A Consumer Guide

Note: This is the loose-leaf version of Understanding Research and does not include access to the Enhanced Pearson eText. To order the Enhanced Pearson eText packaged with the loose-leaf version, use ISBN 0133831620 . This introductory text is written specifically for consumers of research – anyone who uses the results and implications of research studies to enhance their knowledge and improve their practice. The focus is on guiding students toward a basic understanding of the research process, allowing them to develop the skills, knowledge and strategies needed to read, interpret, and evaluate the quality of research reports. The text provides balanced coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and combined research approaches. The Enhanced Pearson eText features interactive learning modules and assessments. Improve mastery and retention with the Enhanced Pearson eText* The Enhanced Pearson eText provides a rich, interactive learning environment designed to improve student mastery of content. The Enhanced Pearson eText is: Engaging. The new interactive, multimedia learning features were developed by the authors and other subject-matter experts to deepen and enrich the learning experience. Convenient. Enjoy instant online access from your computer or download the Pearson eText App to read on or offline on your iPad® and Android® tablet.* Affordable. Experience the advantages of the Enhanced Pearson eText along with all the benefits of print for 40% to 50% less than a print bound book. *The Enhanced eText features are only available in the Pearson eText format. They are not available in third-party eTexts or downloads. *The Pearson eText App is available on Google Play and in the App Store. It requires Android OS 3.1-4, a 7” or 10” tablet, or iPad iOS 5.0 or later. From reviews of the book: "The structure of the book is great. [The authors use] language that helps the reader become engaged and invites them to start applying what they have learned to their situation immediately. The examples of the journal articles with the notations are very helpful and we use these for discussion in the class quite a bit. I also like the 'reviewing what we’ve learned' and 'practicing your skills' at the end of the chapter. I much prefer the consumer approach of this text over others on the market." -- Candyce Reynolds, Portland State University "Understanding Research is true to its name; it is much more user friendly, it explains WHAT research IS. It does an EXCELLENT job of covering all of the material I currently cover. [The authors] (fortunately) force me to provide a balanced, comparative description of both [quantitative and qualitative] research. . . . I find the writing style to be clear, interesting and engaging. " -- Carol A. Friesen, Ball State University

Presents a collection of reviews, ratings, and advice on a wide range of consumer products, including electronics, air conditioners, cell phones, automobiles, dryers, home theaters, and more.

Many archaeologists, as primarily social scientists, do not have a background in the natural sciences. This can pose a problem because they need to obtain chemical and physical analyses on samples to perform their research. This manual is an essential source of information for those students without a background in science, but also a comprehensive overview that those with some understanding of archaeological science will find useful. The manual provides readers with the knowledge to use archaeological science methods to the best advantage. It describes and explains the analytical techniques in a manner that the average archaeologist can understand, and outlines clearly the requirements, benefits, and limitations of each possible method of analysis, so that the researcher can make informed choices. The work includes specific information about a variety of dating techniques, provenance studies, isotope analysis as well as the analysis of organic (lipid and protein) residues and ancient DNA. Case studies illustrating applications of these approaches to most types of archaeological materials are presented and the instruments used to perform the analyses are described. Available destructive and non-destructive approaches are presented to help archaeologists select the most effective technique for gaining the target information from the sample. Readers will reach for this manual whenever they need to decide how to best analyze a sample, and how the analysis is performed.

Utah-based dental educator and practitioner Christensen distinctly writes for the buyer and user of dental services, but his sales pitch is to dentists: he urges them to keep a copy in the reception room, instruct staff on how to use it, and supervise patients using it. Among the topics are choosing a dentist, controlling pain, implants, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and preventing the need for dental treatment. The first edition appeared in 1994. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

"A practical guide to getting what you paid for from uncaring, unscrupulous, and unavailable companies, including the government, through the creative and legal use of technology"--Provided by publisher.

" Scare headlines about the first human clones appear in our newspapers. Biotech companies brag about manufacturing human embryos as "products" for use in medical treatments. Events are moving so fast—and biotechnology seems so complicated—that many of us worry we can’t keep up. But now, Wesley J. Smith provides us with a guide to the brave new world that is no longer a figment of our imagination, but a reality just around the corner of our lives. Smith unravels the mystery of stem cells and shows what’s at stake in the controversy over using them for research. He describes the emerging science of human cloning—the most radical technology in history—and shows how it moves forward inexorably against the moral consensus of the world. But at the core of this highly readable and carefully researched book is a report on the gargantuan "Big Biotech" industry and its supporters in the universities and the science and bioethics establishments. Smith reveals how the lure of huge riches, mixed with the ideology of "scientism," threatens to impose on society a "new eugenics" that would dismantle ethical norms and call into question the uniqueness and importance of all human life. "At stake," he warns, "is whether science will continue to serve society, or instead dominate it." In Consumer’s Guide to a Brave New World, Smith presents a clear-eyed vision of two potential futures. In one, we will use biotechnology as a powerful tool to treat disease and improve the quality of our lives. But in another, darker scenario, we will be steered onto the antihuman path that Aldous Huxley and other prophetic writers warned against half a century ago. "

The updated 5th edition of Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings identifies the most energy-efficient home appliances by brand name and model number. Reader-friendly and packed with illustrations, this handbook helps any homeowner save energy and money. Chapters include: -- energy use and the environment -- insulating and sealing air leaks -- new window options -- space heating -- cooling and air conditioning -- water heating -- refrigeration -- lighting...and much more This book is as compact and efficient as its subject matter. Its 274 pages are crammed with money-saving information. A directory of manufacturers helps the reader access purchase information on recommended appliances.

Green consumerism is on the rise, but many of us are confused by an avalance of information. This text addresses all the questions the general consumer is asking, giving advice on a wide range of issues, explaining which products, brands and companies are getting it right, and which ones are getting it wrong.