Research methods in social relations [antikvár]

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION Although there have been many technical publications on specific aspects of research methods for the study of social relations, few books bring together on an introductory level the considerations which enter into every step of the research process. Tliis is what we have set out to do. Research methods can be presented in many diiTerent ways. The special emphasis of our presentation arises from a growing concern among social scientists that their work should contribute to the solution of practical problems as they arise in the contemporary world. Experience has demonstrated that research conducted without concern for immediate application is neither easily nor promptly put to use. Research concerned with immediate application requires throughout the research process a collaborative effort between social scientists and those who are to act upon their findings. Such collaboration creates problems of its own, for which neither partner is fully prepared by his specific training. Tliis book, therefore, includes a treatment of such problems. Wherever possible we have chosen the illustrative material from an area in which such collaboration is particularly needed and where it has already been attempted with some success: the area of prejudice. Hostilities between persons of different racial, religious, or national background present one of the major problems of our times. To the extent to which we learn to understand the factors which promote or obstruct harmonious relations among such groups, we may hope to contribute to the solution of this problem. The book is divided into two parts. Part I, Basic Processes, deals consecutively with the major steps of a scientific inquiry into social relations, as well as with the interrelationships between the steps. Part II, Selected Techniques, deals in more technical detail with some specific methodological problems.