Social Science Methods in Health Research

The six-volume Social Science Methods in Health Research set comprehensively addresses research methods used in social science for the health sector. The six volumes are illustrative and indicative of the range of social science methods in health research. It is ordered in large part according to the scope of the research questions covering the micro-, meso-, and mega-levels of health research.

The first three volumes, Foundations, Basic Science and Clinical Research focuses mainly on micro- and meso-level studies. Volume 1 centres on the foundations of social science research, including history, ethics, and more. Volume 2 addresses the use of social science methods in basic biomedical studies involving humans and other animals, while Volume 3, the last volume provides insight into the importance of using social science methods in clinical research.

Volumes 4-6, cover Organizations, Systems and Public Health Research, and address research methods that can be used to study health related issues in broad contexts, mainly at the mega-level. Volume 4 addresses methodological issues particular to studying health care organizations and how those organizations can be studied using methods from the social sciences including case studies, leadership research, and more. Volume 5 explores how social science methods can be used to study health care systems (across and beyond health care organizations), including policy studies, systems research, and more. Volume 6, the final volume focuses on social science methods in public health research, including population research, social determinants studies, and more.