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Understanding Regression Analysis: An Introductory Guide (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences #57)
by Larry D. Schroeder David L. Sjoquist Paula E. StephanUnderstanding Regression Analysis: An Introductory Guide presents the fundamentals of regression analysis, from its meaning to uses, in a concise, easy-to-read, and non-technical style. It illustrates how regression coefficients are estimated, interpreted, and used in a variety of settings within the social sciences, business, law, and public policy. Packed with applied examples and using few equations, the book walks readers through elementary material using a verbal, intuitive interpretation of regression coefficients, associated statistics, and hypothesis tests. The Second Edition features updated examples and new references to modern software output.
Propensity Score Methods and Applications (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences #178)
by Haiyan Bai M. H. ClarkA concise, introductory text, Propensity Score Methods and Applications describes propensity score methods (PSM) and how they are used to balance the distributions of observed covariates between treatment conditions as a means to reduce selection bias. This new QASS title specifically focuses on the procedures of implementing PSM for research in social sciences, instead of merely demonstrating the effectiveness of the method. Using succinct and approachable language to introduce the basic concepts of PSM, authors Haiyan Bai and M. H. Clark present basic concepts, assumptions, procedures, available software packages, and step-by-step examples for implementing PSM using real-world data, with exercises at the end of each chapter allowing readers to replicate examples on their own.
Reconceptualizing Qualitative Research: Methodologies without Methodology
by Mirka KoroCalling for qualitative research that is complex, situational, theoretically situated, and yet productive, Reconceptualizing Qualitative Research discusses the multiplicities and uncertainty embedded in different methodological configurations and entanglements that blur the boundaries between doing research, theorizing, thinking, and reflecting. Writing in a clear, conversational style, author Mirka Koro-Ljungberg urges readers to think about qualitative research differently, often in creative ways, and to continuously question existing grand narratives and dogmas.
100 Questions (SAGE 100 Questions and Answers #5)
by Emily E. Anderson Amy L. Corneli100 Questions (and Answers) About Research Ethics is an essential guide for graduate students and researchers in the social and behavioral sciences. It identifies ethical issues that individuals must consider when planning research studies as well as provides guidance on how to address ethical issues that might arise during research implementation. Questions such as assessing risks, to protecting privacy and vulnerable populations, obtaining informed consent, using technology including social media, negotiating the IRB process, and handling data ethically are covered. Acting as a resource for students developing their thesis and dissertation proposals and for junior faculty designing research, this book reflects the latest U.S. federal research regulations to take effect mostly in January 2018.
Evaluation Failures: 22 Tales of Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned
by Kylie Hutchinson"This is the evaluation book we′ve been waiting for! A must-read for all learning and working in the field." –Amanda M. Olejarski, West Chester University Evaluation Failures: 22 Tales of Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned is a candid collection of stories from seasoned evaluators from a variety of sectors sharing professional mistakes they have made in the past, and what they learned moving forward. As the only book of its kind, editor Kylie Hutchinson has collected a series of engaging, real-life examples that are both entertaining and informative. Each story offers universal lessons as takeaways, and discussion questions for reflective practice. The book is the perfect companion to anyone working in the evaluation field, and to instructors of program evaluation courses who want to bring the real world into their classroom.
"Stretching" Exercises for Qualitative Researchers
by Valerie J. JanesickIn the new Fourth Edition of her inventive, one-of-a-kind book, author Valerie J. Janesick uses dance, yoga, and meditation metaphors to help researchers tap into the intuitive and creative side of their research. In every chapter, "stretching" exercises help readers develop, practice, and hone fieldwork skills and vital habits of mind such as observation, interviewing, writing, creativity, technology, and analysis. While reading the book and working through the exercises, readers can complete a researcher’s reflective journal—an invaluable tool that will remain useful throughout their careers.
Practical Mapping for Applied Research and Program Evaluation
by Bernadette M. Wright Steven E. WallisPractical Mapping for Applied Research and Program Evaluation is the first book to bring the mapping methodology to social research and program evaluation. Bernadette Wright and Steven E. Wallis guide readers through all phases of the research process: learning from stakeholder experience; reviewing existing knowledge in the field; conducting new data collection such as interviews; collaborating with other researchers; and facilitating the use of knowledge for communication, collaboration, and action. With plenty of illustrations and navigational aids such as "travel tips," the book is an accessible guide for busy students, researchers, and managers of all levels of experience.
