Research methods for environmental studies : a social science approach / Mark Kanazawa.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to research methods in environmental studies -- A brief history of knowledge and argumentation -- General research design principles -- General principles of quantitative research -- Quantitative data and sampling -- Basic quantitative methods and analysis -- More advanced methods of quantitative analysis -- Spatial analysis and GIS -- General principles of qualitative research -- The case study method -- The ethnographic approach -- Actor-network theory -- Environmental discourse analysis -- Action research -- Mixed methods -- Data collection I: principles of surveying -- Data collection II: interviewing -- Ethical issues in environmental research -- Writing a research proposal.

The methodological needs of environmental studies are unique in the breadth of research questions that can be posed, calling for a textbook that covers a broad swath of approaches to conducting research with potentially many different kinds of evidence. Written specifically for social science-based research into the environment, this book covers the best-practice research methods most commonly used to study the environment and its connections to societal and economic activities and objectives. Over the course of the chapters, Kanazawa introduces quantitative and qualitative approaches, mixed methods, and the special requirements of interdisciplinary research, emphasizing that methodological practice should be tailored to the specific needs of the project. The book also provides detailed coverage on key topics including the identification of a research project; spatial analysis; ethnography approaches; interview technique; and ethical issues in environmental research. Drawing on a variety of extended examples to encourage problem-based learning and fully addressing the challenges associated with interdisciplinary investigation, this book will be an essential resource for students embarking on courses exploring research methods in environmental studies--back cover.