Social Research and Techniques -Objective of Social Research, Use of scientific method to study of Social Phenomena, tools and techniques of data collection- Observation, Interview, Questionnaire, Schedule

by

Social Research And Techniques -Objective of Social Research, Use of scientific method to study of Social Phenomena, tools and techniques of data collection- Observation, Interview, Questionnaire, Schedule

Man by nature is inquisitive, and humans have an extraordinary capacity to exercise rational judgment and probe the realities of the world around us. Inherent in humans is the urge to find out the truth and to make a sense out of the things going around us. You might have observed how a child observes, comprehends and understand the world. While you take this first step towards the course in research methodology at the end of this course you will come to a realization that all these things are already in your behavior and you in fact practice these things every day, perhaps without realizing it.Social research is that domain of human inquisitiveness which primarily deals with the structures and processes of the social world, in both their enduring and changing dimensions. Man’s quest to reflect and probe the social realities at ever deeper levels gives rise to new perspectives which are then questioned by future researchers, further probed and ultimately lead to social theories. In an earlier unit you studied the eminent philosophers in the different parts of the world who have tried to understand and analyze the social realities. This unit takes you further and gives you an understanding about how modern concepts of social research have developed over the years and helps you to differentiate between research methodologies, research methods and techniques. End part of the unit provides you a bird’s eye view of research process which researchers have developed over the years to probe the social realities.

Objectives of social research

Manipulation of Things, Concepts and Symbols

 While, dealing with things the scientist remains at the concrete level. He is able to purposefully handle things for experimentation. But at this level his results are at best limited to the particular thing in a specific situation and none else. Therefore the concepts symbolizing the things and their properties are also dealt with, so as to make much sense to conduct controlled inquiries through abstract notions. Use of concepts or symbols in the process of manipulation not only reduces the content and load of the things but also provides the scientist with greater facility and effect.

Generalization

The sole purpose with which manipulation of things, concepts or symbols is undertaken is to arrive at statements of generality. It implies that the findings of controlled investigation should be a conclusion which will enable us to expect that under certain class of conditions influencing a class of things, something will happen in a generalized manner, notwithstanding its degree.

But in any case the absence is generality cannot characterize science. Therefore the propositions derived on the basis of observations and through manipulation of things, concepts or symbols may vary in their levels of generality, may maintain a high or low degree but should never reach the null point.

Verification of Old Facts

A major purpose of social research is verification of conclusions which have already been accepted as established facts. Since there is no place for complacency in the arena of science, the established system of knowledge always warrant frequentative scrutiny so as to confirm whether or not the observations are in accordance with the predictions made on the basis of the established corpus of knowledge. In case it is confirmed, the empirical observation strengthens the established system of knowledge. Otherwise in the Light of the research outcome, the system of established corpus of knowledge calls for revision or even rejection.

Extension of Knowledge

As a sequel to generalization the seemingly inconsistencies in the existing corpus of knowledge are brought into light and attempts are made to reconcile these inconsistencies. The new general proposition, established as an outcome of research also identifies gaps in the established system of knowledge. A gap in knowledge implies the inadequacy of the theory as well as the failure of a conceptual scheme to explain and account for certain aspects of a social phenomenon.

Knowledge May be Used for Theory Building or Practical Application

By seeking to explain the unexplained social phenomena, clarifying the doubtful one and correcting the misconceived facts relating to it, social research provides the scope to use the fruits of research in two possible ways:

  • Theory building
  • Practical application.

In its basic or pure form social research gathers knowledge for the sake of it, for building a theory in order to explain human behaviour in its totality, only for the satisfaction of knowing. For construction of theoretic models, the researcher organizes knowledge into propositions and then meaningfully articulated those propositions to constitute a more abstract conceptual system pertaining to a class of phenomena, influenced by a certain class of conditions.

Tools and technique of data collection

Observing Behaviors of Participants

This method specifies the conditions and methods at making observation. In this method, the information is sought by way of investigator’s own direct observation without asking from the respondent. The main advantage of this method is that subjective bias is eliminated, if observations are done accurately. It is the most commonly used method especially in studies relating to behavioral science.

