Summary
Contents
Subject index
‘This is an impressively detailed, clearly written book.. It is a book that I would like students to read’ - Clive Seale, Goldsmiths College, London. Social Research: Theory, Methods and Techniques presents an understanding of social research practice through appreciation of its foundations and methods. Stretching from the philosophy of science to detailed descriptions of both qualitative and quantitative techniques, it illustrates not only ‘how’ to do social research, but also ‘why’ particular techniques are used today. The book is divided into three parts: Part One: Illustrates the two basic paradigms - quantitative and qualitative - of social research, describing their origins in philosophical thought and outlining their current interpretations. Part Two: Devoted to quantitative research, and discusses the relationship between theory and research practice. It also presents a discussion of key quantitative research techniques. Part Three: Examines qualitative research. Topics range from classical qualitative techniques such as participant observation, to more recent developments such as ethnomethodological studies. Overall, the author offers an engaging contribution to the field of social research and this book is a reminder of the solid foundations upon which most social research is conducted today. As a consequence it will be required reading for students throughout the social sciences, and at various levels.
Sampling
Sampling
- Population and sample 210
- Sampling error 212
- Sample size 214
- Probability sampling designs 218
- Non-probability sampling designs 221
- Problems of sampling in social research 223
- Weighting 225
- A final note: sample accuracy 228
In most cases social research cannot be carried out on a social reality in its entirety; the researcher usually has to settle for a sub-set of this reality. Thus sampling procedures are often the first empirical operations in which the researcher must engage. This chapter deals with sampling and contains a brief history of its introduction into social research, an overview of its mathematical bases, and a discussion of main sampling designs. The final section of the chapter addresses the special problems that sampling poses in social research.
Population and Sample
Sampling – that is to say, observing a part in ...
- Loading...