Description
Book SynopsisThis book provides a rigorous yet accessible introduction to the scientific study of sociology and other social sciences. It is designed to provide students with the basic tools needed to be both critical consumers and beginning producers of scholarly social science research.
Trade Review'Kellstedt, Whitten, and Tuch provide an accessible, sophisticated text. With well-chosen examples, they show why a full understanding of research design, theory construction, and causal inference is essential for effective use of our modern toolkit of data analysis techniques.' Stephen L. Morgan, Johns Hopkins University
'A comprehensive and well-written introduction to the techniques and logic of social research. The logic and application of a wide range of methodological techniques are explained eloquently and clearly, and the examples used cut across social science disciplines. This book should be widely used in methods courses across the social sciences.' George Wilson, University of Miami
'This valuable textbook is unique for two reasons: first, it seamlessly integrates theory, research design, and data analysis, providing students with the foundation required to develop empirically grounded research projects that can make theoretical progress in social science. Second, it is accessible and engaging, drawing students in and showing them how stimulating and exciting social research can be.' Michael Hughes, Virginia Tech
Table of ContentsList of Figures; List of Tables; Preface; Acknowledgments; 1. The Scientific Study of Society; 2. The Art of Theory Building; 3. Evaluating Causal Relationships; 4. Research Design; 5. Survey Research; 6. Measuring Concepts of Interest; 7. Getting to Know Your Data; 8. Probability and Statistical Inference; 9. Bivariate Hypothesis Testing; 10. Two-Variable Regression Models; 11. Multiple Regression; 12. Putting it all Together to Produce Effective Research; Appendix A. Critical Values of Chi-square; Appendix B. Critical Values of t; Appendix C. The Λ Link Function for Binomial Logit Models; Appendix D. The Φ Link Function for Binomial Probit Models; References; Index.
