Book excerpt: The Fundamentals of Social Research, 4th Canadian Edition brings research methods to life for Canadian students. The text introduces students to techniques for testing the accuracy of different maps of social reality, in order to help them understand, appreciate and manage the social world that surrounds us. A lively narrative and pedagogy engages students, while building conceptual foundations, methodologies, and practical skills that provide a critical understanding of why social research matters in their academic and future professional careers.