Social Research Assignment
Social Research Assignment
Social research is the scientific study of society. More specifically, social research examines a
societys attitudes, assumptions, beliefs, trends, stratifications and rules. The scope of social
research can be small or large, ranging from the self or a single individual to spanning an entire
race or country. So its important for all students of social science and other backgrounds to
increase their skill in the field of research or social research.
Social Research:
Social research is a systematic method of exploring analyzing and conceptualizing social life in
order to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aid in the construction of
a theory or in the practice of an art The term social research has been defined by different
scholars differently. The few definitions are as follows:
Prof. C.A. Moser defined it as systematized investigation to give new knowledge about social
phenomena and surveys, we call social research.
Rummel defined it as it is devoted to a study to mankind in his social environment and is concerned
with improving his understanding of social orders, groups, institutes and ethics.
M.H. Gopal defined it as it is scientific analysis of the nature and trends of social phenomena of
groups or in general of human behavior so as to formulate broad principles and scientific concepts.
Mary Stevenson defined it as social research is a systematic method of exploring, analyzing and
conceptualizing social life in order to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aid in the
construction of a theory or in the practice of an art.
A broad comprehensive definition of social research has been given by P. V.Young which is
as follows:
Social Research may be defined as a scientific undertaking which by means of logical and systematized
techniques, aims to discover new factor verify a test old facts, analyze their sequence, interrelationship and causal
explanation which were derived within an appropriate theoretical frame of reference, develop new scientific tolls,
concepts and theories which would facilities reliable and valid study of human behavior. A researchers primary
goal distant and immediate is to explore and gain an understanding of human behavior and social life and thereby
gain a greater control over time.
Thus, Social research seeks to find explanations to unexplained social phenomena, to clarify the
doubtful and correct the misconceived facts of social life.
9. It does not provide a complete account or explanation and may include self-justification
reports if the researcher or observer interprets the communication incorrectly, bias
judgment, social desirable judgment, and so on.
10. The findings, reports or even the research techniques can be rejected or denied by others
because it has small number of samples (cannot taken as representative).
By Nature
1. Pure or Basic
2. Applied or
Operational
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Exploratory
Explanatory
Experimental
Evaluation
Descriptive
Relational
Policy Research
Based on their purpose, social research can broadly be classified into seven categories. These are
discussed belowExploratory Research: Exploratory research attempts to develop a general
understanding and common familiarity with a phenomenon and form new ideas and to achieve
new insight it. Exploratory research attempts to provide sufficient data for the formulation of
further research hypothesis more precisely. Exploratory research supplies the needed knowledge
and experience that will help in setting up fruitful hypotheses for subsequent. For practical usage,
the exploratory research is done for the following purposesi. To simply satisfy the researchers curiosity and desire for better
understanding.
ii. To get extensive information about a phenomenon and discovering new
dimensions.
iii. To test the feasibility of undertaking a more careful study.
iv. To develop the methods to be employed in a more careful study.
Explanatory Research: Explanatory research aims to find out why things are they are.
The main purpose of this type of research is to examine the existing relationship of the variables
and not necessarily to provide any predictive answer to an unsolved issue. Explanatory research
also identifies the significant variables with their degree of influence and impact that characterize
the process. Explanatory research also known as causal studies which are designed to determine
whether one or more variables causes or affects one or more outcome variables.
Examples: Questionnaires, Interviews, Random sampling, Discussions, etc.
Is multidimensional in focus
Uses an empiric-inductive research orientation
Respond to study users and
Explicitly incorporate values
reality. Concepts are used to construct a framework to guide the research process and
investigation approach. It also helps in organizing the properties of the object under
investigation.
Model: A model is central to every analysis. Imaginative scholars put together some sets
of abstract propositions for which one can deduce hypothesis. Such a set of proposition is usually
called model.
According to Quade, model is an idealization, an abstract of some part of real world and is an
incomplete representation of real thing- an imagination of reality.
According to Simon, A model is like a mini theory and has the same nature of a theory. It focuses
on a few elements abstracted from all of reality.
A model is a substitute for reality-representative that is hopefully adequate for a problem at hand.
Model is apt to be ad-hoc, tentative and future directed. The terms model and theory are
therefore used interchangeably.
Theory: It is very difficult to nail down the term theory, partly because the concept has
very different meaning to different disciplines and even at different moments in a particular
discipline. Theory is a logical framework which attempts to organize and explain a variety of
specific facts. Theory in its simplest sense is a set of principles, abstracts that is used to explain,
analyze and predict any phenomena, process and occurrence.
