Social Research : Theory, Methods and Techniques

by Piergiorgio Corbetta

• ISBN13: 9780761972532
• ISBN10: 0761972536
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-04-21
• Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd

Summary

'This is an impressively detailed, clearly written book.... It is a book that I would like students to read' - Clive Seale, Goldsmiths College, London Social Research: Theory, Methods and Techniques presents an understanding of social research practice through appreciation of its foundations and methods. Stretching from the philosophy of science to detailed descriptions of both qualitative and quantitative techniques, it illustrates not only 'how' to do social research, but also 'why' particular techniques are used today. The book is divided into three parts: Part One: Illustrates the two basic paradigms - quantitative and qualitative - of social research, describing their origins in philosophical thought and outlining their current interpretations. Part Two: Devoted to quantitative research, and discusses the relationship between theory and research practice. It also presents a discussion of key quantitative research techniques. Part Three: Examines qualitative research. Topics range from classical qualitative techniques such as participant observation, to more recent developments such as ethnomethodological studies. Overall, the author offers an engaging contribution to the field of social research and this book is a reminder of the solid foundations upon which most social research is conducted today. As a consequence it will be required reading for students throughout the social sciences, and at various levels.

Table of Contents

Introduction

PART ONE: THE LOGIC OF SOCIAL RESEARCH

Paradigms of Social Research

Quantitative and Qualitative Research

PART TWO: QUANTITATIVE TECHNIQUES

From Theory to Empirical Research

Causality and Experimentation

The Survey

Scaling

Official Statistics

Sampling

PART THREE: QUALITATIVE TECHNIQUES

Participant Observation

The Qualitative Interview

The Use of Documents