Social Science Experiments

This book is designed for an undergraduate, one-semester course in experimental research, primarily targeting programs in sociology, political science, environmental studies, psychology, and communications. Aimed at those with limited technical background, this introduction to social science experiments takes a practical, hands-on approach. After explaining key features of experimental designs, Green takes students through exercises designed to build appreciation for the nuances of design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation. Using applications and statistical examples from many social science fields, the textbook illustrates the breadth of what may be learned through experimental inquiry. A chapter devoted to research ethics introduces broader ethical considerations, including research transparency. The culminating chapter prepares readers for their own social science experiments, offering examples of studies that can be conducted ethically, inexpensively, and quickly. Replication datasets and R code for all examples and exercises are available online.

• The book combines lively examples and hands-on exercises to build interest and engagement
• The book is written with the first-time R user in mind. Very basic examples are presented and reinforced with exercises; solutions are provided
• The book is concise and can be used as a standalone text for a class on experimental design or for a three-week module in an introductory statistics or research methods class