Exploring Research

by Salkind, Neil J.

• ISBN13: 9780130983527
• ISBN10: 0130983527
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

The fifth edition of Exploring Research provides an introduction to research methods in a friendly, approachable writing style. The book explores the use of electronic sources as means to enhance research skills, includes discussions about scientific methods, and the most common types of research in the social and behavioral sciences. Coverage of the research process, problem selection, sampling and generalizability, and the measurement process provides an exhaustive resource for readers seeking to further their research skills. The book also describes how to collect and analyze data, and provides thorough instruction on how to prepare and write a research proposal and manuscript. Principles of data analysis are exemplified using the SR latest version of SPSS. The volume addresses the role and importance of research, the research process, sampling and generalizability, measurement, reliability, and validity, methods of measuring behavior, data collection and descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, nonexperimental research methods, quasi-experimental research methods and writing a research proposal and manuscript. For individuals in business, social work, political science, education and psychology fields that require research.

Table of Contents

Preface	xxi
The Role and Importance of Research	1	(20)
The Research Process: Coming to Terms	21	(18)
Selecting a Problem and Reviewing the Research	39	(46)
Sampling and Generalizability	85	(16)
Measurement, Reliability, and Validity	101	(24)
Methods of Measuring Behavior	125	(22)
Data Collection and Descriptive Statistics	147	(20)
Introducing Inferential Statistics	167	(20)
Nonexperimental Research: Descriptive and Correlational Methods	187	(20)
Nonexperimental Research: Qualitative Methods	207	(16)
Pre- and True Experimental Research Methods	223	(16)
Quasi-Experimental Research: A Close Cousin to Experimental Research	239	(8)
Writing a Research Proposal	247	(12)
Writing A Research Manuscript	259	(24)
Appendix A: An Introduction to SPSS 11.x
Appendix B: Sample Data Set	283	(6)
Appendix C: Answers to Exercises	289	(10)
References	299	(4)
Glossary	303	(10)
Index	313