Principles of Sociological Inquiry

Abstract

This text emphasizes the relevance of research methods for the everyday lives of its readers: undergraduate students. The book describes how research methodology is useful for students in the multiple roles they fill: (1) as consumers of popular and public information; (2) as citizens in a society where findings from social research shape our laws, policies, and public life; and (3) as current and future employees. You will find connections to these roles throughout and directly within the main text of the book rather than their being relegated to boxes. This material is important, so why discuss it only as a sidenote? Using a variety of examples from published sociological research, this text also aims to provide balanced coverage of qualitative and quantitative approaches. We’ll also cover some of the debates among sociologists on the values and purposes of qualitative and quantitative research. In addition, we’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches. Finally, one of the most important goals of this text is to introduce you to the core principles of social research in a way that is straightforward and keeps you engaged. As such, the text reflects public sociology’s emphasis on making sociological research accessible and readable.