Understanding Narrative Inquiry: The Crafting and Analysis of Stories as Research
by Jeong-Hee KimThis comprehensive, thought-provoking introduction to narrative inquiry in the social and human sciences guides readers through the entire narrative inquiry process—from locating narrative inquiry in the interdisciplinary context, through the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings, to narrative research design, data collection (excavating stories), data analysis and interpretation, and theorizing narrative meaning. Six extracts from exemplary studies, together with questions for discussion, are provided to show how to put theory into practice. Rich in stories from the author′s own research endeavors and incorporating chapter-opening vignettes that illustrate a graduate student′s research dilemma, the book not only accompanies readers through the complex process of narrative inquiry with ample examples, but also helps raise their consciousness about what it means to be a qualitative researcher and a narrative inquirer in particular. This book has received the 2017 Outstanding Publication Award from the Narrative Research Special Interest Group (SIG) of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). The award honors research-based texts dedicated to advancing the educational process through research or scholarly inquiry.
Data Visualization & Presentation With Microsoft Office
by Valerie M. Sue Matthew T. GriffinWritten for students, professionals, and social scientists with little or no knowledge of data visualization principles, this complete guide presents step-by-step instructions for clearly and effectively presenting data using MS Office programs. Throughout the book, the focus is on turning raw, quantitative data into attractive, well-designed charts and tables that tell an accurate narrative about underlying information. Helpful illustrations, expert tips for solving common issues, and discussions on working efficiently are included to equip readers with the tools they need to engage their audience using a visual format.
Practical Statistics for Nursing Using SPSS: Knapp: Practical Statistics For Nursing Using Spss + Sage Ibm® Spss® Statistics V23. 0 Student Version
by Herschel KnappA friendly and approachable guide to real-world statistics, Practical Statistics for Nursing Using SPSS® covers the most common statistical functions in nursing science using plain language. Students learn by doing, and an emphasis on this practical approach is seen throughout the book with each chapter structured to answer key questions: What statistical test should I use for this situation? How do I set up the data? How do I run the test? How do I interpret and document the results? Practice exercises include a vignette, codebook, and data sets ready for processing, enabling students to achieve mastery by carrying out actual statistical analyses. Online resources for students are available and include data sets for examples and exercises, fully developed solutions to all odd-numbered exercises, and thorough tutorial videos providing an overview of each statistical method, step-by-step guidance on SPSS® processing, and interpretation of results. Online resources for instructors include Microsoft® PowerPoint® slides for each chapter and solutions to all exercises.
Reconceptualizing Qualitative Research: Methodologies without Methodology
by Mirka KoroCalling for qualitative research that is complex, situational, theoretically situated, and yet productive, Reconceptualizing Qualitative Research discusses the multiplicities and uncertainty embedded in different methodological configurations and entanglements that blur the boundaries between doing research, theorizing, thinking, and reflecting. Writing in a clear, conversational style, author Mirka Koro-Ljungberg urges readers to think about qualitative research differently, often in creative ways, and to continuously question existing grand narratives and dogmas.
Global Studies Research
by Pamela A. ZeiserGlobal Studies Research is a research methods textbook designed for interdisciplinary International Studies majors and their faculty. The textbook introduces interdisciplinarity, provides basic building blocks of relevant disciplinary knowledge, explains a process for integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines, and models this interdisciplinary International Studies Research Process in its presentation of the case studies.
How to Use SPSS Syntax: An Overview of Common Commands
by Chris Visscher Manfred te GrotenhuisRather than focusing on SPSS menus and the graphic user interface, How to Use SPSS Syntax focuses on the syntax rules in SPSS, a more encompassing approach that allows readers to replicate statistical analyses by storing them in a file for future use. Practical, accessible, and highly focused, the book is brief, while still helping readers develop an in-depth understanding of the common syntax rules and commands. In every chapter, the authors clearly explain the syntax, show the main results, and include social science research examples and downloadable files that allow readers to follow along. Checks throughout the book help readers determine whether the syntax is used correctly.
Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis: A Step-by-Step Approach (Applied Social Research Methods #2)
by Harris CooperThe Fifth Edition of Harris Cooper′s bestselling text offers practical advice on how to conduct a synthesis of research in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. The book is written in plain language with four running examples drawn from psychology, education, and health science. With ample coverage of literature searching and the technical aspects of meta-analysis, this one-of-a-kind book applies the basic principles of sound data gathering to the task of producing a comprehensive assessment of existing research.
