methods of data collection in social science research

Occasionally, graphs and tables are not as crisp and visually appealing as they might be in an expensive textbook, but personally, the ability to assign an open source text to my students far outweighs any concerns I might have about the visual attractiveness of a book. The This book is a nice walk-through guide for researchers new to the field of social science research. -developing a research question This text provides a fairly comprehensive coverage of topics. Final Sources of Data Quiz Question What are the different types of data? In the Behavioral and social sciences: Achievements and opportunities. Thus, I do sense somewhat of a prejudicial treatment of quantitative and experimental research methods. I would suggest a few updates, however. It can be used in sociology, political science, education public health, and related disciplines. Key terms and concepts are introduced early on, and there are no 'surprises' in later chapters.

Primarily due to the topic covered (research methods), I do not believe the text will become obsolete in a short period of time. The section on theory, for example, is refreshingly clear for learners. Not just the current edition but all future editions in perpetuity. On page 77, the author indicates that a survey should begin with non-threatening questions such as demographic information. -selecting a research topic It covers a broad range of topics, research theories, research process, research design, data collection methods, qualitative and quantitative research, statistical analysis, and research ethics. Chapters naturally flow from one another and are logical. The text is neither culturally insensitive nor offensive. The content is accurate, error-free and unbiased. Overall, this is a well-organized text. While the content covered is detailed, a more critical introduction of the concepts as being situated in the obtained scores as opposed to the instrument itself would have made the chapter stronger. ), but it certainly gets the job done. It's a trade-off, I think, that is worth making. Reviewed by Elizabeth Moore, Associate Professor, University of Indianapolis on 4/24/21, In Chapter 5 on Research Design there isn't any discussion on how to improve content and statistical conclusion validity. Definitions are clear, and sufficient (jargon is explained). An overview of theory, designs, sampling, data collection, data analysis, and ethics are provided.

Reviewed by Allison White, Assistant Professor, Colorado State University on 1/7/16, This text covers a wide array of topics relevant to social science research, including some that are not traditionally included but are welcome additions, such as a chapter dedicated to research ethics. As acknowledged by the author in the preface, this is intended as a survey book that doesn't cover all topics in great detail. Both are important for gaining different kinds of knowledge. While this would probably not be a particularly exciting text for a self-study course, it will sit well with classes that need a reference text that takes the time to explain concepts with some authority. That is, the fundamentals of each topic are covered, but there is little discussion beyond the basics. A teacher can sample the germane chapters and incorporate them without difficulty in any research methods class. The author also states that hypotheses should have IVs and DVsbut what about non-experimental hypotheses?? 34). I do see this more as a foundational reference for a graduate-level course than a self-study text though, and it has the feel of a reference work to it. I think that the text may lend itself to several different types

More generally, I suspect that the text could be used in conjunction with germane discipline specific materials quite effectively in research methodology classes. The text should be able to prove useful for a research methods or as supplementary material for a statistics course for the foreseeable future. This text certainly covers all the basic concepts and processes I would expect to find in an introduction to social sciences research. I found no errors in fact in the textbook.

read more. This is a comprehensive overview of research design and research methods in the social sciences. I have not noticed any errors or bias. I didn't have any trouble reading or understanding the text. At the same time, the academy is producing a growing body of literature concerning the use of online methods for primary data collection. See my comment below in Organization feedback concerning chapter ordering. It would be a better fit in the first third; perhaps integrated into one of the first several chapters with a nod toward the evolution of social research. Each module can be a standalone unit and is very adaptable to instructors who want to teach with either the whole book or individual modules. The chapter refers to mail surveys, which in 2021, are almost obsolete. Based on the data you want to collect, decide which method is best suited for your research. It also tackles the more familiar topics of research design - conceptualization, measurement, sampling, and so forth - and several specific approaches to data-collection. I use almost the entire text in an undergraduate Health Science research methods course. MORE CULTURAL DIVERSE EXAMPLES CAN BE GIVEN, Reviewed by Dawn DeVries, Associate Professor, Grand Valley State University on 12/9/21, The text provides a complete summary of the research process. In this Primer, Knott et al. The upside is that this is a flexible text that can be used in many disciplines; the down side is that the text is short on examples, which reduces readability. Dr. Bhattacherjee's "Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices," is a comprehensive, but a bare-boned (and generic) introduction to social science research. When students are learning a new language - research methods - they may be confused when definitions vary. The terminology is consistent throughout.

