Constructing Social Research: The Unity and Diversity of Method

Abstract

Foreword Preface PART I Elements of Social Research 1 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 2 The Goals of Social Research Introduction The Seven Main Goals The Link between Goals and Strategies The Social Nature of Social Research 3 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 4 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 PART II Strategies of Social Research 5 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 6 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 7 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