1 - How we know what we know and how we know we know Answering our question Consulting an authority as a way of knowing Research as a way of knowing Questions for review 2 - Research as a way of knowing 3 - Research as a process Research as a discipline Theory and data Questions for review Phase 1: essential first steps 3 - Selecting a problem Starting-points Narrowing and clarifying the problem Stating the problem Summary Questions for review 4 - Selecting variables Concepts and variables Finding variables for concepts: hypotheses Finding variables for concepts: research objetives The question of validity An overview of the research process Questions for review 5 - Finding a variable's measurements The logic of measurement Measurement in the social and behavioral sciences Using observation to measure variables Using interview schedules and questionnaires to measure variables Examining records to measure variables Validity Reliability Summary Questions for review 6 - Selecting a research desing 1 - The case study 2 - The longitudinal study 3 - The comparison 4 - The longitudinal comparison 5 - The experiment How do you choose a research design ? Controlling for the influence of other variables Questions for review 7 - Selecting a sample How to select a sample Types of sampling procedure Determining sample size Summary Questions for review Phase 2: Data collection 8 - Collecting data Words to wise researchers The ethics of research Attention to detail Questions for review 9 - Summarizing and presenting data Categories Tables Graphs Means or averages Summary Questions for review 10 - Qualitative research ? Comparing qualitative and quantitative research Problems to be investigated Examples of qualitative research Techniques used in qualitative research Summary Question for review Phase 3: analysis and interpretation 11 - Drawing conclusions What did you ask ? What did you find ? What exactly do you conclude ? To whom do your conclusions apply ? Quenstions for review 12 - Writing up your research Before writing Hints on style Format