This brief and engagingly written book provides a unique introduction to the art and science of social inquiry. Popular for its ability to make theory relevant to everyday life, it is full of lively examples that help readers connect to an otherwise difficult topic. New to this edition is a discussion of Indigenous ways of knowing, an examination of the research process, and instruction on how to communicate arguments. New activities have also been included at the end of each chapter in order to support those who enjoy a more active approach to learning about theory. The result is a strong foundation in critical thinking that is rooted in the social sciences but maintains relevance across all disciplines.