Comprising 22 reading from both academic journals and books, this text presents the best examples of research methodology in contemporary and classic sociology. The editors organized the readings according to the logic of a research project. Beginning with the research question, to design, data collection and analysis, to application in the world. Each section contains an introduction, serving as a mini-textbook that guides students through the steps of their own research. Discussion questions after each section further compel students to think about the lessons they have learned. Key Features • Real research selections show research in action that underscores the relevance for students • Completely intact articles emphasize how the research is part of the whole sociological enterprise • By focusing on sociology, the works strengthen the role of the methods course in the major This book is intended as either a core book or a secondary text, primarily for use in research methods courses in sociology. The accompanying student study site http://www.sagepub.com/lunestudy includes: • Additional in-depth discussion questions per chapter • A section of additional questions for further review • Additional Web links as helpful resources • Journal articles related to the readings in the book • An "In the News" section that has a "real world" link to topics in the book