Research Foundations

How Do We Know What We Know?

Douglas Woodwell

• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Year: 2013
• Print ISBN: 9781483306742
• eBook ISBN: 9781483334059
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Social Science Research & Methodology
• Index: Social Sciences

Designing research can be daunting and disorienting for novices.  After experiencing this first-hand, the author has written a book that shows how to mentally frame research in a way that is understandable and approachable while also discussing some of the more specific issues that will aid the reader in understanding the options available when pursuing their research.  Stressing the link between research and theory-building, this concise book shows students how new knowledge is discovered through the process of research. The author presents a model that ties together research processes across the various traditions and shows how different types of research interrelate.

The book is sophisticated in its presentation, but uses plain language to provide an explanation of higher-level concepts in an engaging manner. Throughout the book, the author treats research methodologies as a blueprint for  answering a wide range of interesting questions, rather than simply a set of tools to be applied. The book is an excellent guide for students who will be consumers of research and who need to understand how theory and research interrelate.

"The author did an excellent job on this text. This text is the missing link in explaining research methodologies. His comparison/contrasts are excellent. Moreover, the author provides interesting alternatives and discusses how each alternative might improve the validity of research."

 —James Anthos, South University, Columbia    

"…With only six chapters, the text can be covered in a short time allowing for students to spend the majority of their time investigating social issues and developing research.  Students who read and understand this book will have the knowledge and resources to cover material they are unfamiliar with."

 —R. David Frantzreb II, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

"I am looking for something just like this that is not overbearing for the student but will complement the supplementary material and resources that I am using with my students.  I think the coverage is broad enough that I could use it with all of my groups."

 —Karen Larwin, Youngstown State University

"…I think the author's emphasis on demonstrating the relationship between theory and research is terribly important and understated in so many other texts.  I also think that in the hands of competent professors, it can be supplemented with other sources to help students learn while not being encumbered financially with an expensive tome for which they may only use a fraction of it."

 —John R. Mitrano, Central Connecticut State University

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Halftitle
• Dedication
• Title
• Copyright
• Brief Contents
• Detailed Contents
• List of Figures and Tables
• Preface
• About the Author
• PART I: OVERVIEW
• PART II: GETTING TO CAUSAL THEORY
• PART III: VERIFYING THEORY
• PART IV: USING THEORY
• Afterword
• Glossary
• References
• Index
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