 Questionnaire Method

 Under this method, a list of questions pertaining to the survey (known as questionnaire) is prepared and sent to the various informants by post. The questionnaire contains questions and provides space for answer. A request is made to the informants through a covering letter to fill up the questionnaire and sent it back within a specified time. The respondents have to answer the questions on their own. The questionnaire can be delivered directly hand by hand, through surface post or as an electronic questionnaire.  In preparing a research questionnaire general question, question wording to collect personal information, use of unfamiliar terms and jargon, etc. should be avoided. Further, before distribution of a research questionnaire at least two pre-tests should be conducted and it is very much needed.     

 Interview Method

This involves listening to or integrating informants. The interview method of collecting data involves presentation of oral-verbal stimuli and reply in terms of oral – verbal responses. So, under this method of collecting data, there is a face to face contact with the persons from whom the information is to be collected. The interviewer asks them question pertaining to the survey and collects the desired information. This method can be used through personal interview, telephone interview, Chat, Audio Conferencing, Video Conferencing, etc. The interview can be structured, semi structured or open interview.

Schedules Method

In this method of data collection, the ennumerator or interviewers who are specially appointed for the purpose along with schedules, go to the respondents, put to them the questions from the Performa in the order the questionnaire are listed and record the replies in the space meant for the same in the Performa. In certain situation, schedules may be handed over to respondents and ennumerators may help them in recording their answer to various questions in the said schedules. Ennumerator explains the aims and objectives of the investigation and also removes the difficulties which respondents may feel in relation to understanding the implication of a particular question or a definition or concept of difficult term. This method has the advantage over the questionnaire method in the sense that the respondents have no scope to misunderstand any question and thereby putting irrelevant answer.

Information from Correspondents

Under this method, the investigator appoints local agent or correspondents in different places to collect information. These correspondents collect and transmit information to the central office where the data are processed. The special advantage of this method is that it is cheap and appropriate for extensive investigation. However, it may not always ensure accurate results because of the personal prejudice and bias of the correspondents. Newspaper agencie,

Social research is the systematic study of human behavior and social groups. It is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of methods and theories. Social research can be used to understand a variety of social phenomena, from individual behavior to large-scale social trends.

There are many different objectives of social research. Some common objectives include:

  • To describe social phenomena: Social research can be used to describe the characteristics of a particular social group or to document the prevalence of a particular social problem.
  • To explain social phenomena: Social research can be used to identify the causes and consequences of social phenomena.
  • To predict social phenomena: Social research can be used to make predictions about future social trends.
  • To evaluate social programs and policies: Social research can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of social programs and policies.

The scientific method is a systematic approach to problem-solving that is used in many different fields, including social research. The scientific method involves the following steps:

  1. Observation: The first step in the scientific method is to observe a phenomenon. This involves gathering data about the phenomenon through observation, measurement, or experimentation.
  2. Hypothesis: Once a phenomenon has been observed, a hypothesis is developed to explain the phenomenon. A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables.
  3. Testing the hypothesis: The next step is to test the hypothesis by conducting an experiment or gathering additional data.
  4. Analysis of data: The data collected during the experiment or from additional sources is analyzed to determine whether it supports or refutes the hypothesis.
  5. Conclusion: The final step in the scientific method is to draw a conclusion about the hypothesis. If the data supports the hypothesis, it may be accepted as a theory. If the data does not support the hypothesis, it must be rejected or modified.

There are a variety of tools and techniques that can be used to collect data in social research. Some common tools and techniques include:

  • Observation: Observation is a method of data collection in which the researcher observes the behavior of individuals or groups in a natural setting.
  • Interview: An interview is a method of data collection in which the researcher asks questions of individuals or groups. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or online.
  • Questionnaire: A questionnaire is a written instrument that is used to collect data from individuals or groups. Questionnaires can be administered in person, over the phone, or online.
  • Schedule: A schedule is a list of questions that are asked of individuals or groups in a face-to-face interview. Schedules are often used in surveys and censuses.

Social research is a valuable tool for understanding human behavior and social groups. It can be used to describe, explain, predict, and evaluate social phenomena. The scientific method is a systematic approach to problem-solving that is used in social research. There are a variety of tools and techniques that can be used to collect data in social research.

Objective of Social Research

Social research is the systematic study of social phenomena through the collection and analysis of data. It is used to understand and explain the social world, and to develop and evaluate social policies and programs.

