This text contains an accessible format, engaging language, focus on real researchers, and student exercises. The book gives students first-hand experience with the research process, provides them with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how professional researchers have done their work, and presents social science research in a clear and inviting manner.

This book provides balanced coverage of quantitative and qualitative methods of social research with a unique behind the scenes approach: Chapters are built on focal research pieces and excerpts from real research projects, and they present the insights and perspectives of workers conducting real-world research. The book guides readers through the many stages of social research--from selecting a researchable question and designing a study to selecting the best method of data analysis for a particular study--and prepares them for the ethical issues and problems that they may face along the way. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

How It's Done is the realistic, fascinating book that helps you practice and think just as a social researcher would. This updated new edition guides you through the stages of social research--from selecting a researchable question and designing a study to selecting the best method of data analysis for a particular study--and it prepares you for the ethical issues and problems you may face along the way. Focal Research essays in every chapter take you 'behind the scenes' and involve you in real research articles written by actual researchers, such as: Studying Women with HIV/AIDS: Ethical Concerns and Researcher Responsibilities. Inventing Adulthoods: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study of Youth Transitions. Two Steps Forward, One Step Back: The Presence of Female Characters and Gender Stereotyping in Award-Winning Pictures Books Between the 1930s and the 1960s. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

This text on social research outlines how to study social and cultural phenomena, explains the difference between qualitative and quantitative analysis, and examines the relationship between social research and society.