The answers to questions on a wide variety of social and political issues from more than 25,000 respondents are contained in the General Social Survey (GSS) data base. The authors, who have directed the GSS since its inception, have set out to enable social scientists to exploit this large data set more effectively. The book outlines such topics as the recurrent, replicated `core' items suitable for trend analyses, the annual topical modules on subjects of current interest and the international modules produced in collaboration with the International Social Survey Programme.

Designed for both introductory and advanced research methods or statistics courses in sociology, political science, social work, criminal justice, and public health departments, Adventures in Social Research is an ideal computer skills and data analysis textbook for any discipline that uses survey methods. New to the Sixth Edition: - Provides a shorter, more condensed version than the Fifth Edition - Illustrates uses of SPSS 14.0 and new GSS data sets - Includes a CD-ROM that contains data sets, Designing Own Survey and comprehensive appendices that include questionnaires, research reports, proposals, survey tips, commands, readings and more - Offers a Web page that features SPSS version update changes for students and instructors

Changes in American social attitudes and behaviors since the 1970s Social Trends in American Life assembles a team of leading researchers to provide unparalleled insight into how American social attitudes and behaviors have changed since the 1970s. Drawing on the General Social Survey—a social science project that has tracked demographic and attitudinal trends in the United States since 1972—it offers a window into diverse facets of American life, from intergroup relations to political views and orientations, social affiliations, and perceived well-being. Among the book's many important findings are the greater willingness of ordinary Americans to accord rights of free expression to unpopular groups, to endorse formal racial equality, and to accept nontraditional roles for women in the workplace, politics, and the family. Some, but not all, signs indicate that political conservatism has grown, while a few suggest that Republicans and Democrats are more polarized. Some forms of social connectedness such as neighboring have declined, as has confidence in government, while participation in organized religion has softened. Despite rising standards of living, American happiness levels have changed little, though financial and employment insecurity has risen over three decades. Social Trends in American Life provides an invaluable perspective on how Americans view their lives and their society, and on how these views have changed over the last two generations.