Applied Social Research focuses on the real world context of applied research. It discusses the often overlooked, yet essential process of planning: poor planning inevitably produces inadequate research. The text helps researchers decide how to approach their applied research problems and to think through the major issues in the design and analysis of their project. 'Applied Social Research' also discussed the idea that in applied social research the use of a single method type is unlikely to provide answers to the often complex set of research questions being addressed and highlights the benefits of using two or more research methods in the one study. The author argues that such mixed method designs are becoming widely used in applied social research, particularly where the methods combine qualitative and quantitative data, thereby enabling a richer set of data to provide various perspectives on the research topic, removing limitations imposed by using single methods. Examples of such designs are provided throughout, useful mixed method designs are outlined and their advantages discussed.

Praise for earlier editions: I have been using this textbook as a required reading for my research class since 2004 because I found the text’s coverage of research concepts to be in-depth, and easy to read without the technicalities. —Ziblim Abukari, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Westfield State University Applied Social Research. . . is thorough, well organized, and clear, making it highly appreciated by my students. —Barry Loneck, PhD, School of Social Welfare, SUNY Albany Discover the practical side of research in human services with this easy-to-follow classic Designed for students and professionals in social work, public administration, nursing, criminal justice, and other human services fields, this text breaks down complex concepts into accessible, real-world applications. Follow along with easy-to-read language and engaging examples to uncover nonintimidating, practical tools for everyday problem-solving. Several new features, such as recorded practitioner interviews and Technology in Research boxes, clarify and reinforce the value of applied social research and innovative tools real professionals use in their work. This textbook takes readers on a journey through the entire research process, from identifying problems to collecting and analyzing data, and finally, to effectively communicating your findings. Each chapter closes with critical thinking and self-assessment questions to help evaluate students’ understanding of the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), promoting in-depth learning. Instructors will also welcome a wide array of instructor resources, including a new Instructor Manual, Sample Syllabi, Test Bank, and chapter PowerPoint presentations. New to the Eleventh Edition: Every chapter opens with an extended vignette highlighting how professionals incorporate research methods into their work. New Practitioner Profiles provide real-world insights into human services, and podcast segments with recorded interviews are included with every chapter. Chapters now include Technology in Research and Research in Practice boxes, helping readers understand the research practice and technological innovations. The new Instructor Manual includes additional discussion questions relating to the podcasts, learning activities to help students evaluate competencies, and more. Key Features: Clear explanations of the research process, from problem-solving to data analysis, simplifies learning. Explore real-life stories via practitioner interviews and vignettes in every chapter. All chapters close with bulleted main points, key terms for review, and several types of questions for evaluating competencies and self-assessment. Understand the link between research and improved services and develop logic-based research skills.

Essential management guidance for real-world applied research projects Managing Applied Social Research equips you with the skills, strategies, and knowledge you need to effectively manage research projects. Written by a team of nationally-known researchers, this book covers the systematic management of applied social research studies from 'soup to nuts,' providing researchers with an easy-to-follow process and the tools and templates for improving the quality, ethical conduct, and usefulness of the final products. The authors merge expertise adapted from the field of project management with their decades of experience in using established research methodologies and practices to offer readers; practical examples and insights gleaned from major research houses such as Rand, Urban Institute, Mathematica, American Institutes for Research, and others. Key concepts and methodologies are systematically unpacked, with detailed discussion of both theoretical bases and practical applications in the field. Written in plain English, the case studies and vignettes illustrate typical approaches to different scenarios, and the checklists, templates, and other tools provide guides for action. Starting from basic social research strategies, you'll build an understanding of applied research issues and how projects are best managed in a messy, imperfect world. From conceptualization and proposal through implementation, analysis, and reporting, this book helps you lead your projects to success. Learn the skills and concepts necessary to effectively manage applied research projects for the social science disciplines Anticipate and prepare for common challenges and obstacles Understand the various roles and their requisite tasks and responsibilities Learn strategies for making effective decisions about a study's scope, work, schedule, people, budget, and risks during each phase of the research study Social science research is an essential well of information upon which society is run. Proper management is the key to any research project's success, and success becomes more critical in the field given the potential ramifications in terms of policy and its effects on real, everyday people. Managing Applied Social Research provides sound guidance and expert insight with an essential real-world focus.

