Summary
Contents
Subject index
Research should be interesting, not intimidating! Have you ever wondered how to determine the quality of the research reported in journal articles? This brief, introductory guide walks you, step by step, through the basics of reading and understanding a research article. The author demonstrates the many strengths of social research, including its advantages over ordinary ways of knowing things, and, at the same time, points out that research is inevitably flawed. Rather than naively assuming that good research simply produces “The Truth” or cynically asserting that research is hopelessly biased and futile, this book helps you develop a critical perspective-one that appreciates the strengths and weaknesses of any piece of scholarship.
Social Research Versus Ordinary Ways of Knowing
Social Research Versus Ordinary Ways of Knowing
As political comedians sometimes show, even the most “boring” news story can be made interesting—and possibly fun—depending on how you view it. Listening to the news can be valuable for the information one acquires, but it can be more edifying and entertaining to try to see through the apparently factual claims made by reporters, government officials, pundits, activists, and other commentators. By keeping in mind the idea that the truth is (almost) never exactly what someone claims it to be, news can be seen as a biased argument rather than an impartial description of reality. Somewhat similarly, it is possible to bring an irreverent attitude to social science journal ...
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