Applied Social Research

2008
ISBN: 978-1-4202-5612-3
Verlag: Macmillan Education UK

Buch, Englisch, 320 Seiten, Format (B × H): 190 mm x 249 mm

Applied Social Research focuses on the real world context of applied research. It discusses the often overlooked, yet essential process of planning: poor planning inevitably produces inadequate research. The text helps researchers decide how to approach their applied research problems and to think through the major issues in the design and analysis of their project. 'Applied Social Research' also discussed the idea that in applied social research the use of a single method type is unlikely to provide answers to the often complex set of research questions being addressed and highlights the benefits of using two or more research methods in the one study. The author argues that such mixed method designs are becoming widely used in applied social research, particularly where the methods combine qualitative and quantitative data, thereby enabling a richer set of data to provide various perspectives on the research topic, removing limitations imposed by using single methods. Examples of such designs are provided throughout, useful mixed method designs are outlined and their advantages discussed.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Hall, NA

Inhaltsverzeichnis

PART A: THE NATURE OF APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH CHAPTER 1. CHARACTERISING SOCIAL RESEARCH Introduction Types of Social Research Locations of Social Research Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Readings CHAPTER 2. FEATURES OF APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH Introduction Differences between Applied and Basic Research Similarities between Basic and Applied Research Features of Applied Social Research Validity in Applied Social Research Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading PART B: PLANNING APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH CHAPTER 3. CHOOSING THE RESEARCH TOPIC Introduction The Research Brief The Research Proposal The Research Contract Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 4. ASSESSING SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH FINDINGS: LITERATURE REVIEWS, RESEARCH SYNTHESES AND META-ANALYSES Introduction Role of the Literature Review Approaches to Reviewing Literature Focus and Aims of the Literature Review Research Synthesis Meta-Analysis Sources of Literature Problems in Conducting Literature Reviews Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 5. DEFINING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM Introduction Understanding the Research Problem Identifying the Research Questions Types of Research Questions Refining the Research Questions Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 6. DEVELOPING THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE RESEARCH Introduction Methodological Perspectives The Role of Theory Theory and Methodological Perspective Identifying and Defining Concepts Variables Causality Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 7. ETHICAL ISSUES IN APPLIED RESEARCH Introduction Ethical Issues Relating to Research Participants The Regulatory Framework of Social Research Research on Special Populations Professional Responsibilities of Social Researches Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading PART C: DESIGNING APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH CHAPTER 8. CHOOSING A RESEARCH DESIGN Introduction Factors Influencing Choice of Research Design Maximising Validity of the Research Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 9. RANDOMISED EXPERIMENTS AND QUASI EXPERIMENTS IN APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH Introduction Characteristics of a Randomised Experiment Logic of Randomised Experiments Examples of Randomised Experiments in Applied Research Types of Randomised Designs Limitations of Randomised Experiments Concluding Comments on the Randomised Experiment Quasi-Experiments Quasi-Experimental Designs Examples of Quasi-Experiments Validity Problems Encountered with Quasi-Experimental Designs Concluding Comments on Experimental Designs Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 10. SURVEY RESEARCH METHOD Introduction Nature of Surveys Aims of Surveys Types of Survey Design Sources of Survey Error Validity of Surveys Limitations of Surveys Conclusions Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 11. THE CASE STUDY AND FILED RESEARCH METHODS Introduction The Case Study Method Field Research Conclusions Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 12. MIXED-METHOD RESEARCH DESIGNS Introduction Foundations for Mixed-Methods Research Types of Mixed-Method Research Examples of Mixed-Method Research Design Advantages of Mixed-Methods Design Limitations of Mixed-Methods Designs Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 13. DESIGNING EVALUATIVE RESEARCH Introduction Program Evaluation Needs Assessment Efficiency Analysis The Role of Stakeholders Conducting Evaluative Research Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading PART D: CONDUCTING APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH CHAPTER 14. CONSTRUCTING THE DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT Introduction Questionnaire Design and Construction Constructing Rating Scales Constructing Interview Schedules Constructing Individual Tests Constructing Observational Protocols Conclusions Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 15. MEASUREMENT OF SOCIAL VARIABLES Introduction Measurable Characteristics of Individuals Operationalising Measures of Social Variables Conceptualisation Specifying the Measurement Level Choosing the Measuring Instrument Constructing the Measure Indexes Rates Single Item Measures Multiple Item Scales Comparison of Single and Multiple Item Scales Assessing Measurement Instruments Determining Reliability Constructing the Multiple Item Scale Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 16. MEASURING OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES: PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND SOCIAL INDICATORS Introduction Definitions Performance Measurement Social Indicators Uses of Social Indicators A Systems Model for Performance Measurement Examples of Performance Measurement Limitations of Performance Measures Strategies for Improving Performance Measures Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 17. SAMPLING STRATEGIES Introduction The Sampling Methods Probability Sampling Methods Sources of Error in Probability Sampling Methods Minimising Errors in Probability Sampling Non-Probability Sampling Methods Sampling in Qualitative Research Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 18. DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES Introduction Self-Report Methods Observations Non-Reactive Techniques Unobtrusive Observations Conclusions Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading PART E: ANALYSING SOCIAL RESEARCH DATA CHAPTER 19. PRINCIPLES OF DATA ANALYSIS Introduction The Nature of Data Purposes of Data Collection Types of Data Analysing Quantitative Data Analysing Qualitative Data Units of Analysis Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 20. ANALYSIS OF QUANTITATIVE DATA Introduction Comparing Group Means: One Way Analysis of Variance and Post-Hoc Comparisons Nonparametric Alternative to the Analysis of Variance Two-Way and Higher Order Analysis of Variance Analysis of Nominal and Ordinal Scale Data: Testing Association among Variables & the Elaboration Model Loglinear Analysis Correlation and Regression Multiple Regression Analysis Logistic Regression Choosing the Appropriate Statistical Test Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 21. QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS Introduction Processes of Qualitative Data Analysis Methods of Qualitative Data Analysis Displaying Qualitative Data The Use of Computers in Qualitative Data Analysis Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading PART F: COMMUNICATING APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH CHAPTER 22. COMMUNICATING APPLIED RESEARCH FINDINGS Modes of Communication The Written Research Report Disseminating the Research Findings Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading CHAPTER 23. RESEARCH UTILISATION Introduction Types of Research Utilisation (Weiss, 1986) Theories of Underutilisation An Example of Underutilisation The Use of Information in Policy The Role of the Researcher in Implementation of Findings Conclusion Questions for Discussion Recommended Additional Reading BIBLIOGRAPHY

Über Autor(innen)

Ralph Hall is a professor in the School of Social Sciences and International Studies at the University of New South Wales. He teaches social research methods, evaluation and philosophy of social sciences. His current research interests are peer mentoring programs for students and aspects of road safety.