The objectives of social research can be divided into three main categories:

  • Description: Social research can be used to describe the social world. This can include describing the characteristics of a Population, the distribution of social phenomena, and the relationships between social variables.
  • Explanation: Social research can be used to explain the causes and consequences of social phenomena. This can include identifying the factors that contribute to social problems, and understanding the impact of social policies and programs.
  • Evaluation: Social research can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of social policies and programs. This can include assessing whether a policy or program is achieving its intended goals, and identifying any unintended consequences.

Use of scientific method to study of Social Phenomena

The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer questions. Scientists use the scientific method to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. In other words, they design an experiment so that changes to one item cause something else to vary in a predictable way. Just like with any experiment, the scientific method starts with a question.

The scientific method is a series of steps followed to gain knowledge through research. These steps include:

  1. Ask a question. The first step in the scientific method is to ask a question about something that you observe. For example, you might ask why some leaves change color in the fall.
  2. Do background research. Once you have a question, you need to do some background research to learn as much as you can about the topic. This will help you to narrow down your question and develop a hypothesis.
  3. Form a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a possible explanation for something that you observe. It is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. For example, you might hypothesize that the amount of sunlight a leaf receives affects the color of the leaf in the fall.
  4. Test the hypothesis. To test your hypothesis, you need to design an experiment. An experiment is a way to control variables so that you can test the effect of one variable on another. For example, you might design an experiment in which you grow two groups of leaves under different amounts of sunlight. You would then measure the color of the leaves in each group to see if there is a difference.
  5. Analyze the data. Once you have collected data, you need to analyze it to see if it supports your hypothesis. You can use graphs, charts, and statistics to help you analyze your data.
  6. Draw conclusions. After you have analyzed your data, you need to draw conclusions about whether or not your hypothesis was supported. If your data does not support your hypothesis, you need to go back to the drawing board and develop a new hypothesis.
  7. Communicate your results. The final step in the scientific method is to communicate your results to others. You can do this by writing a paper, giving a presentation, or publishing your findings in a journal.

Tools and techniques of data collection- Observation, Interview, Questionnaire, Schedule

Observation is a method of data collection in which the researcher observes the behavior of individuals or groups in a natural setting. Interviews are a method of data collection in which the researcher asks questions of individuals or groups in a face-to-face or telephone interview. Questionnaires are a method of data collection in which the researcher asks questions of individuals or groups in a written survey. Schedules are a method of data collection in which the researcher asks questions of individuals or groups in a structured interview.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. Observation is a good way to collect data on natural behavior, but it can be difficult to control the setting and the behavior of the participants. Interviews are a good way to collect in-depth data, but they can be time-consuming and expensive. Questionnaires are a good way to collect data from a large number of people, but they can be difficult to design and administer. Schedules are a good way to collect data from a small number of people, but they can be inflexible and time-consuming.

The choice of data collection method depends on the research question, the Resources available, and the time constraints.

  1. Which of the following is NOT an objective of social research?
    (A) To describe social phenomena
    (B) To explain social phenomena
    (C) To predict social phenomena
    (D) To change social phenomena

  2. Which of the following is NOT a tool of data collection in social research?
    (A) Observation
    (B) Interview
    (C) Questionnaire
    (D) Experiment

  3. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good research question?
    (A) It is clear and concise.
    (B) It is focused and specific.
    (C) It is answerable with data.
    (D) It is interesting and engaging.

  4. Which of the following is NOT a type of sampling?
    (A) Simple random sampling
    (B) Stratified sampling
    (C) Cluster sampling
    (D) Convenience sampling

  5. Which of the following is NOT a type of data analysis?
    (A) Descriptive statistics
    (B) Inferential statistics
    (C) Qualitative analysis
    (D) Quantitative analysis

  6. Which of the following is NOT a ethical issue in social research?
    (A) Informed Consent
    (B) Confidentiality
    (C) Deception
    (D) Plagiarism

  7. Which of the following is NOT a type of research design?
    (A) Cross-sectional design
    (B) Longitudinal design
    (C) Case study design
    (D) Experimental design

  8. Which of the following is NOT a type of research method?
    (A) Survey research
    (B) Qualitative research
    (C) Quantitative research
    (D) Experimental research

  9. Which of the following is NOT a type of data collection instrument?
    (A) Questionnaire
    (B) Interview schedule
    (C) Observation protocol
    (D) Experiment protocol

  10. Which of the following is NOT a type of data analysis Software?
    (A) SPSS
    (B) Stata
    (C) R
    (D) Excel