Surveys in Social Research

David de Vaus' widely used text 'Surveys in Social Research' provides clear advice on how to plan, conduct and analyze social surveys. It emphasizes the links between theory and research, the logic and interpretation of statistics and the practices of social research. This fifth edition has been completely rewritten with new examples and data. It also includes new material on technology, using qualitative and quantitative methods together, and data analysis. As well as showing how to conduct good surveys, De Vaus provides the tools to enable readers to become critical consumers of research. He stresses that the logic of surveys and statistics is simply an extension of the logic we use in everyday life, but that analysis is an art which requires creativity and imagination rather than the application of sterile mechanical procedures. In consequence, his presentation highlights the plain logic, selection and interpretation of statistics rather than formulae and computation. The aim is to help students understand the purpose of statistics. 'Surveys in Social Research' is essential reading for students and anyone else working with surveys. It assumes no background in statistical analysis, and gives readers the tools they need to come to grips with this often-confusing field of work.