The Handbook of Social Work Research Methods
by Bruce A. ThyerClick on the Supplements tab above for further details on the different versions of SPSS programs.The canonical Handbook is completely updated with more student-friendly features The Handbook of Social Work Research Methods is a cutting-edge volume that covers all the major topics that are relevant for Social Work Research methods. Edited by Bruce Thyer and containing contributions by leading authorities, this Handbook covers both qualitative and quantitative approaches as well as a section that delves into more general issues such as evidence based practice, ethics, gender, ethnicity, International Issues, integrating both approaches, and applying for grants. New to this EditionMore content on qualitative methods and mixed methods More coverage of evidence-based practice More support to help students effectively use the Internet A companion Website containing a test bank and PowerPoint slides for instructors and relevant SAGE journal articles for students. This Handbook serves as a primary text in the methods courses in MSW programs and doctoral level programs. It can also be used as a reference and research design tool for anyone doing scholarly research in social work or human services.
Mixed Methods Design in Evaluation (Evaluation in Practice Series #1)
by Donna M. MertensIn this groundbreaking first volume of SAGE′s Evaluation in Practice Series, best-selling author Donna M. Mertens explores the meaning of mixed methods evaluation, its evolution over the last few decades, and the dominant philosophical frameworks that are influencing thought and practice in the field today. Four chapters explore evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions, development of instruments, systematic reviews, and policy evaluations, while an additional chapter covers evaluation approaches often required in specific contexts including gender responsive evaluations, needs assessment, and evaluations in conflict zones. Practical in nature, the book guides readers’ thinking about the design of mixed methods evaluations through the use of illustrative examples and explanations for further applications. SAGE’s Evaluation in Practice Series offers concise, practical books for students and professionals working as evaluators.
Collaborative Approaches to Evaluation: Principles in Use (Evaluation in Practice Series #3)
by J. Bradley CousinsEditor J. Bradley Cousins and colleagues meet the needs of evaluators seeking to implement collaborative and participatory approaches to evaluation in Collaborative Approaches to Evaluation: Principles in Use. Using a multi-phase empirical process to develop and validate a set of principles to guide collaborative approaches to evaluation, the book outlines the principles that the team developed, and then provides case studies of how these principles have been applied in practice. The case studies draw on programs globally in education, health, and community development. The book is an invaluable supplementary text for program evaluation courses where students’ projects are focused on more collaborative and participatory approaches, and it is an essential resource for practicing evaluators and those who commission program evaluations.
Sequence Analysis (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences)
by Marcel Raab Emanuela StruffolinoSequence analysis (SA) was developed to study social processes that unfold over time as sequences of events. It has gained increasing attention as the availability of longitudinal data made it possible to address sequence-oriented questions. This volume introduces the basics of SA to guide practitioners and support instructors through the basic workflow of sequence analysis. In addition to the basics, this book outlines recent advances and innovations in SA. The presentation of statistical, substantive, and theoretical foundations is enriched by examples to help the reader understand the repercussions of specific analytical choices. The extensive ancillary material supports self-learning based on real-world survey data and research questions from the field of life course research. Data and code and a variety of additional resources to enrich the use of this book are available on an accompanying website.
"Stretching" Exercises for Qualitative Researchers
by Valerie J. JanesickIn the new Fourth Edition of her inventive, one-of-a-kind book, author Valerie J. Janesick uses dance, yoga, and meditation metaphors to help researchers tap into the intuitive and creative side of their research. In every chapter, "stretching" exercises help readers develop, practice, and hone fieldwork skills and vital habits of mind such as observation, interviewing, writing, creativity, technology, and analysis. While reading the book and working through the exercises, readers can complete a researcher’s reflective journal—an invaluable tool that will remain useful throughout their careers.
Understanding Narrative Inquiry: The Crafting and Analysis of Stories as Research
by Jeong-Hee KimThis comprehensive, thought-provoking introduction to narrative inquiry in the social and human sciences guides readers through the entire narrative inquiry process—from locating narrative inquiry in the interdisciplinary context, through the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings, to narrative research design, data collection (excavating stories), data analysis and interpretation, and theorizing narrative meaning. Six extracts from exemplary studies, together with questions for discussion, are provided to show how to put theory into practice. Rich in stories from the author′s own research endeavors and incorporating chapter-opening vignettes that illustrate a graduate student′s research dilemma, the book not only accompanies readers through the complex process of narrative inquiry with ample examples, but also helps raise their consciousness about what it means to be a qualitative researcher and a narrative inquirer in particular. This book has received the 2017 Outstanding Publication Award from the Narrative Research Special Interest Group (SIG) of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). The award honors research-based texts dedicated to advancing the educational process through research or scholarly inquiry.
