With a new discussion on the philosophy of science and an expanded focus on research ethics and sampling, this second edition continues to give readers an interdisciplinary account of the logic of social science research 

1. Exploring the World of Social Research Design Defining Social Research The Study of Social Research Design Evaluating Social Research Methodological Thinking Studying Research Design as Methodological Thinking Methods in Theory and in Practice 2. Foundations Foundation I: Data, Concepts, and Theory Foundation II: The Logic of Relationships Between Data and Concepts/Theory Foundation III: Philosophies of Science The Qualitative Versus Quantitative Debate Foundations and Research Design 3. Research Questions Characteristics of Appropriate Research Questions Identifying Research Questions in Published Research Creating Research Questions Thinking Ahead: Developing Questions That Will Be Ethical and Practical to Study Revising Research Questions Evaluating Research Questions Research Questions and Research Design 4. Literature Reviews Defining "The Literature" Existing Knowledge as Tools for Research Design Defining the Relevant Literature Thinking About the Review Task The Contents and Form of Literature Reviews Evaluating Literature Reviews Literature Reviews and Research Design Examples of Social Research Article Databases 5. Measurement Conceptualization and Conceptual Definitions Operationalization and Operational Definitions Conceptualization and Operationalization in Research Led by Inductive Reasoning Measurement Problems in Social Research Evaluating Measurement Measurement and Research Design 6. Data Generation Techniques Research Questions and Data Data Generation Techniques Planning Ahead Data Generation Techniques and Research Design 7. Samples Populations and Samples in Social Research The Importance of Samples in Social Research Probability Samples Non-probability Samples Evaluating Samples in Published Research Samples and Research Design 8. Summary: Thinking About Social Research Design Foundations of Research Design and Evaluation: Methodological Thinking Evaluating Research Design: Variations Assessing Research Quality Characteristics of High-Quality Reports of Research Design Ending and Beginnings Appendix: Suggestions for Further Reading Appendix: Articles Used as Examples

Methodological Thinking is a highly accessible, practical guide to the often-intimidating process of designing a research project. An excellent starting point for an undergraduate course in social research fundamentals, full of useful examples and uncomplicated explanations of the starting stages of the research process.