More specifically, theory explains the relationships, causality and dependency of certain
variables. It also predicts the possible direction or momentum of those variables of study. Theory
helps us to draw predictive, causative and conclusive judgments towards a broad generalization.
Functions of Concept:
Concepts serve a number of important functions in social science research. The functions of
concepts are discussed below
Abstract
Key Words
Introduction
Statement of the problem
Rationale of the study
Objectives of the study
Research questions/ Hypothesis
Literature review
Conceptual framework
Definition of variables
Research methodology
Abstract: A paragraph summarizing topic of research, who or what will be the object of data
collection, how the data will be collected, how it will be analyzed, and what results expected
(possible outcomes). very proposal, even very brief ones, should have an abstract. This section
provides a capsule description of the entire project. It should include a brief statement of the
needs or problem being addressed, the methodology(s) to be employed in accomplishing the
tasks outlined, project goals or expected outcomes, the time duration, and the approximate cost.
Key Words: Keywords are the words that academics use to reveal the internal of an author's
reasoning. While they are used primarily for rhetoric, they are also used in a strictly grammatical
sense for structural composition, reasoning, and comprehension. Indeed, they are an essential
part of any language. There are many different types of keyword categories including:
Continuation, Contrast, Emphasis, Evidence, Illustration and Sequence. Each category serves its
own function, as do the keywords inside of a given category.
Introduction: Its purpose is to introduce the research topic to readers. It must cover
statement of the problem, hypotheses, objectives of study, review of literature, and the
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methodology to cover primary and secondary data, limitations of study and chapter scheme.
Some may give in brief in the first chapter the introduction of the research project highlighting
the importance of study. This is followed by research methodology in separate chapter. The
methodology should point out the method of study, the research design and method of data
collection.
Statement of the problem: The most important aspect of a research proposal is
the clarity of the research problem. For a short statement, it certainly has a lot of power. The
statement of the problem is the focal point of your research. It should state what you will be
studying, whether you will do it through experimental or non-experimental investigation, and
what the purpose of your findings will be. As a part of the Introduction, effective problem
statements answer the question Why does this research need to be conducted? It is just one
sentence (with several paragraphs of elaboration). In it, you are looking for something wrong,
something that needs close attention, or something where existing methods no longer seem to be
working.
Rationale of the study: Research is re-search and hence the researcher may highlight the earlier
research in new manner or establish new theory. He must refer earlier research work and
distinguish his own research from earlier work. He must explain how his research is different and
how his research topic is different and how his research topic is important. In a statement of his
problem, he must be able to explain in brief the historical account of the topic and way in which
he can make and attempt in his study to conduct the research on his topic.
Objectives of the Study: This describes the goals and objectives that are the targets and
desired outcomes of work done by you to find answers to the problem or issue under
investigation. The purpose often starts with a single goal statement that explains what the study
intends to accomplish. The words goal and objective are often confused with each other. They
both describe things that a person may want to achieve or attain; however, each is different in its
scope. Goals are more global in nature, affecting larger populations over longer time frames.
They are the big vision and are more general in wording. Objectives are more specific and
defined in nature. They are time-related to achieve a certain task, and are the measurable
outcomes of activities undertaken to achieve goals; they are described as achieved or not
achieved. Objectives should align with a studys goals.
Research Questions or Hypothesis: Questions and hypotheses are testable explanations
that are proposed before the methodology of a project is conducted, but after the researcher has
had an opportunity to develop background knowledge (much like the literature review that you
just finished). Although research questions and hypotheses are different in their sentence
structure and purpose, both seek to predict relationships. Deciding whether to use questions or
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hypothesis depends on facts such as the purpose of the study, the approach and design of the
methodology, and the expected audience for the research proposal.
A research question proposes a relationship between two or more variables. Just as the title
states, it is structured in form of a question. There are three types of research questions:
An example: What is the ethnic breakdown of patients seen in the emergency room for nonemergency conditions.
A differences research question asks if there are differences between groups on some
phenomenon.
For example: Do patients who receive massage experience more relief from sore muscle pain
than patients who take a hot bath?
A relationship question asks if two or more phenomena are related in some systematic
manner.
