Research Methods in Practice: Strategies for Description and Causation

Providing a state-of-the-art introduction to social and policy research methods

Imbued with their deep commitment to making methods accessible and meaningful, authors Dahlia K. Remler and Gregg G. Van Ryzin compel students to truly grasp the logic—and limits—of the latest research appearing in academic journals, government reports, and the media. The authors make the coverage spark, emphasizing the critical interpretation and practical application of research findings throughout the text by focusing on causation and real-life data.

Key Features

• Reflects current methodological techniques used in interdisciplinary research, as illustrated with many policy-relevant research examples.
• The realistic trade-offs, uncertainties, habits, and excitement of the research experience come through on every page
• Covers strategies for both description and causal estimation—and emphasizes the distinction

Appropriate for graduate-level students taking courses such as Research Design and Research Methods in applied disciplines including public affairs/administration, public policy, urban affairs, education, sociology, social work, public health, economics, and criminal justice, this text sets a whole new standard for presenting and learning research methods.

Find links to research in the news to use in class, exchange syllabi, and get teaching tips from authors Dahlia Remler and Gregg G. Van Ryzin.