Research Methods (Ds 120) Notes

DS120 11/13

Readings:
Social Research by Sotirios Sarantakos
“Research Methods: Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods” by Babbi, Earl

Intro to Social Research

Social Research
-Systematic study of social phenomena using social sci methods, theories, and concepts
*Social phenomena = People and society
-Goal is to go beyond common sense understandings of social processes and social problems

Why conduct social research?
-To understand par. phenomena
-To provide solutions grounded on research & empirical data, not common sense

Types of social research

Basic
-Knowledge of the social world and human social behavior

Applied/ Politicy-Oriented
-Address social issues/ problems
-Provide basis or information for policies and programs

Exploratory
-For gen ideas & development theories & hypotheses
-For formulating questions & categories and refining issues
-Used when there is little research done on an issue or when there is a need to further study a particular area
-Usually qualitative research

Descriptive
-Profile of generalizations
-Description of location, processes, and relationships
-Used to provide background info or context
-A lot are statistical
-Can be exploratory or quantitative

Analytical
-Establish relationships bet variables
-Why things occur & why relationships are so
-Empirically explain social phenomenon/problems and factors that influence it
-Used in theory-testing and theory-building
(Thesis & academic research, NGOs, multi-lateral organizations)

Evaluation
-Data collected is used to determine the effects of policies and programs on recipients and other individuals, or examine proposed changes in processes
NGOs and gov offices
-Used in applied research to evaluate or monitor policies, initiatives, programs
-To suggest/ provide recommendations -- not in thesis

Theory in social research
Set of statements that seek to explain problems, actions, or behavior