Constructing Social Research : The Unity and Diversity of Method

by Charles C. Ragin

• ISBN13: 9781412960182
• ISBN10: 1412960185
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-07-14
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

Ideal for capstone courses in undergraduate social science, or as an invitation to social research, this innovative short text shows what is common across three major traditions: qualitative research on commonalities; comparative research on diversity; and quantitative research on relationships among variables. These three strategies provide a solid foundation for the study of all social phenomena, from the examination of the complexities of everyday life to the investigation of the power of transnational processes.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

Elements of Social Research

What is Social Research?

Introduction

Some Conventional Views of Social Research

Social Research and Other Ways of Representing Social Life

Social Research Defined

Journalism and Social Research: The Similarities

How Social Research Differs

The Goals of Social Research

Introduction

The Seven Main Goals

The Link between Goals and Strategies

The Social Nature of Social Research

The Process of Social Research: Ideas and Evidence

Introduction

The Interpretive Model of Social Research

Processes and Strategies of Social Research

The Challenge of Social Research

The Ethics of Social Research

Introduction

Ethical Dilemmas and Failures

The Troublesome History of Ethical Research

The Current Ethical Standards and Institutional Oversight

Ethical and Professional Dilemmas Facing Social Researchers

Strategies of Social Research

Using Qualitative Methods to Study Commonalities

Introduction

The Goals of Qualitative Research

The Process of Qualitative Research

Using Qualitative Methods

The Study of a Single Case

Using Comparative Methods to Study Diversity

Introduction

Contrasts with Other Research Strategies

The Goals of Comparative Research

The Process of Comparative Research

Using Comparative Methods

Using Quantitative Methods to Study Covariation

Introduction

Contrasts with Other Research Strategies

The Goals of Quantitative Research

The Process of Quantitative Research

Using Quantitative Methods

Afterword: The Promise of Social Research with Mary Driscoll

Appendix: Computing Correlation Coefficients

References

Glossary/Index

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