Known as the gold standard of research methods texts, THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH, 12th Edtion, is a comprehensive, straightforward introduction to the field of research as practiced by social scientists. This best-selling text emphasizes the research process by showing readers how to design research studies, introducing the various observation modes in use today, and answering questions about research methods--such as how to conduct online surveys and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. THE PRACTICE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH provides the tools readers need to apply social research concepts inside the classroom and out, and as both researchers and consumers.
About This Edition
From the Publisher
 
New Features
Introduce users to the sensitivities around social research with a new section on research ethics at the end of each chapter.
Demonstrate how to conduct a research proposal with new skill-building exercises in each chapter. Users prepare different sections of a proposal in each chapter while applying specific chapter concepts. Then, in Chapter 17, users review the full proposal pulled together in its final form.
Examine key qualitative researchers and their work with the new "Keeping Humanity in Focus" box feature. Profiles of exciting new researchers include Kathryn Edin, Maria Kefalas, Elijah Anderson, Rachel Sherman, Kristen Schilt, and Sudhir Venkatesh.
Empower users with hands-on "How To Do It" boxes and their practical research topics, including: Framing a Hypothesis, Identifying the Unit of Analysis, How to Design a Research Project, Using a Table of Random Numbers, Conducting an Online Survey, Establishing Rapport, and Percentaging a Table.
Offer a balance between quantitative and qualitative methods, showing their common groundings and how they complement each other. The new "Keeping Humanity in Focus" boxed feature expands upon coverage of qualitative methods for this edition.
Additional Features
Provide the best faculty and user support package in the research methods course market. No other text has the depth and breadth of the supplemental support package for The Practice of Social Research.
Choose the text that appeals to today's user! Numerous examples (both real-world and hypothetical), abundant figures and tables, sample research tools, and the author's renowned sense of humor and compassion combine to make The Practice of Social Research the most accessible text on social research methods available.
Streamline coursework with end-of-chapter features like point-by-point chapter summaries, a list of key terms, review questions and exercises, research proposal exercises, and an "Online Study Resources" section.
Reinforce key ideas with a running glossary at the foot of each page. These in-chapter definitions also make chapter reviews and exam preparation easier.
Boost user achievement with chapter-beginning overviews that explain chapter objectives and how the material fits into the overall scheme of social research. A chapter table of contents also provides a roadmap for reviews and tests.

See this title's supplement:
Guided Activities for Babbie's The Practice of Social Research (Twelfth Edition)

Further reference for this edition:
Download a transition guide to the twelfth edition of The Practice of Social Research.
 
Review

"The biggest strength of this book is that it is well written and students find it very approachable. The use of examples is excellent and aids very much in conveying difficult concepts and ideas".--Melanie Arthur, Portland State University
"The principle strength of the Babbie text is its balance of technical information and accessibility for students, as well as, a balanced presentation of qualitative and quantitative research methods…the use of humor in this text is also an enormous asset. I really liked this text--in its approach, presentation, and tenor".
"It is the best methods text--nothing is close to this--over the years it has been perfected".
"This is a very fine textbook in terms of content and style. Babbie covers the key aspects of sociological research methods in a well-organized manner. The book is very well-written and engaging. The examples are interesting, informative, and up-to-date".