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Canadian Scholars’ Press

Subjects

Philosophy / Research Theory and Methods / Sociology

444 pages

6.75 x 9.75 inches
November 2019
Print ISBN: 9781773381541

Overview

Now in its second edition, Research Methods offers students a highly accessible and engaging introduction to research methodology from a uniquely Canadian perspective. This text examines both qualitative and quantitative research methods from the early planning stages to writing proposals and reports, including common errors in reasoning and research, alongside inquiry paradigms, theoretical frameworks, and relevant literature reviews. It also covers ethics, design and measurement, sampling, experiments, and surveys, as well as unobtrusive methods, qualitative interviewing, ethnography, mixed-methods, and multiple-method approaches. New to this edition are sections on Indigenous knowledges and the need for decolonizing methods, emerging practices and technologies, expanded information on theory and data analysis, a student sample research report and poster presentation, updated figures and statistics, and current online resources. Designed to bring research methods to life in a manner that sparks students’ interest in exploring the social world around them, this text is an ideal resource for students in sociology, social work, and anthropology who are completing the research methods component of their degree.

FEATURES

includes key terms, learning objectives, test yourself questions, research on the net boxes, research in action boxes, research reflection questions, learning through practice exercises, research resources, and chapter summaries
applies a learning-through-practice approach, that encourages students to apply developing research skills to corresponding activities
incorporates contemporary examples from research by Canadian researchers

Related Titles

Preface

Acknowledgements

Part I: Preparing for Research

Chapter 1: Research Foundations

Chapter 2: The Importance of Theory

Chapter 3: Research Ethics

Chapter 4: Research Design and Measurement

Chapter 5: Sampling

Part II: Approaches to Research

Chapter 6: Experiments

Chapter 7: Surveys

Chapter 8: Unobtrusive Methods

Chapter 9: Qualitative Interviewing

Chapter 10: Ethnography

Chapter 11: Mixed Methods and Multiple Methods

Part III: Writing up Research and the Dissemination of Findings

Chapter 12: Writing Research Proposals and Reports

Appendix

About the Author

Glossary

References

Index

Diane Symbaluk

Diane Symbaluk is a Professor of Sociology at MacEwan University who teaches criminology, social psychology and research methods. She helped establish the research ethics policy, ethics board, and ethics appeal structure that continue to guide research at MacEwan University. She is the twice recipient of MacEwan’s Distinguished Teaching Award (2018, 2013), Chair of the Sociology Outstanding Undergraduate Research Awards Committee, and she also serves as an adjudicator for academic integrity hearings.

Reviews

"Diane Symbaluk has written an instrumental primer for postsecondary students. Presenting an assortment of social research methods delineated by study questions and objectives and drawing on research shepherded by Canadian scholars, Symbaluk ensures more intimate connections to the material for students. Her passion for teaching is unmistakeable, and the book’s pedagogy will undoubtedly help students succeed in the often daunting world of research methods."
—Kimberley Ducey, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Winnipeg

"This text teaches key concepts associated with design, measurement, and methodological approaches that are utilized within a wide array of research. Students are offered the opportunity to engage in broad discussions from the use of theoretical paradigms to the deployment of a mixed methodological approach. Promoting a learning through practice approach with the inclusion of a chapter solely dedicated to how research can be disseminated should appeal to many instructors who want students to employ research proposals within their curriculum."
—Michael Seredycz, Assistant Professor, Sociology, MacEwan University

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Research Methods, Second Edition

Exploring the Social World in Canadian Contexts, Second Edition