Originally published in Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 1995, Vol 40(3), 244-246. Reviews Methods of Educational and Social Science Research: An Integrated Approach, by D. R. Krathwohl (see record 1992-98588-000); Research Methods: A Process of Inquiry (2nd ed.), by A. M. Graziano and M. L. Raulin (see record 1992-98818-000); and Applied Research Design: A Practical Guide, by T. E.Hedrick, L. Bickman, and D. J. Rog (see record 1993-97285-000). With the inevitability of addressing applied research questions and conducting research in applied settings, it is crucial that research methodology textbooks provide students with an understanding of the constraints inherent in different research settings and the effect this has on the interpretation and use of research findings. With this perspective in mind, the current combined review will, first, contrast and compare the two general research methodology textbooks by Krathwohl, and Graziano and Raulin, in terms of how well they fulfill their purported goals and how these goals address the needs within contemporary social research. Second, I will contrast and compare the two general methodology books to the applied research design book by Hedrick, Bickman, and Rog. This comparison will be viewed in terms of the ease with which a student could move from a general methodology course using the general textbooks to a course on applied research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)