基本説明
New in paperback. Hardcover was published in 2008. This unique book is both a handbook for defining and completing a research project, and an astute introduction to the neglected history and changeable philosophy of modern social science.
Full Description
"You might think that dancing doesn't have a lot to do with social research, and doing social research is probably why you picked this book up in the first place. But trust me. Salsa dancing is a practice as well as a metaphor for a kind of research that will make your life easier and better."
Savvy, witty, and sensible, this unique book is both a handbook for defining and completing a research project, and an astute introduction to the neglected history and changeable philosophy of modern social science. In this volume, Kristin Luker guides novice researchers in: knowing the difference between an area of interest and a research topic; defining the relevant parts of a potentially infinite research literature; mastering sampling, operationalization, and generalization; understanding which research methods best answer your questions; beating writer's block.
Most important, she shows how friendships, non-academic interests, and even salsa dancing can make for a better researcher.
"You know about setting the kitchen timer and writing for only an hour, or only 15 minutes if you are feeling particularly anxious. I wrote a fairly large part of this book feeling exactly like that. If I can write an entire book 15 minutes at a time, so can you."
Contents
* Salsa Dancing? In the Social Sciences? * What's It All About? * An Ode to Canonical Social Science * What Is This a Case of, Anyway? * Reviewing the Literature * On Sampling, Operationalization, and Generalization * Getting Down to the Nitty-Gritty * Field (and Other) Methods * Historical-Comparative Methods * Data Reduction and Analysis * Living Your Life as a Salsa-Dancing Social Scientist * Appendix One: What to Do If You Don't Have a Case * Appendix Two: Tools of the Trade * Appendix Three: Special Resources for Specific Methods * Appendix Four: Sample Search Log * Notes * Bibliography * Author's Note * Acknowledgments * Index
