Social Research: An Evolving Process

McTavish and Loether offer a very refreshing perspective on social research as an evolving process, tailored to the creative abilities and interests of the individual investigator or research team, and influenced by the social setting in which it is undertaken. There is no absolutist authoritarianism or rigid formulas in this viewpoint. Rather, the authors describe social research as an evolving and creative process in which ideas are generated, hypotheses are developed and tested, and knowledge is developed and shared.But this book is no whimsical treatise either. McTavish and Loether pay particular attention to the social context of research and alert the reader to the numerous potential pitfals, or "families of flaws", that need to be guarded against throughout the evolving research process. They lead the reader through a broad array of topics and steps: ranging from formulating the research question; defining and operationalizing the key concepts; formulating basic comparisons; sampling and measurement; data collection and processing; analyis, inference and reporting. They also describe and discuss the essentials of various research approaches, including: experimental research; survey research; case study research; and secondary data research.McTavish and Loether's style permits easy reading and quick understanding of many sophisticated concepts and principles. The book is organized in a logical manner and makes for interesting learning and/or review. While the book's presentation provides ready access for the beginning student, the sophisticated subject matter and enlightening viewpoint will also intrigue the experienced researcher. Accordingly, the book is appropriate for use in undergraduate and graduate level research methodology courses, in applied research settings, and as a novel refresher for experienced academic researchers. Anyone with a serious research interest is likely to find it enjoyable and worthwhile reading.