Making Sense of the Social World: Methods of Investigation

"First, I would adopt--not just consider--this book. The writing style is direct and easy to follow. The issues are treated in context, with good examples. The authors do a great job of presenting the material in a way that prevents students from asking "how is this relevant to what I do?" I do wish I had written this book myself."

-- Ronald Perry, Arizona State University

"The text's strengths, bottom line, are that it's casual and accessible, yet thorough and accurate. It is very up-to-date using good examples from very contemporary social science research."

-- Mark Edwards, Oregon State University

"The strength of this text is in its brevity. In a one semester course, it is impossible to cover all the topics in a comprehensive text in any depth. I would rather my students learn the fundamentals of doing research -- a few topics in depth. They can then build on this knowledge, if they need to, in order to learn new types of analysis. I also like the types and varieties of exercises included in the text."

--Ann Marie Kinnell, University of Southern Mississippi

Many students approach the subject of social science research methods with a sense of anxiety. It is a dreaded requirement or a means to an end. These students need a more comprehensible than comprehensive approach to research methods. They require a text that is fun to read as well as challenging; relevant to everyday experience as well as a necessary foundation for more advanced courses.

 Making Sense of the Social World: Methods of Investigation presents an engaging, accessible, and accurate introduction to social research. AuthorsDaniel F. Chambliss and Russell K. Schutt present the logic and essential techniques of research methods with a light, readable writing style and without skimping on critical concepts or recent developments. More than a brief derivative of Schutt's widely successful Investigating the Social World, this compelling volume focuses on validity as a unifying concept and supplies an integrated treatment of research ethics and research practices with innovative examples and exercises.

Designed for maximum impact and minimal frustration, this reader-friendly text includes

• Substantive examples drawn from everyday experience and current social issues
• A thorough treatment of qualitative methods
• Stimulating, straightforward exercises and engaging prose retain student interest
• A CD-ROM with key concepts, qualitative analysis software, data for SPSS analysis, and links to related Web sites
• Companion study site on the Web at pineforge.com/mssw2 with interactive self-quizzes, electronic flash cards, Web-driven research activities and more to help students master the content while doing some Web-based research.

 Intended as a methods text for Sociology, Criminal Justice, Media Studies, Political Science, and Public Administration undergraduate students, Making Sense of the Social World is indispensable reading for anyone who needs a functional understanding of research methods.