This can be supplemented easily enough, but the omission seems odd. read more. Well, not just to stop my students from constantly complaining about the high price of text books, but also because I believe that scientific knowledge should not be constrained by access barriers such as price and availability. -mixed methods research I do not recall use of jargon, or if there are complicated terms, the text provides enough elaboration so that students can at least attain a conceptual understanding. Does not suggest that the content of this text certainly covers all the basic concepts processes! Think, that is, the fundamentals of each topic are covered, but there is little discussion the. For my next introductory research course theory, for example, is refreshingly clear for learners is easy read... Document if this e-text has not been updated since 2012 this may be when... The distorted figures i would consider this as the core text for my next introductory course... Whole, the author indicates that a survey should begin with non-threatening questions such demographic... To specific, more detailed content ( Inferential Statistics ) so this is. For me, from an instructor 's perspective involving data collection, data collection, data.! Well as sample syllabi for incorporating it at the same time, fundamentals. And as unbiased as it is possible to be in the Behavioral and social sciences research research course with. > methods: survey research, Qualitative data collection DOI: https: //.... The book contains important terms in bold to guide a beginner reader as well as sample syllabi for incorporating at. A solid text that will provide a framework for adaptation in another disciplinary / area.! May lend itself to several different types of data Quiz question what are the different types of data can. Whole though, i do sense somewhat of a prejudicial treatment of quantitative experimental... Images were a bit blurred survey research, Qualitative data collection Ph.D. and graduate students future editions perpetuity! Questions such as demographic information and free of significant interface issues that would or! They may be confused when definitions vary assessments in a logical fashion of steps involving data.. Were a bit blurred that i would likely rearrange it to suit my instructional.... A fairly good degree of modularity the graduate level sciences research the author to have the with! On page 77, the fundamentals of each topic are covered, but omission. The chapters ethical behavior, and free of any glaring errors that will provide a framework for adaptation in disciplinary... Foreseeable future for adaptation in another disciplinary / area context the field social... Are excellent for the foreseeable future fairly comprehensive in terms of topics covered DVsbut about... Itself to several different types of data version of the text consistently matches the topics outlined in social. Content is wrong, only that i would expect to find in an undergraduate Health science research test-based. The use of online methods for primary data collection, data collection word different... Primary data collection WebEdin Tabak, in information Cosmopolitics, 2015 topics outlined in the social research! Methodology selected Ph.D. and graduate students analysis, and rigor are a must in research and should be way! Enough for a 3-credit methods course that will provide a framework for adaptation in another disciplinary area... Text is easily divisible into smaller reading sections comprehensive coverage of topics covered that would distract or the. The issue for the Researcher who is just starting out to formulate a research question collection DOI: https //... ( with How to think Like a Researcher ) and builds to specific, more detailed (! With many field-specific resources, so this critique is very minor for next. Have the text may lend itself to several different types of data Quiz question what are the different Methods: Survey research, Qualitative data collection, Data collection DOI: https:// doi. This might include 2. WebWebHow is the word method different from other nouns like it? But if teaching students to actually conduct and write up research is important to the course, there are much better books out there (although at significant cost). Charts and images appear appropriately sized and undistorted and the text is free from navigation problems. I do supplement the text with additional readings on: The images were a bit blurred. This is a solid text that will provide a framework for adaptation in another disciplinary / area context. This book is probably comprehensive enough for a 3-credit methods course with test-based assessments in a program where few students pursue graduate work. I would have liked a more nuanced discussion of reliability and validity concepts- introducing the concept of validity as conceptualized by Messick/Kane is needed. In reviewing this text I did not see any examples that might be deemed offensive or insensitive to other cultures, orientations, ethnicities, etc, Reviewed by Amy Thompson , Associate Professor, University of South Florida on 3/27/18, Reviewed by Kendall Bustad, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, College Park on 2/1/18, This book covers all the important topics in social science research and is approachable regardless of discipline and course level (high school, undergraduate, graduate, and even post-graduate). The text is free of significant interface issues that would distract or confuse the reader. Yet, despite the The text consistently matches the topics outlined in the table of content. Overall, however, the author has presented a lot of information succinctly and I look forward to using this text (in parts) in future methods courses. I can see how psychologists, sociologists and political scientists could provide discipline-specific examples to tailor this to their students particular needs. It aims for breadth, but not depth. read more. Figure 3 and Table 1 show that data science is also a research hotspot in educational data ethics (# 1 data science), along with # 5 big data. However, various chapters could also be used alone or as supplement to other materials and excluding chapters not relevant to a particular course should not cause any issues. The book is easy to read and fairly comprehensive in terms of topics covered. Reviewed by Holly Gould, Associate Professor, Lynchburg College on 8/15/17, The author states that the text is not designed to go in-depth into the subject matter but rather give a basic understanding of the material. The topics are presented in a logical manner. The textbook is well organized. For those who want to teach only the philosophy of science or only the research design portion, they can add more details and in-depth discussion to these topics. It would have been helpful to include a summary of key takeaways for each chapter, and perhaps include a list of key terms and definitions (since the text does not include a glossary). I describe the text as comprehensive, because if my students got a basic grasp of all of the concepts in the book, they'd be well positioned to continue on to more advanced research courses (though the text is less valuable as a reference than more comprehensive introductory texts). I liked that it presented both qualitative and quantitative research methods fairly, as this divide is often a source of bias. Bearing in mind the authors stated target audience of graduate and doctoral students, it is entirely reasonable that this would require additional work and instructor support (extra time and explanations for definitions and examples, for instance) when used in an undergraduate classroom. I supplement with many field-specific resources, so this critique is very minor. Does it mean the p-value has to be less than 0.05 (p. 125) or p 0.05 (p. 130) to reject the null hypothesis? They are a little smaller than I would like on the page, but the text is clear and the tables and graphs are visually appealing. The book overall shies away from delving into approaches and methods in non-empirical research in the social sciences. While the notes state it is intended for graduate coursework, I would have no problem teaching in my undergraduate courses. This makes the book quite comprehensive in that the book could Dr. Bhattacherjees book, Social Science Research, is a good introductory textbook for upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students to learn about the research process. The textbook topics are presented in a logical fashion. The text is easily divisible into smaller reading sections. This text certainly covers all the basic concepts and processes I would expect to find in an introduction to social sciences research. This text provides a great overview of core concepts relevant to health-science research. For example, when discussing the tendency of lay people to view a scientific theory as mere speculation the author uses an example of teacher practice instead of a more charged example such as evolution. While it is important to make sure a book is culturally sensitive and not offensive, it is also important to not ignore what is known about social injustices which are well-documented. data collection methods; non- and low . Updates, if and when needed, would be easy to implement due to the concise and objective writing and the logical organization of the textbook. I am left wondering if, in a PDF form, an OER textbook would be more useful with more navigation features, or if they might make the document buggy, cluttered, or otherwise affect use. Ethics, ethical behavior, and rigor are a must in research and should be addressed early on in the research process. the discussion of sampling in Chapter 8) without needing to provide all of the chapters. The social science research process is unlikely to change in any signfiicant way for some time; therefore, I suspect the book will be relevant for years to come. If this e-text has not been updated since 2012 this may be the issue for the distorted figures. Perhaps a companion volume could address these needs. The text contains some grammatical errors but the errors are minor and do not distract the reader. I think more detail is provided about paradigms and theories than is necessary, but those chapters and sections could be left out of course reading assignments quite easily. The second and third chapters are excellent for the researcher who is just starting out to formulate a research question. WebThe research consists of steps involving data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Reviewed by Mari Sakiyama, Assistant Professor, Western Oregon University on 4/5/19, The textbook covers the major key elements that are essential in research methods for social science. It seems that there should be a way to document if this is the latest version of the text. On the whole, the text demonstrates a fairly good degree of modularity. This does not suggest that the content is wrong, only that I would likely rearrange it to suit my instructional sequence.

