Neil McK. Agnew and Sandra W. Pyke
Using quirky and sometimes irreverent examples to provide an overview of social science methodology, this new edition of the popular text has been substantially revised to include an in-depth consideration of current hot topics in the constantly evolving field of scientific research, including
the trend away from 'hard' (quantitative) research to 'soft' (qualitative) research, advances in computerized analysis of statistical data, and the increasing focus on the cultural context of research.
Part One explores the strengths and limitations of common sense methods of solving
puzzles and demonstrates how the scientific method significantly improves our ability to check the reliability and validity of theories.
Part Two introduces the reader to two pre-scientific methods of problem solving: the after-the fact and the before-and- after methods. After noting
the strengths and limitations of these pre-scientific methods, the authors explain how the control-group procedure, the classic example of the scientific method, helps overcome the major limitations of the after-the-fact and before-and-after methods.
Part Three explores how scientists
measure the internal and external validity of research results.
Part Four examines the methods scientists use to assess subjective information through qualitative research methods: questionnaires, interviews and attitudes and personality scales. Naturalistic observations and archival
research extend the reach of social sciences into areas that more controlled research methods cannot go.
Part Five sets out the basic rules for tying numbers to objects and events, how numbers can be used to summarize and describe large amounts of information, and how mathematics helps
us to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown.
Part Six charts an explosion of ethical challenges as science pushes its way into every nook and cranny of our lives. Chapter Fourteen focuses on how scientists may communicate their scientific news clearly and effectively.
Part Seven engages in a wide-ranging discussion of the history of science and explore how gender influences scientific research.
Preface
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Prologue
Part 1: Going Beyond Common Sense and Human Limitations
1. From Common Sense to Science
2. Big Puzzles, Small Brains
Part II: From Pre-Science to Science
3. The After-the-Fact Method
4. The
Before-and-After Method
5. The Control-Group Method
Part III: From Local to General Truths
6. Validity - The Reach of Science
7. Developmental and Longitudinal Methods
Part IV: Beyond the Laboratory
8. Qualitative Methods: Questionnaires, Attitude Scales
& Interviews
9. Qualitative Methods: Naturalistic Observation and Archival Research
Part V: Walking on Numerical Stepping Stones
10. The Number Game
11. Statistical Foundations I: Packaging Information
12. Statistical Foundations II: Prediction
Part VI:
Being Good and Clear
13. Ethics
14. Research Report Writing
Part VII: Wide Angle Views of Sex and of Science
15. Sex and Science
16. The Truth Spinners
Appendix A: N-of-1 study: Student Self-Change Project
Appendix B: Answers to Review True or
False Quizzes
References
Index
Instructor's Manual
Supplemental Chapters
Student Resources
Neil McKinnon Agnew is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at York University. In addition to writing six editions of this popular psychology text, he has published over eighty publications in social science journals. His research in perception and information overload was received major grants
from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the Defence Research Board, and the Social Sciences Research Council. He set up and directed the Counselling and Development Centre at York University, one of the largest counselling programs in North America. In recent years, his research interests have
focused on decision theory: how we make decisions under conditions of incomplete or unreliable information.
Sandra W. Pyke is University Professor Emeritus and a former chair of the psychology department at York University. She specializes in women's issues such as violence against women,
gender differences, and feminist methodology. Her research focus is on the effects of the chilly climate on women's academic experiences in terms of their participation, time to completion of graduate degrees, attrition from graduate programs and perceptions of the supervision provided. She is a
Fellow of CPA and APA, a past president of CPA, and a recipient of the CPA Section on Women and Psychology distinguished member award, and the CPA Award for Distinguished Contributions to Canadian Psychology as a Profession.
Social Research Methods - Alan Bryman and James Teevan
E-Newsletter Signup
My Account
My Favourites
