Research Methods

I'm looking for ways to improve my skills in research methods, esp in the social sciences field. So far I only used a very limited range of methods so it would be great to "upgrade" my knowledge in this area. Once I even took an Introduction to SPSS course - kinda liked it, but didn't have any use for it so most of it might be gone. Do you guys have any suggestions for (very) affordable courses (preferable by a University or for Credit or Certificates)?

 

I just completed a Research Method course at CSU and I would highly recommend it. The instructor is VERY detail oriented and extremely hands on.

 

Not specifically "affordable," but worth suggesting- TESC has a course called Research Methods in Social Science. I took it last year- It was either 300 or 400 level. Wasn't too difficult, stats was not a pre-req, but I think taking stats isn't a bad idea either.
www.tesc.edu
Good Luck!

 

Excelsior College offers the following exam: "Research Methods in Psychology". Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but I thought I would along the info anyway.

While this is not a course, I found an excellent site called socialresearchmethods.net. Good stuff.

Good Luck!

 

What book did you use in this course? Thanks.

 

who? If you mean me, I used the book Research Methods in Social Science- i don't remember who it was by.

 

This is the main book my course used:

http://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Research-6th-Neil-Salkind/dp/0131937839.

 

I think that little programs like this are fairly common at British universities. Sometimes they are certifications, sometimes they call the Postgrad Diplomas, etc. Here's one

http://www.ntu.ac.uk/apps/pss/courses/cf/60611-1/10/PGDip_Research_Methods_(with_pathways_in_Politics_Social_Policy_Sociolog.aspx

 

There are many different approaches to research in the social sciences. Are you looking for qualitative methods? Quantitative? Ethnographic approaches? I would pick a course focusing on the methods that fit best with your future ambitions.

 

This book is advanced, but very good;

http://www.amazon.com/Research-Design-Methods-Process-Approach/dp/0073129062/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238872801&sr=1-1

 

Thanks for all your great suggestions. Just bought the Research Design and Methods Book. Kinda crazy how cheap Texbooks can get when it doesn't matter that its not the latest edition