International Journal for Social Science Research and Practice (IJSSRP) is an interdisciplinary peer reviewed journal. The objective of the journal is to serve as a forum for the exhibition and dissemination of scholarly activities in forms of current researches and thoughts on contemporary issues. The scope of IJSSRP is wide and all inclusive as it ranges from issues in the United States to global events and happenings. It welcomes all types of researches ranging from field and experimental to rigorous theoretical explanations. It welcomes empirically based studies and discussions based on abstractions and theoretical understanding. IJSSRP will serve as the forum for the promotion of positive exchange between nomothetic and idiographic traditions in the social sciences. The journal is independent of any particular school of thought and does not lean towards any theoretical perspective or viewpoint. Authors are not limited by their nationality, religion, subject matter or theoretical orientation. The journal is however interested in studies that will promote global unity and understanding towards achieving a peaceful global village, global social harmony and economic growth. It therefore promotes studies that can yield practical solutions to contemporary global social problems. Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA 23806 TEL: 804 524 5191

This book is designed to introduce doctoral and graduate students to the process of conducting scientific research in the social sciences, business, education, public health, and related disciplines. It is a one-stop, comprehensive, and compact source for foundational concepts in behavioral research, and can serve as a stand-alone text or as a supplement to research readings in any doctoral seminar or research methods class. This book is currently used as a research text at universities on six continents and will shortly be available in nine different languages.

This introductory text presents basic principles of social science research through maps, graphs, and diagrams. The authors show how concept maps and mind maps can be used in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research, using student-friendly examples and classroom-based activities. Integrating theory and practice, chapters show how to use these tools to plan research projects, "see" analysis strategies, and assist in the development and writing of research reports.

This book explores ways in which creative research practice can be explicitly and mindfully geared to make a difference to the quality of social and ecological existence. It offers a range of examples of how different research methods can be employed (and re-tuned) with this intention. The book suggests that what Romm names "active" research involves using the research space responsibly to open up new avenues for thinking and acting on the part of those involved in the inquiry and wider stakeholders. The book includes a discussion of a range of epistemological, ontological, methodological and axiological positions (or paradigms) that can be embraced by inquirers implicitly or explicitly. It details the contours of an epistemology where knowing is recognized to be grounded in social relations, as a matter of ethics. While focusing on discussing the “transformative paradigm” and attendant view of research ethics, it considers to what extent the borders between paradigms can be treated as being permeable in creative and active inquiries. Apart from considering options for enhancing responsible research practice during the process of inquiry (and reconsidering mixed-research designs) the book also considers options for responsible theorizing that is inspirational for pursuing goals of social and ecological justice.

In this pocket guide, Watkins and Gioia review the fundamentals of mixed methods research designs and the general suppositions of mixed methods procedures; look critically at mixed method studies and models that have already been employed in social work; and reflect on the contributions of and application of this work to the field.

Focusing on applied conversation analysis (CA), this timely book offers practical insights and guidelines for CA scholars studying social interactions in institutional settings. Written in an accessible style and packed with case studies, examples, activities, and practical tips, the book takes readers through the entire process of planning and carrying out an applied CA research study. By highlighting challenges, debates, and important questions, each chapter provides the theoretical foundation necessary for making informed decisions at every stage of a research project. The book is divided into three sections (context and planning, doing a project using conversation analysis, and disseminating your research) to mirror the research process.