This book explains the fundamental logic of social research in a new and simple way. It also describes in detail the standard stages in the research process and the methodological principles that underlie each of them. The book is primarily aimed at students in the social, educational and human sciences, but researchers in the government; non-governmental organisations and research institutes will also find it useful.
PART ONE: DEVELOPING A CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
Chapter 1: Multiple worlds
Chapter 2: Kinds of knowledge
Chapter 3: Scientific knowledge
Chapter 4: The nature of scientific research
Chapter 5: Research as a journey
Chapter 6: Research as the pursuit of truth (the epistemological dimension)
Chapter 7: Research as methodical and systematic inquiry (the methodological dimension)
Chapter 8: Research as a social practice (the sociological dimension)
Chapter 9: The social world as the object of inquiry (the ontological dimension)
Chapter 10: An integrated model of social science
PART TWO: THE LOGIC OF THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Chapter 11: The process of social research
Chapter 12: The logic of research
Chapter 13: Inductive and deductive reasoning in social research
Chapter 14: Types of reasoning in social research
PART THREE: STAGES IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Chapter 15: Formulating the research problem (cases, variables and relationships)
Chapter 16: Formulating the research problem (research objectives)
Chapter 17: Research design
Chapter 18: Conceptualisation (defining key concepts)
Chapter 19: Conceptualisation (formulating research hypotheses)
Chapter 20: Operationalisation
Chapter 21: Sampling
Chapter 22: Data collection (data sources, reactivity and control)
Chapter 23: Data collection (sources of error)
Chapter 24: Data collection (ensuring reliability)
Chapter 25: Data analysis and interpretation
Chapter 26: Writing the research report
PART FOUR: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF SCIENCE
Chapter 27: Scientific concepts
Chapter 28: Definitions and empirical statements
Chapter 29: Typologies, models and theories
Chapter 30: Social science paradigms
