Research Methods in Applied Economics and Other Social Sciences

This book introduces research methods and techniques used by applied economists and other social science researchers. The book begins with the delineation of the scientific method of inquiry from other major types of human inquiry. The linkages of religions to economics science and other social sciences are stressed in the book. The author also proposes an hypothesis that bridges the gap between the scientific theory of evolution and religions. Political economy analysis is a new addition for this third edition of the book with the author discussing several key features of political economy analysis. For this third edition, the author devotes five of the fourteen chapters of the book to topics concerning operations research. Special emphasis is placed on the identification and correction of various types of errors encountered in data analysis. The development of research proposals, research reports and research ethics is extensively discussed. The book is designed for use at the practical level involving only modest knowledge of basic spreadsheet software and statistical analysis software. It is useful for undergraduate and postgraduate students, businesspeople, consultants, etc.