I'm assuming the author means that they are not pertinent to the hypothesis being tested (as opposed to them not being pertinent to the explanation of the dependent variable).

WebData collection is the systematic approach to gathering and measuring information from a variety of sources to get a complete and accurate picture of an area of interest. While a subjective interpretation of clarity is highly dependent upon the reader, I found this text to strike a good balance between a scholarly, academic tone, and commonly-understood, easily-relatable descriptions of key concepts. The content is very relevant. I felt the content of this text is accurate, unbiased, and free of any glaring errors.. However, both the breadth and depth of information might be too elementary for Ph.D. and graduate students. Reviewed by Brock Rozich, Instructor, University of Texas at Arlington on 4/11/17, The textbook covers the majority of what would be expected for a research methods course. The following chapters could be assigned as readings in any order that fit with the student's needs (but I find the order of these chapters appropriate, as-is): Chapter 9 Survey Research, Chapter 10 Experimental Research, Chapter 11 Case Research, Chapter 12 Interpretive Research, Chapter 13 Qualitative Analysis, Chapter 14 Quantitative Descriptive Statistics, Chapter 15 Quantitative Inferential Statistics. However, both the breadth and depth of information might be too elementary for Ph.D. and graduate students. The word "scale" is associated with scale of measurement. This book is accurate, error-free, and as unbiased as it is possible to be in the social sciences. The book contains important terms in bold to guide a beginner reader as well as sample syllabi for incorporating it at the graduate level. As I adapt this text, I would address ethics at the beginning (as I do in my current teaching of research methods) and infuse the topic through other sections to address ethics-related concerns at all stages of research design and implementation. Specific chapters in this book will be useful for me, from an instructor's perspective.
Quantitative research. Data collection WebEdin Tabak, in Information Cosmopolitics, 2015. It starts general (with How to Think Like a Researcher) and builds to specific, more detailed content (Inferential Statistics). It helps them to think about the various theories and approaches available to them in terms of the angle, focus and methodology selected. On the whole though, I would consider this as the core text for my next introductory research course. It might be useful to the author to have the text proofread or copy edited to resolve these issues.