Coming soon · Book Profile
Fundamentals of Social Research
A beginner-friendly guide that marries social research methods with statistics to teach students—especially social workers and development officers—how to conduct systematic, objective, and ethical inquiry.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
Fundamentals of Social Research is a practical, classroom-tested manual that bridges the gap many textbooks leave open: the interlinkage between research methodology and statistics. Written for beginners in social work, sociology, and development studies, it walks readers from the philosophy of science and the meaning of objectivity, through research ethics, basic concepts (variables, hypotheses, measurement), data-collection methods (surveys, interviews, observation, available data), sampling techniques, and finally hands-on statistical analysis (means, medians, modes, standard deviation, chi-square, gamma, correlation) with worked examples. Grounded in Kenyan examples and real research applications, it demystifies numbers and equips students to design proposals, collect quality data, analyze it correctly, and write credible reports that contribute to national development.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- A beginning student or practitioner of social work, sociology, or development studies who must conduct a research project and wants to do it competently.
- The problem
- The reader must design, conduct, analyze, and report a piece of social research but lacks an integrated, accessible guide linking methods and statistics. They feel intimidated by statistics ('phobia for numbers'), confused by superficial or unsystematic textbooks, and unsure they can produce credible work.
- The plan
- Understand what research and science are, and strive for objectivity.
- Master basic concepts: measurement, hypotheses, variables, concepts, operational definitions.
- Internalize and apply research ethics.
- Select appropriate data-collection and sampling methods for your problem.
- Analyze data using suitable statistical techniques with worked examples.
- The payoff
- The reader designs sound proposals, collects quality data, analyzes it correctly, writes credible reports, and contributes to national development.
See our guide
Related profiles we’ve built
- A Theory of Human Motivation (Hardcover Library Edition) →
- Anxiety at Work_ 8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done →
- Applied Multivariate Stats Social Sciences Stevens →
- Assessing Change in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy of Children and Adolescents (Psychology, Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy) →
- Basics Qualitative Research Grounded Theory Corbin Strauss →
- Bayesian Multilevel Models for Repeated Measures dаta A Conceptual and Practical Introduction in R →
- Beyond Hr Boudreau Ramstad →
- Compensating Your Employees Fairly →
Additional reading
- The Organism · Kurt Goldstein
Maslow sources the term 'self-actualization' from Goldstein and builds upon his holistic view of the organism.
- Explorations in Personality · H. A. Murray, et al.
Cited as providing an 'excellent discussion' on the basic principle of centering motivation theory on goals rather than instigation or behavior.
- Social Interest · Alfred Adler
Maslow credits Adler and his followers for stressing the importance of the 'esteem needs,' which he felt were neglected by Freudian psychoanalysts.
- Wisdom of the Body · W. B. Cannon
Provides the foundational concept of 'homeostasis,' which Maslow uses as the starting point for his discussion of physiological needs.
- Multipliers · Liz Wiseman
Explores how leaders can either amplify ('multiply') or diminish ('diminish') the intelligence and capabilities of their teams, a key concept for creating a positive, low-anxiety environment.
- The Fearless Organization · Amy Edmondson
Provides the foundational research and practical steps for creating psychological safety, which the book identifies as crucial for reducing interpersonal anxiety and encouraging people to speak up.
- Mindset · Carol Dweck
Explains the difference between a 'growth mindset' and a 'fixed mindset,' which is presented as a key tool for helping employees manage perfectionism and see failures as learning opportunities.
- Crucial Conversations · Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, et al.
Recommended as a resource for employees to learn how to navigate difficult, high-stakes conversations, directly addressing the book's theme of moving from conflict avoidance to healthy debate.
- Better Allies · Karen Catlin
The author is quoted on specific, actionable steps for allyship, making her book a practical guide for implementing the principles in Chapter 7.
- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People · Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
Explains the science of implicit bias, which is central to the book's argument that leaders need to be proactive allies because 'not being racist/sexist' isn't enough.