The Research Imagination: An Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods [Hardcover]

Qualitative and quantitative research methods are explored thoroughly in this resource for instructors and students of sociology.The idea that science is a blueprint for research, and imagination gives research its life and purpose inspired this comprehensive explanation of research methodology. This book covers a wide variety of data-collection techniques, but presents them as reinforcing, rather than competing with, one another, thus striking a balance between qualitative and quantitative methods.The idea that science is a blueprint for research, and imagination gives research its life and purpose inspired this comprehensive explanation of research methodology. This book covers a wide variety of data-collection techniques, but presents them as reinforcing, rather than competing with, one another, thus striking a balance between qualitative and quantitative methods.The idea that science is a blueprint for research, and imagination gives research its life and purpose inspired this comprehensive explanation of research methodology. The authors decades of experience have revealed that research is a craft requiring judgment and creativity, not simply memorization and application of the rules of science. This book covers a wide variety of data-collection techniques, but presents them as reinforcing, rather than competing with one another, thus striking a balance between qualitative and quantitative methods and proving an essential resource for instructors and students of sociology.1. Research process; 2. Theory and method; 3. Research design; 4. Measurement; 5. Ethical and political issues; 6. Sampling; 7. Survey research; 8. Intensive interviewing; 9. Observational field research; 10. Feminist methods; 11. Historical analysis; 12. Experimental research; 13. Content analysis; 14. Aggregate data analysis; 15. Comparative research method; 16. Evaluation research; 17. Indexes and scales; 18. Basic statistical analysis; 19. Multivariate analysis and statistical significancl3{