Monitoring and Evaluation of Practice and Methods in Applied Social Research is a comprehensive guide delving into the core concepts, tools, methods, and approaches of monitoring and evaluation (M&E). This book reveals the roots of M&E, illustrating its evolution from academia into a burgeoning field of science across various contexts. The challenge practitioners face lies in the inconsistent terminology used for identical concepts among humanitarian organizations, hindering the growth of M&E through shared learning. Embracing an abductive approach, this book seeks to establish M&E as distinct fields within social research. In doing so, it bridges the philosophical gap between novice and expert social researchers and provides a consolidated resource based on real-world experiences. Written by an expert with over a decade of hands-on experience in applied social research, this book serves as an invaluable tool, offering insights into the diverse landscape of M&E, enabling students and practitioners to navigate various contexts with ease. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations (UN) bodies, and organizations involved in M&E will also find this book instrumental, creating a bridge of standardized concepts, nomenclature, and approaches.

The growth and health of the social sciences owe a good deal to the generally held belief that they are socially useful, but is this really so? Do they deliver the goods they promise? In The Uses of Social Research, first published in 1982, Martin Bulmer answers these and other questions concerning the uses of empirical social science in the policy-making process, and provides an extended analysis of the main issues. This title provides a valuable introduction to the patterns of influence exercised by the social sciences on government. It shows how the results of social research feed into the political system and what models of the relationship between research and policy are most convincing. This book will be of interest to students of the social sciences.

First published in 1986, Social Science and Social Policy addresses major questions concerned with the social utility of social science. The book is divided into four parts. The first part considers the place of social science in the policy-making process and criticizes the rational model which gives a central place to analysis. In part two, five different methodologies for policy research are considered: the use of continuous surveys, public opinion polls, social indicators, evaluation research and social experimentations and the use of qualitative methods. The advantages and drawbacks of each are considered with extensive use of examples. In the third part, the role of theory is examined. Particular attention is paid to the issue of health inequality. In part four, general questions are raised about the use and abuse of social science, including questions about how it can be most effectively disseminated to make maximum impact. The book is aimed at a general readership and requires no special methodological expertise. It will appeal particularly to undergraduates and graduate students taking courses in social policy, public policy applied sociology and a range of applied social sciences such as criminology, health studies, education and social work.

"The exploration of the social conditions that facilitate or retard the search for scientific knowledge has been the major theme of Robert K. Merton's work for forty years. This collection of papers [is] a fascinating overview of this sustained inquiry. . . . There are very few other books in sociology . . . with such meticulous scholarship, or so elegant a style. This collection of papers is, and is likely to remain for a long time, one of the most important books in sociology."—Joseph Ben-David, New York Times Book Review "The novelty of the approach, the erudition and elegance, and the unusual breadth of vision make this volume one of the most important contributions to sociology in general and to the sociology of science in particular. . . . Merton's Sociology of Science is a magisterial summary of the field."—Yehuda Elkana, American Journal of Sociology "Merton's work provides a rich feast for any scientist concerned for a genuine understanding of his own professional self. And Merton's industry, integrity, and humility are permanent witnesses to that ethos which he has done so much to define and support."—J. R. Ravetz, American Scientist "The essays not only exhibit a diverse and penetrating analysis and a deal of historical and contemporary examples, with concrete numerical data, but also make genuinely good reading because of the wit, the liveliness and the rich learning with which Merton writes."—Philip Morrison, Scientific American "Merton's impact on sociology as a whole has been large, and his impact on the sociology of science has been so momentous that the title of the book is apt, because Merton's writings represent modern sociology of science more than any other single writer."—Richard McClintock, Contemporary Sociology