Focused on the underlying logic behind social research, Methodological Thinking: Basic Principles of Social Research Design encourages readers to understand research methods as a way of thinking. The book provides a concise overview of th

1. Exploring the World of Social Research Design Defining Social Research The Study of Social Research Design Evaluating Social Research Methodological Thinking Studying Research Design as Methodological Thinking Methods in Theory and in Practice2. Foundations Foundation I: Data, Concepts, and Theory Foundation II: The Logic of Relationships Between Data and Concepts/Theory Foundation III: Philosophies of Science The Qualitative Versus Quantitative Debate Foundations and Research Design3. Research Questions Characteristics of Appropriate Research Questions Identifying Research Questions in Published Research Creating Research Questions Thinking Ahead: Developing Questions That Will Be Ethical and Practical to Study Revising Research Questions Evaluating Research Questions Research Questions and Research Design4. Literature Reviews Defining "The Literature" Existing Knowledge as Tools for Research Design Defining the Relevant Literature Thinking About the Review Task The Contents and Form of Literature Reviews Evaluating Literature Reviews Literature Reviews and Research Design Examples of Social Research Article Databases5. Measurement Conceptualization and Conceptual Definitions Operationalization and Operational Definitions Conceptualization and Operationalization in Research Led by Inductive Reasoning Measurement Problems in Social Research Evaluating Measurement Measurement and Research Design6. Data Generation Techniques Research Questions and Data Data Generation Techniques Planning Ahead Data Generation Techniques and Research Design7. Samples Populations and Samples in Social Research The Importance of Samples in Social Research Probability Samples Non-probability Samples Evaluating Samples in Published Research Samples and Research Design8. Summary: Thinking About Social Research Design Foundations of Research Design and Evaluation: Methodological Thinking Evaluating Research Design: Variations Assessing Research Quality Characteristics of High-Quality Reports of Research Design Ending and BeginningsAppendix: Suggestions for Further ReadingAppendix: Articles Used as Examples