Unobtrusive Measures


Book Description

Thirty-five years ago, the four authors of this book addressed the problem of validity in social science research. This revised edition builds on the earlier version's drive to justify novel techniques of survey and archival research. Richly illustrated throughout, the purpose of this book is to authorize and motivate ingenuity in obtaining information. The authors combine very different methods so that research results can withstand the 'threats to validity' which so frequently invalidate single-measure, conventional research.




The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods


Book Description

Bringing together the work of over eighty leading academics and researchers worldwide to produce the definitive reference and research tool for the social sciences, The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods contains more than 230 entries providing the widest coverage of the all the main terms in the research process. It encompasses philosophies of science, research paradigms and designs, specific aspects of data collection, practical issues to be addressed when carrying out research, and the role of research in terms of function and context. Each entry includes: - A concise definition of the concept - A description of distinctive features: historical and disciplinary backgrounds; key writers; applications - A critical and reflective evaluation of the concept under consideration - Cross references to associated concepts within the dictionary - A list of key readings Written in a lively style, The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods is an essential study guide for students and first-time researchers. It is a primary source of reference for advanced study, a necessary supplement to established textbooks, and a state-of-the-art reference guide to the specialized language of research across the social sciences.




Methodology and Epistemology for Social Sciences


Book Description

Selections from the work of an influential contributor to the methodology of the social sciences. He treats: measurement, experimental design, epistemology, and sociology of science each section introduced by the editor, Samuel Overman. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.







Unobtrusive Methods in Social Research


Book Description

Social researchers often collect "self-report" data based on interviews and surveys. There are major problems associated with the "reactive" nature of these data, for example, people are not always honest when asked to supply information on "sensitive issues". Unobtrusive methods produce data that are not elicited in this way. Instead data are "found" in the word, captured from various forms of observation or are retrieved from data repositories of various kinds. The production of unobtrusive methods requires considerable ingenuity on the part of the researcher and this book explores the methods involved and how they are produced. There are also ethical problems associated with unobtrusive methods which are discussed in the book. The Internet promises to be a major source of unobtrusive data and so is discussed in some detail.




The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods


Book Description

Featuring over 900 entries, this resource covers all disciplines within the social sciences with both concise definitions & in-depth essays.




Transpersonal Research Methods for the Social Sciences


Book Description

There is no shortage of research methods that are easily applied to the study of everyday human experience. How, though, does one attempt to study extraordinary human experiences ultimate values and meanings, peak experiences, transcendence, and heightened awareness, among others? Authors William Braud and Rosemarie Anderson introduce a series of transpersonal research methods that are intended to help researchers develop new ways of knowing and methods of inquiry. While these methods will be of particular interest to researchers in transpersonal psychology, humanistic psychology, or transpersonal studies applied to traditional fields, the authors argue that these approaches with their emphasis on developing intuition, empathy, self-awareness can benefit anyone involved in the research enterprise. With its solid grounding in transpersonal studies and extensive coverage of qualitative approaches without ignoring quantitative approaches, Transpersonal Research Methods for the Social Sciences will be an invaluable addition to the libraries of researchers across many disciplines, as well as a supplement in research methods courses.




Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences


Book Description

Qualitative Research Methods - collection, organization, and analysis strategies This text shows novice researchers how to design, collect, and analyze qualitative data and then present their results to the scientific community. The book stresses the importance of ethics in research and taking the time to properly design and think through any research endeavor.