What is social science? What are the pitfalls and the tricks of the trade? This book provides answers to these and many other questions asked by those who seek to develop their research skills. Using a step-by-step approach, the authors clarify such issues as isolating and defining a problem, framing a hypothesis, choosing and measuring variables, determining a research design, and selecting a sample. By asking readers to grapple with fundamental questions, and by using case studies, this book brings research theory and practice alive.