By the end of this chapter, you will be able to do the following:

1.1 Describe why you should care about research methods.

1.2 Explain the link between solid methods and the credibility of social and behavioral science research.

1.3 Compare the topics emphasized in each historical era to trace the development of research methodology.

1.4 Name the main design, measurement, and analysis categories of quantitative methods.

1.5 Name the main design, measurement, and analysis categories of qualitative methods.

1.6 Cite the trends for the most popular quantitative design, measurement, and analysis categories.

1.7 Cite the trends for the most popular qualitative design, measurement, and analysis categories.

1.8 Describe the five issues likely to have the most impact on the trustworthiness of future research methods.