Analyzing Textual Information: From Words to Meanings through Numbers (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences)
by Johannes Ledolter Lea S. VanderVeldeResearchers in the social sciences and beyond are dealing more and more with massive quantities of text data requiring analysis, from historical letters to the constant stream of content in social media. Traditional texts on statistical analysis have focused on numbers, but this book will provide a practical introduction to the quantitative analysis of textual data. Using up-to-date R methods, this book will take readers through the text analysis process, from text mining and pre-processing the text to final analysis. It includes two major case studies using historical and more contemporary text data to demonstrate the practical applications of these methods. Currently, there is no introductory how-to book on textual data analysis with R that is up-to-date and applicable across the social sciences. Code and a variety of additional resources to enrich the use of this book are available on an accompanying website. These resources include data files from the 39th Congress, and also the collection of tweets of President Trump, now no longer available to researchers via Twitter itself.
Restarting Stalled Research
by Paul C. RosenblattWritten for researchers and graduate students writing dissertations, this unique book offers detailed advice and perspective on many issues that can stall a research project and reveals what can be done to successfully resume it. Using a direct yet conversational style, author Paul C. Rosenblatt draws on his decades of experience to cover many diverse topics. The text guides readers through challenges such as clarifying the end goal of a project; resolving common and not-so-common writing problems; dealing with rejection and revision decisions; handling difficulties involving dissertation advisers and committee members; coping with issues of researcher motivation or self-esteem; and much more.
Qualitative Online Interviews: Strategies, Design, and Skills
by Janet SalmonsThe Second Edition of Qualitative Online Interviews provides researchers the guidance they need to extend the reach of their studies beyond physical boundaries. Focusing on designing, conducting, and assessing data drawn from online interviews as well as from observations, materials, and artifacts collected online, the book emphasizes the use of in-depth interviews in qualitative research or mixed-methods designs. Written in an easy-to-read manner, the thorough Second Edition offers the practical information and scholarly foundations needed to make thoughtful decisions in technology-infused research.
Propensity Score Methods and Applications (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences #178)
by Haiyan Bai M. H. ClarkA concise, introductory text, Propensity Score Methods and Applications describes propensity score methods (PSM) and how they are used to balance the distributions of observed covariates between treatment conditions as a means to reduce selection bias. This new QASS title specifically focuses on the procedures of implementing PSM for research in social sciences, instead of merely demonstrating the effectiveness of the method. Using succinct and approachable language to introduce the basic concepts of PSM, authors Haiyan Bai and M. H. Clark present basic concepts, assumptions, procedures, available software packages, and step-by-step examples for implementing PSM using real-world data, with exercises at the end of each chapter allowing readers to replicate examples on their own.
Optimize Your School: It′s All About the Strategy
by Lyle Lee JenkinsLead the change that you want to see in your school! Is your school or district heading in the right direction? In this essential guide for leaders, Lee Jenkins shows how to unite and energize your team as never before, while helping your students to love learning and crave achievement. A trusted advisor to numerous districts, Jenkins knows how to successfully transform school culture – for the long-term. Beginning with an introduction from scholar Michael Fullan, each chapter presents compelling insights and strategies for leaders, addressing how to Evolve your leadership style to guide, empower and serve Apply the principles of continuous strategic improvement as an antidote to win/lose approaches to school accountability Develop a healthy, positive culture of achievement by deeply engaging your students in their own progress and success Turn to this resource and prepare to lead positive change, from the classroom to the staff room and beyond. "This book creates a whole picture approach to school improvement while shunning the current top down model in favor of a school-led plan. The approach not only increases school performances, but values the school-level leadership and instructional faculty." Amanda Mayeaux, Career Management Specialist Iberville Parish Schools "If your district is ready to move from arbitrary to observable, from fractured to focused, and from silos to systems, you’ve found the book that can move entire organizations from a goal mindset to a growth mindset. Lee Jenkins provides common-sense strategies that impact the efficiency and effectiveness of our classrooms, with a clear focus on student growth. In an educational era saturated with the latest remedy for what ails us, Lee provides a refreshing cure by offering simple solutions for lasting change." Dr. Jane Stavem, Associate Superintendent for Instruction Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, NE