For courses in Experimental Methods and in Research Methods for Political Science and Sociology

A stress-free and enjoyable approach to the research methods course

Understanding Research is a practical and visually appealing introduction to research. Whether students become producers or consumers of research, W. Lawrence Neuman shows them that the subject is both interesting and highly relevant to their lives and professional work. The Second Edition makes the essentials of doing high-quality research accessible, in ways that create excitement about the research process. Core principles, processes, and procedures of research are distilled – and presented with salient real-world examples and the latest academic studies – in a manner that students will want to learn them.

NOTE: This ISBN is for a Pearson Books a la Carte edition: a convenient, three-hole-punched, loose-leaf text. In addition to the flexibility offered by this format, Books a la Carte editions offer students great value, as they cost significantly less than a bound textbook.

Understanding Research, Second Edition is also available via Revel™, an interactive learning environment that enables students to read, practice, and study in one continuous experience.

You can also purchase a loose-leaf print reference to complement Revel Understanding Research . This is optional.

W. Lawrence Neuman is professor of sociology and Asian Studies coordinator at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. His M.A. and Ph.D. were earned at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has authored seven books and published 35 articles and book chapters, which have appeared in Social Problems, Sociological Inquiry, Social Science Quarterly, American Sociological Review, Critical Asian Studies, Teaching Sociology, The Journal of Contemporary Asia, Sociological Quarterly, and other journals. He is a former president of the Wisconsin Sociological Association. Neuman has received his university’s highest award for research, the Chancellor's Award for service to students with disabilities, as well as the Wisconsin Sociological Association's Outstanding Service Award, and the College of Letters and Sciences awards for outstanding teaching, excellence in research, and outstanding service.

1. Why Do Research?