Best Social Sciences Methodology Books of 2025

This book is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the differences between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research designs. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the research process, including philosophical assumptions, literature review, use of theory, and ethical considerations. This new edition includes updates on designing research projects, epistemological and ontological positioning, specific approaches, and advances in the mixed methods field. The incorporation of writing discussion sections into each of the methodologies is a helpful addition. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for social science researchers and students alike.

The book "Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches" by John W. Creswell and Cheryl N. Poth is an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the theories, strategies, and practices of qualitative inquiry. The authors explore the philosophical underpinnings, history, and key elements of five qualitative inquiry approaches and compare them to each other in a highly accessible manner. The Fourth Edition features new content, articles, pedagogy, references, and expanded coverage of ethics throughout, making it an ideal resource for students of all levels. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those interested in developing an understanding of qualitative research in the social sciences.

The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers by Johnny Saldaña is an essential guide for qualitative data analysis, suitable for both manual and computer-assisted analysis. The fourth edition includes a structural reformat for better accessibility, new first cycle coding methods, and a companion website with various resources. Saldaña offers a range of coding options with real-world examples to help researchers choose the most appropriate approach for their project. This book is a must-read for students and professionals in various fields, including social sciences, nursing, business, and healthcare.

The sixth edition of Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches by John W. Creswell and J. David Creswell is an exceptional guide for designing research projects or developing research proposals. The book provides clear and concise instruction on research methods, addressing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. The authors use numerous examples from a wide variety of disciplines to encourage readers to choose the approach that best fits the research question. The book has been updated to reflect the latest developments in mixed methods, best practices, and new trends in research. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in social science methodology research.

Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics: North American Edition by Andy Field is a comprehensive guide for students to learn statistics in a fun and accessible way. The fifth edition incorporates IBM SPSS Statistics© version 25, taking students from initial theory to regression, factor analysis, and multilevel modeling. The book offers a unique combination of humor and step-by-step instruction. It also provides a research roadmap to navigate projects and fascinating examples throughout. The text has received positive reviews from students and professors alike for its captivating writing style and practical guides for reporting results and findings. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those who want to learn statistics in an engaging way.

Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods by Robert K. Yin is a must-read book for students and researchers who want to master the craft of doing research. The book provides a complete guide to the world of case study research, with 11 applications that show how researchers have implemented case study methods successfully. Yin also discusses the importance of using plausible rival explanations to bolster case study quality and synthesizing findings across case studies. The author's clear writing style and emphasis on using real-world examples make this book an excellent resource for anyone interested in case study research.

The Art of Saying NO by Damon Zahariades is a strategic guide that teaches readers how to set boundaries and develop assertiveness to maintain them. The book provides 10 simple strategies for saying no with finesse in every situation, whether at home or in the workplace, and helps readers gauge the severity of their people-pleasing habits. The author also includes bonus material dedicated to saying no to spouses, kids, friends, neighbors, coworkers, clients, bosses, and even strangers. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for those who struggle with saying no and want to take control of their lives.

The book "Action Research in Education: A Practical Guide" is a comprehensive resource for both pre-service and in-service educators who want to improve their instructional practices. The book covers qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches to classroom and school-based studies. The newly revised edition also includes expanded coverage of collaborative and participatory action research, examples, and checklists to help readers self-assess their progress. Overall, the book is a valuable tool for educators looking to conduct research to enhance their teaching practices.

Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach (Applied Social Research Methods) by Joseph A. Maxwell provides a user-friendly guide to planning qualitative research. The author highlights key design issues and shows how the components of design interact with each other. The book is written in an informal, jargon-free style and includes examples and hands-on exercises. The text is engaging and practical, and the interactive focus helps students to realistically engage with qualitative research design. Overall, the book is a valuable guidebook for students and researchers conducting qualitative dissertations, and it stands out for its clear language, passion, and enthusiasm for qualitative research.

Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña’s Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook is an excellent resource for graduate students and established scholars from all disciplines. The book presents a variety of new visual display models for qualitative inquiry, maintaining the analytic rigor of previous editions. The authors demonstrate how researchers can capture the complex processes of the people and institutions studied by "thinking display." This comprehensive, practical, and user-friendly book provides a wealth of data analysis strategies that are essential for any qualitative research, making it a must-have tool for moving from data analysis to writing for publication.