Introducing Social Research Methods - Essentialsfor Getting the Edge - by Janet M Ruane (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Introducing Social Research Methods: Essentials for Getting the Edge is a concise and student-friendly introduction to research methods that uses examples from around the world to illustrate the centrality of social science research in our everyday lives.

• Explains complex, multi-faceted concepts and methodologies in straightforward prose
• Designed for students who are new to or skeptical of social science research methods as useful tools for approaching real-world challenges
• Persuasively argues that social scientific proficiency unlocks an array of personal and professional opportunities beyond the realms of academia
• A supplementary website features a glossary, test bank, Power Point presentations, a comprehensive list of web resources, a guide to relevant TED lectures and much more

From the Back Cover

Introducing Social Research Methods: Essentials for Getting the Edge offers a concise, student-friendly introduction to research methods that represents a refreshing alternative to the dense tomes too focused on the minutiae of methodologies to appeal to novices or outsiders. Janet Ruane, a respected author with more than 25 years of experience teaching social science research methods, provides detailed explanations of methodologically complex concepts written in straightforward and engaging prose. Each chapter features specific everyday examples from around the world that demonstrate the relevance and informative potential of social science methods. The text includes a range of pedagogic features, from lists of key points to boxes highlighting the relevance of social science research in interpreting current events, while the companion website offers further tools for instructors and students, including a glossary of key terms, a test bank, Power Point presentations, a comprehensive list of web resources, and more.

Specifically designed for students who are new to or skeptical of social science, Introducing Social Research Methods: Essentials for Getting the Edge persuasively argues for the real-world value of understanding social research methods and the benefits of the broader perspective gained from understanding this fundamental field.

About the Author

Janet M. Ruane is a professor of sociology at Montclair State University. She is the author of Second Thoughts: Sociology Challenges Conventional Wisdom (with Karen Cerulo, 6^th edition, 2014) and has published articles in an array of prestigious, peer-reviewed journals, including Social Psychology Quarterly, Sociological Forum, Sociological Inquiry, Law and Policy, Communication Research, Sociological Focus, and Science as Culture. With over 25 years of experience teaching research methods to undergraduates, Professor Ruane is an ardent supporter of education as a tool of empowerment.