Social Research Methods

A beginner’s guide to Australian and New Zealand social research practices Social Research Methods, fourth edition, is an introductory text for undergraduate social research students. This new edition aims to inspire and continue students’ engagement with social research by presenting the requisite introductory skills within a framework of exciting, up-to-date, relevant Australian and New Zealand research. This textbook includes new chapters and expands on difficult areas to encourage students to develop a set of practical research skills in line with contemporary Australian and New Zealand social research. It is vital for beginner social scientists to have a broad and comparative understanding of the major contemporary social research methods and this text aims to provide this requisite. NEW TO THIS EDITION New Case Studies outlining personal stories about individuals’ research journeys and their approach New Voices in the Field profiles from prominent academics and researchers to provide students with insight into the profession Updated numbered Exercises in each chapter to help students check their understanding Updated Chapter Overviews to introduce each chapter with context and background Updated From Method to Practice components provide examples of how each method works in a real-life research project Three new chapters on topical areas: Chapter 9: Quantitative Research Methods Chapter 16: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-based Research Chapter 17: Internet Research and Digital Media Methods Three chapters rewritten by new authors: Chapter 4: Ethics and Social Research Chapter 8: Descriptive Statistical Analysis using SPSS Chapter 18: Writing for Research