Research Methods in Social Sciences Chava Frankfort-Nachmias David Nachmias From the Preface The goal of the seventh edition of Research Methods in Social Sciences… is to offer a comprehensive, systematic presentation of the scientific approach within the context of social sciences. We emphasize the relationship between theory, research, and practice, and integrate research activities in an orderly framework so that the reader can more easily learn about the nature of social science research. […] The Seventh Edition incorporates the following revisions: • Appendix A, "Introduction to SPSS" has been updated to SPSS version 14.0 for Windows. Appendix A serves to assist students in preparing and executing computerized data analysis using the widely available and often-used software package. It includes step-by-step instructions covering basic and intermediate procedures normally required for management and analysis of survey data. The step-by-step instructions are illustrated with the appropriate window screens. Demonstrations of the various procedures are integrated into the Appendix using the GSS 2004 data set. • New SPSS problems were developed for the following chapters: 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17. The new problems fully utilize the GSS 2004 data set and have a rich substantive context. The new edition continues to blend a broad range of classic social science research studies with up-to-date examples of contemporary social science issues. The additions and changes reflect the concerns and developments that have surfaced in the field since the publication of the previous edition. The text has also benefitted from the constructive criticism offered by instructors, both users and nonusers, in research methods courses taught across the global village. Following their advice, we have revised the prose to make the tone less formal and the concepts even more accessible for students. […] The book's organization progresses logically from the conceptual and theoretical building blocks of the research process to data analysis and computer applications, offering students a comprehensive and systematic foundation for comprehending the breadth and depth of social science research. […]