Research Methods for Everyday Life

Research Methods for Everyday Life is a fresh and engaging introduction to the process of social research and the variety of research methods, highlighting quantitative and qualitative methods and how to combine them. Taking readers step-by-step through each stage of the research process, the text includes many opportunities for practicing essential skills, such as sampling, naturalistic observation, survey collection, coding, analysis, and report writing. Coverage of quantitative methods includes measurement, correlational designs, basic experimental designs, and advanced experimental designs. Coverage of qualitative methods includes design and analysis, ethnography, and focus group interviewing. The authors cover sampling techniques, how to choose a research design, and how to determine research questions that inform public opinion and direct future studies. The book also covers disseminating of research findings through writing and public presentations.

Authors VanderStoep and Johnston enrich their text with illustrative examples from actual research that reinforce a clear understanding of social science research. ?

Praise for Research Methods for Everyday Life

"Anyone who has tried to integrate both qualitative and quantitative methodology in a research methods course will be grateful that there is finally a textbook that does this—and does it well, given the combination of strengths of the two authors, VanderStoep and Johnston. I have been waiting for a book like this, especially with such interesting and fresh examples from real research that will likely inspire and engage my students."
—Barbara Hofer, PhD, associate professor, Psychology, Middlebury College