Social Research Methods

“The main strength of this text is coverage of both quantitative and qualitative methodology from a broad range of fields. The examples are often my students’ favorite thing to discuss in class.” -- Erica B. Gibson
“Bernard does an excellent job of not only showing how to practice research, but also provides a detailed discussion of broader historical and philosophical contexts that are important for understanding research.” -- Julian Kilker
“The book includes a thorough presentation of quantitative and qualitative methods, including formulas and statistics for quantitative methods. Bernard is one of very few methods authors who includes and explains statistical methods, not just the methods used. Moreover, the book is very comprehensive and uses lots of examples to explain the material in depth.” -- Monika Ardelt
“The depth of detailed descriptions (foundations of social research; interviewing, participant observation, field notes, and data analysis) go beyond other texts that I’m aware of, and the organization is superb. The text contains strong descriptions of positivist versus humanistic traditions and splits in social research. It also includes great detail on how to successfully operationalize research variables. The discussion on theory as a “mechanism” and how to choose problems is easily understood and effective. Moreover, the author’s emphasis on making personal interest a high priority in choosing a research topic is critical and primary.” -- Benedict J. Colombi

′There is considerable detail on the history and philosophical foundations of social and behavioural research, ranging from the ‘what’ to the ‘how-to’ of social research.

 

To make sure the message of each chapter is clearly communicated [Bernard] employs a wealth of examples and reading lists. He also provides the reader with a description of key concepts employed in each chapter.′

-- Maryam Nazari & G.E. Gorman * Online Information Review *
Great sourcebook for social research methods -- Dr Bahadir Namdar * drupal *
I like the completeness of the text and I had very good luck teaching one of Bernard′s anthropology research texts in a graduate course.

However, this was not the appropriate textbook for this particular undergraduate course. Most of the students were not prepared for the high level of reading or thinking and I had to revise the syllabus mid semester and choose readings from a more basic book. -- Dr Carylanna Taylor * drupal *
Gives best description of data collection methods.

Nice visual appeal

Balances quantitative and qualitative methods -- Dr Catherine Harrington * drupal *
Selected in error. I am still waiting to receive this review copy. I begin teaching next month! -- Dr Jean Bronk * drupal *
This has much of the information I will use with the EdD class. -- Dr Jean Bronk * drupal *
This text is good for students that will be designing their own research using quantitative, qualititative, or a mixed model. Emphasis is appropriate for understanding validity and reliability concerns. -- Dr Jean Bronk * drupal *
Great overall book for intro research methods course for my grad students. Lots of good description and thought-provoking questions. Good resource for researchers to have on their shelves. -- Dr Karen Cannon * drupal *
This is an excellent work - accessible, comprehensive and interesting. I am recommending this as the textbook that all students *should* buy as they prepare for Masters-level dissertations, as it will provide the foundation for a lifetime of research. That said, the price is a bit too high to set this as an essential text -- Dr Peter Kevern * drupal *
This book provides an excellent and practical introduction to the undergraduate reader. -- Dr Robert Mooney * drupal *
This book is wonderful! I am recommending it to all of my doctoral students. -- Dr Shirley Mills * drupal *
Am teaching research methods this spring but book already chosen for course. Will consider for next time. -- Dr Stephen Thompson * drupal *
A clearly-written, concise book which I will recommend to my undergraduates. -- Miss Christine Hatcher * drupal *
Very good book.
Covers all aspects of research in great detail. Using for level 3, 4 & 5
-- Miss Tammy Milner * drupal *
comprehensive coverage of both qualitative and quantitative research methods -- Mr Alexander Trupp * drupal *
This is a excellent text. It provides the reader/student with a thorough background to the development of science and the various methods and skill sets available to the enterprising researcher. It is a master piece. -- Mr Andrew Hicks * drupal *
Well written introduction. Very basic, which is both the primary strengths of the book and the primary weakness (to the skilled reader). -- Mr Christian Lystbaek * drupal *
A thorough and very readable text. Just what I was looking for. -- Mr Donald Kelly * drupal *
The writing style is quite difficult to grasp for first year (non-native English speaking) undergraduate students.

The book contains a great bundle of knowledge in both quantitative and qualitative research designs. It is very much suited for more advanced level students, but very much to cope for beginners.

The book can very well be compared with one of the Handbooks on Research Methods and we are thinking of using it in one of our more advanced courses in research methods. -- Mr Peter Ruijten * drupal *
This text was extremely useful in providing a single source of information for first-time research students trying to understanding the structure of qualitative methods and approaches. -- Mr Scott Ellis * drupal *
Very useful for our Dissertation students. -- Mr Timothy Brown * drupal *
The text I am currently using covers some very critical chapters for my students in a little more detail. -- Mr William Pruitt * drupal *
This book is the ‘bible’ of the social research methods containing over 600 pages of both qualitative and quantitative research methods from across a range of disciplines. Regardless of the heavy image, the page layout is dived into two columns which makes the reading enjoyable and fast. The author provides some excellent examples of social research methods as well as an insight into how research methodologies are applied to the detailed analysis of both theoretical and practical issues.
-- Mrs Paivi Valtonen * drupal *
An easy read, packed with a great deal of information.

A great introduction to research methods with a useful ′further reading′ list at the end of each chapter. -- Mrs Sunray Heap * drupal *
Did not suit our needs. -- Ms Eileen Phillips * drupal *
Whether researchers are focussing on qualitative or quantitave research methods, this book has provided a good material for students of social sciences undertaking social reseaching. Design and methods are well presented. The section on Likert scale is expanded and well explained. -- Ms Emma Etuk * drupal *
Useful reading for students at all levels and is on my supplemental list. -- Ms Ikedola Animashaun * drupal *
Good clear structure. Guides the reader to understand differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches to research and also considers mixed methods. The detailed descriptions and explanations contribute to a wider understanding of the subject overall. -- Ms Michelle Evans * drupal *
This book provides a good overview of both designs and assists students identifying the most suitable approach for their projects -- Professor Aletta Delport * drupal *
Good book. I liket it and I recommended a all my students -- Professor Alexandra Costa * drupal *
good book. easy to use and accessible to undergraduate students.
good explanation of scientific methodology. excellent for consultation -- Professor Antonio Abrantes * drupal *