The Practice of Social Research (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) [Hardcover]

Earl R. Babbie (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0534620280 | ISBN-13: 978-0534620288 | Publication Date: March 6, 2003 | Edition: 10

This thorough revision of Babbie's standard-setting book for the course offers students a comprehensive, straightforward introduction to the field of research methods as practiced by sociologists and other social scientists. Emphasizing the importance of the research process, the book shows students how social scientists design research studies, introduces the variety of observation modes used by sociologists, and covers the "how-tos" and "whys" of social research methods. Students learn how to conduct vari

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Earl R. Babbie graduated from Harvard University before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and began teaching shortly thereafter. Credited with defining research methods for the social sciences, Dr. Babbie has written several texts, including the bestselling THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 493 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 10 edition (March 6, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534620280
• ISBN-13: 978-0534620288
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,190 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Education & Reference > Education > Research

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Practice of Social Research (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) (Practice of Social Research), November 3, 2005

By 

J. Saunders - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Practice of Social Research (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) (Hardcover)

This book is a course requirement; otherwise it would not have been purchased. In my opinion this is unquestionably the worst textbook I have every read. I have read a lot of textbooks, over 60 boxes worth, both as a student and a professor. Some have been a good read, others not. In all of them I have found at least something worthwhile. Not this time.
This is the most confusing, redundant, turgid, and poorly edited book I have ever read. There seems to be an inverse relation between the amount of text devoted to a topic and its' complexity, e.g. "percentaging (sic) a table". The discussion, in chapter 16, on correlation and regression is without a doubt the single worst presentation on the topic I have ever seen. Since this is the 10th edition, you would think Babbie and the publisher would have gotten it right. They didn't. I think a more appropriate description is a first edition repeated nine times.
Babbie may be a fine instructor and a prominent researcher, but this is a terrible piece of babble and banality.
I would give the book a zero if the system allowed it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful and comprehensive textbook, April 20, 2011

By 

Aston Kwok "phreakoutaston" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Practice of Social Research (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) (Hardcover)

Just started my master in educational research. This book won't be the only book you ever need, but it really is a comprehensive overview of educational research.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Social Research Textbook, October 26, 2011

By 

Ashley L - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Practice of Social Research (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac) (Hardcover)

Book is great and is in awesome shape! Haven't used the CD rom, but we do not need to use it for the class I am taking. Has been a great help, thanks very much!