research methods in the social sciences, each chapter explains research concepts while using everyday examples and illustrations to make applied research comprehensive to students. The book covers a range of topics and approaches, including survey research, research ethics, sampling, and experimental research, and includes learning objectives, class activities, key terms, helpful hints, and suggestions for further reading. It is essential reading for any undergraduate research methodology class in the social sciences.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032323770