Research Methods for the Social Sciences: Bridging Research to Life is designed to break down each component of the scientific writing, presentation, and publication processes. Recognizing that the creation and dissemination of scientific writing can be daunting, the book equips readers with the knowledge and skillsets they need to produce material that is not only scientifically sound but also approachable to a wide variety of consumers. This approach confronts the stigma that scientific writing is overly complex or esoteric, while also providing readers with lifelong skills to help them communicate scientific findings effectively.
The book presents an overview of various research methods, equipping readers with an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative approaches while also emphasizing the importance of ethical research conduct. Readers learn how to search for scientific research, read and interpret that research, develop their writing style, properly format articles for publication, create visuals to display data, give an effective poster presentation, submit work to a scientific journal, and more. With a focus on practical application, the text includes case study examples and discussions related to potential career pathways in the field of social science research. Special attention is paid to contextualizing research practices within current social issues, particularly highlighting diversity and inclusion considerations.
Highly approachable and engaging, Research Methods for the Social Sciences is ideal for courses in the disciplines with focus on research and the presentation of scientific findings.
Jennifer Schulz is an associate professor and B.S.W. program director at Ashland University. She holds an M.S.W. from The Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in psychology from Northcentral University. Dr. Schulz teaches research methods to social work and criminal justice students, and she has written curriculum for online research methods courses.
