An assignment on The Methods of Social Research

Course Title: Introduction to Social Research

Course Code: SW-303

Submitted to
Mamata Mostari Silvia
Assistant Professor
Department of Social Welfare, Islamic University

Submitted by
Shahriyer Shouherdo

Roll: 1928015
Reg: 2065
Session: 2019-20
3rd Year, 1st Semester
Department of Social Welfare, Islamic University

Date of Submission: 10th September, 2023

Department of Social Welfare

Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh

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Introduction
Social research is an inquiry to identify, explore, describe, understand, explain, evaluate,

and predict social phenomena involving human behavior. This paper involves the methods of

social research with a primary concept of social research.

What is Social Research?

Social research involves the application of scientific methods through data collection for

understanding, studying, and analyzing social life in order to modify, correct, or verify the

existing knowledge as a system.

Methods of Social Research

Social research mainly includes two basic methods. Which are:

a. Qualitative research

b. Quantitative research

In literal sense,

➢ Qualitative research is often focused on answering the “why” behind a phenomenon,

correlation or behavior. Qualitative research observes and describes a phenomenon to

gain a deeper understanding of a subject. It is also used to generate hypotheses for

further studies.

➢ Quantitative research is for testing hypotheses and measuring relationships between

variables. It follows the process of objectively collecting data and analyzing it

numerically, to determine and control variables of interest. Quantitative data are

analyzed numerically to develop a statistical picture of a trend or connection. Such

statistical results may shed light on cause-and-effect relationships.

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Both this type of research method has their own types or subcategories. Those subsidiary

methods are the point of next discussion.

Types and Examples of Qualitative Method:

1. Historical Study: A historical study is the ideal choice for studies that involve

extensive examination of the past including people, events and documents. The purpose

of a historical study is to draw conclusions about the present and future, based off

research conducted in the past.

2. Phenomenology: Phenomenology is a wide-ranging form of study. In this research

model, the researcher looks to gather information that explains how individuals

experience a phenomenon and how they feel about it. This model recognizes that there

is no single objective reality; instead, everyone experiences things differently.

3. Ethnography: Ethnography is the study of a specific grouping within a culture.

Researchers pursuing this study format will immerse themselves into the culture they

are researching. The qualitative data is gathered through direct observation of and

interaction with participants who belong to that culture. The information is then

presented through their perspective. Ultimately, this study aims at understanding group

culture.

4. Grounded Theory: The purpose of grounded theory is to develop a theory surrounding

a social issue. This theory seeks not only to identify problems in social scenes, but also

to define how people deal with those problems. Grounded theory is unique among

qualitative design approaches, because it depends solely on the data gleaned through

the research process.

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5. Case Study: Case studies, one of the most common qualitative designs, are used to

examine a person, group, community or institution. Researchers often use a bounded

theory approach that confines the case study in terms of time or space. To conduct the

case study, the researcher may draw upon multiple sources of data, such as observation,

interviews and documents.

Types and Examples of Quantitative Method:

1. Descriptive Research: Descriptive research is used to understand a phenomenon, a

situation, or a population. Unlike experimental research, descriptive research does not

involve the manipulation of certain variables. Rather, it seeks only to observe and

measure the variables in order to investigate them.

2. Surveys: Questionnaires or surveys ask questions to help researchers collect data.

There are several types of survey questions. For quantitative surveys, closed-ended

questions that yield numerical values and answers are typically used.

3. Correlational Research: A correlational research project would explore a link

between variables but without looking to apply cause and effect reasoning. As with the

descriptive market research, this is an observational form of quantitative research

indeed, sometimes it will be grouped with descriptive research as with both information

is gathered without cause analyzed.

4. Quasi-Experimental Research: Quasi-experimental research is a powerful tool but

one that needs skillful application to avoid potentially damaging and false correlations

being suggested. This form of research is also known as casual-comparative which

looks to establish relationships between the variables, but it must also factor in other

variables, both known and potentially unknown.

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5. Experimental Research: Experimental research tests the relationship between

variables but, unlike the quasi-experimental approach, this is done in a setting whereby

there has been optimal variable control. This approach can also be known as true

experimentation. It can be difficult to set up but it leads to greater confidence and

legitimacy in any end result.

Conclusion

In essence, social research serves as a critical tool for expanding our knowledge of the complex

and dynamic nature of human society. By employing these diverse research methods,

researchers can contribute to our understanding of the social world, inform policy decisions,

and address pressing societal issues. Social research is an ongoing and evolving process,

continually shaping our comprehension of the intricate web of human behavior and

interactions.
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Reference

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