Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This original textbook provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to using quantitative methods in the social sciences. Thomas R Black guides the student and researcher through the minefield of potential problems that may be confronted, and it is this emphasis on the practical that distinguishes his book from others which focus exclusively on either research design and measurement or statistical methods.
Focusing on the design and execution of research, key topics such as planning, sampling, the design of measuring instruments, choice of statistical text and interpretation of results are examined within the context of the research process.
In a lively and accessible style, the student is introduced to
Synopsis
In a lively and accessible style, the student is introduced to research design issues alongside statistical procedures and encouraged to develop analytical and decision-making skills.
Synopsis
At lastua lucid, comprehensive, and integrated approach to using quantitative methods in the social sciences. Author Thomas R. Black's method focuses on designing and executing research so that issues such as planning, sampling, designing measurement instruments, choosing statistical tests, and interpreting results are integrated into the research process. Black's how-to approach guides the student and researcher through the minefield of issues they are confronted with when doing research, as well as setting it apart from other books that focus on either research design and measurement issues or statistical methods. Written in a lively, accessible style, the student is introduced to research design issues along with statistical procedures necessary for data analysis that develops the student's analytical skills and decision-making powers. An ideal textbook for students across the social sciences, Doing Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences includes a wide range of examples and activities providing the student with a solid foundation in research design, measurement, and statistics.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 741-745) and index.
Table of Contents
Pt. I. Introduction to research design. The nature of enquiry -- Beginning the design process -- Initial sources of invalidity and confounding -- Basic designs -- Identifying populations and samples -- Additional sources of confounding by the measurement process and interactions -- Refining the designs -- pt. II. Measurement design. Principles of measurement and collecting factual data -- Measuring attitudes, opinions and views -- Measuring achievement -- Evaluating data quality: determining instrument reliability and validity -- pt. III. Turning data into information using statistics. Descriptive statistics using a spreadsheet -- Probability and statistical significance -- Power, errors, and choosing gas -- pt. IV. Ex post facto, experimental and quasi-experimental designs: parametric tests. Comparing two groups: t-test -- One-way analysis of variance -- Factorial designs -- Randomized block designs and analysis of covariance -- pt. V. Nonparametric tests: nominal and ordinal variables. Nonparametric tests: one and two samples -- Nonparametric tests: multiple and related samples -- pt. VI. Describing non-causal relationships. Correlation and association -- Regression -- Postscript -- Appendix A: An introduction to spreadsheets -- Appendix B: Statistical tables -- Glossary of mathematical symbols, equations and Excel functions.