Social Science Methodology A Unified Framework Gerring Hardback 9780521115049 2e

Social Science MethodologyA Unified Framework

A new and thoroughly revised edition of this exceptional textbook, offering a one-volume introduction to social science methodology.

John Gerring (Author)

9780521115049, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 15 December 2011

522 pages
25.4 x 18.2 x 2.8 cm, 1.16 kg

'Social Science Methodology is a book with a wealth of well-organised material aimed at both students and practitioners of social science.' Acta Politica

John Gerring's exceptional textbook has been thoroughly revised in this second edition. It offers a one-volume introduction to social science methodology relevant to the disciplines of anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology and sociology. This new edition has been extensively developed with the introduction of new material and a thorough treatment of essential elements such as conceptualization, measurement, causality and research design. It is written for students, long-time practitioners and methodologists and covers both qualitative and quantitative methods. It synthesizes the vast and diverse field of methodology in a way that is clear, concise and comprehensive. While offering a handy overview of the subject, the book is also an argument about how we should conceptualize methodological problems. Thinking about methodology through this lens provides a new framework for understanding work in the social sciences.

Preface1. A unified frameworkPart I. General: 2. Beginnings3. Arguments4. AnalysesPart II. Description: 5. Concepts6. Descriptive arguments7. MeasurementsPart III. Causation: 8. Causal arguments9. Causal analyses10. Causal strategies: X and Y11. Causal strategies: beyond X and Y12. Varying approaches to causal inferencePart IV. Conclusions: 13. Unity and plurality14. Setting standardsPostscript: justificationsAppendix: a few words on style.

Subject Areas: Social research & statistics [JHBC], Society & social sciences [J], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Research methods: general [GPS]