The ability to read published research critically is essential and is different from the skills involved in undertaking research using statistical analysis. This second edition of the best selling Evaluating Social Science Research explains in clear and straightforward terms how students can evaluate research, with particular emphasis on research involving some aspect of measurement. Thomas R Black covers fundamental concepts comprehensively, including research design, data collection and data analysis. He addresses the following major issues: are the questions and hypotheses advanced appropriate and testable? is the research design sufficient for the hypothesis? is the data gathered valid, reliable and objective? are the statistical techniques used to analyze the data appropriate and do they support the conclusions reached? Each of the chapters from the new edition has been thoroughly updated, with particular emphasis on improving and increasing the range of activities for students. Coverage has been broadened to include: a wider range of research designs; a section on research ethics; item analysis; the definition of standard deviation with a guide for calculation; the concept of 'power' in statistical inference; calculating correlations; a description of the difference between parametric and non-parametric tests in terms of research questions
