A Practical Introduction to Real-World Research: Getting the Job Done

This practical text combines social research methods with coverage of statistical analysis to help students develop the applied research skills needed for future careers in public and private organizations, while also delivering a solid foundation for those going on to graduate school.

Throughout the book, the author offers a real-world example and then breaks it down into a decision tree, which helps lead students to a possible statistical decision (rather than starting with the statistic). This text gives students a toolbox of the most common and in-demand skills and demonstrates how those skills can be used to make the best research decisions. The book takes students through the entire real-world research process, from the formation of a research topic to measurement and sampling, to methods for gathering information and making sense of the data, and finally presenting to a non-academic audience in a way that "gets the job done."  

Resources for instructors and students are available on an accompanying website for the book.

Loreen Wolfer received her PhD from Cornell University and is a Professor of Sociology in the Sociology / Criminal Justice department at the University of Scranton.  She is also the Chief Evaluator for the University of Scranton’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime.  As such, she has evaluated programs for the Federal Office of Probation, the Office of Youth and Family Services, and various county-level court sponsored programs.  Her other research interests include family and media studies.