Literature Review: The literature review develops broad ideas of what is already known in a
field, and what questions are still unanswered. This process assist in furthering narrowing the
problem for investigation, and will highlight any theories that may exist to support developing
hypotheses. One must show that he has looked through the literature and have found the latest
updates in his field of study in order for a proposal to be convincing to an audience. This process
also helps him to be sure that his investigation is not just reinventing the wheel. A discussion
of the present understanding and/or state of knowledge concerning the problem or issue sets the
context for your investigation.
Conceptual framework: Most research reports cast the problem statement within the
context of a conceptual or theoretical framework. A description of this framework contributes to
a research report in at least two ways because it (1) identifies research variables, and (2) clarifies
relationships among the variables. Linked to the problem statement, the conceptual framework
sets the stage for presentation of the specific research question that drives the investigation being
reported. For example, the conceptual framework and research question would be different for a
formative evaluation study than for a summative study, even though their variables might be
similar. Scholars argue that a conceptual or theoretical framework always underlies a research
study, even if the framework is not articulated. This may seem incongruous, because many
research problems originate from practical educational or clinical activities. Questions often arise
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such as I wonder why such an event did not [or did] happen? For example, why didn't the
residents' test-interpretation skills improve after they were given feedback? There are also
occasions when a study is undertaken simply to report or describe an event, e.g., pass rates for
women versus men on high-stakes examinations such as the United States Medical Licensing
Examination (USMLE) Step 1. Nevertheless, it is usually possible to construct at least a brief
theoretical rationale for the study. The rationale in the USMLE example may be, for instance,
about gender equity and bias and why these are important issues. Frameworks are usually more
elaborate and detailed when the topics that are being studied have long scholarly histories (e.g.,
cognition, psychometrics) where active researchers traditionally embed their empirical work in
well-established theories.
Definition of variables: Be sure that your proposal is understandable to a general reader who
does not know much about your field of investigation. This section gives the definition of
important terms and concepts that are usually stated in the objectives, hypothesis, and research
questions. Define subject-specific and technical terms. If you are using words that are different
in meaning in the context of your experiment from traditionally accepted meanings, define the
terms. Be sure to refer to authoritative sources in your definitions. Explain any operational
definitions, the definitions that you have created just for your study. An example of an
operational definition is: "For the purpose of this research, improvement is operationally defined
as posttest score minus pretest score. The clearest way to arrange your definitions page is to
arrange terms in alphabetical order, with definitions stated in complete sentences.
Research Methodology: It is related to collection of data. There are two sources for
collecting data; primary and secondary. Primary data is original and collected in field work,
either through questionnaire interviews. The secondary data relied on library work. Such primary
data are collected by sampling method. The procedure for selecting the sample must be
mentioned. The methodology must give various aspects of the problem that are studied for valid
generalization about the phenomena. The scales of measurement must be explained along with
different concepts used in the study. While conducting a research based on field work, the
procedural things like definition of universe, preparation of source list must be given. We use
case study method, historical research etc. He must make it clear as to which method is used in
his research work. When questionnaire is prepared, a copy of it must be given in appendix.
Hypothesis and Variables:
Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a specific statement of prediction. It describes in concrete
(rather than theoretical) terms what you expect will happen in your study. Not all studies have
hypotheses. Sometimes a study is designed to be exploratory. There is no formal hypothesis, and
perhaps the purpose of the study is to explore some area more thoroughly in order to develop
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some specific hypothesis or prediction that can be tested in future research. A single study may
have one or many hypotheses.
Types of Hypothesis: Research (Substantive) Hypothesis - simple declarative statement of
the hypothesis guiding the research.
Statistical Hypothesis:
a statement of the hypothesis given in statistical terms.
a statement about one or more parameters that are measures of the population
under study.
a translation of the research hypothesis into a statistically meaningful relationship.
Null Hypothesis: a statistical hypothesis stated specifically for testing (which reflects the
nodifference situation).
Alternative Hypothesis: an alternative to the null hypothesis that reflects a significant difference
situation.
Directional Hypothesis: a hypothesis that implies the direction of results.
Non - directional Hypothesis: a hypothesis that does not imply the direction of results.
Variable: Understanding the nature of variable is essential to statistical analysis.
Different data types demand discrete treatment. Using the appropriate statistical measures to both
describes your data and to infer meaning from your data require that you clearly understand
distinguishing characteristics.
Types of Variables:
Independent Variable: a variable that affects the dependent variable under study and is
included in the research design so that its effects can be determined. (Also known as a predictor
variable in certain types of research).
Dependent Variable : a variable being affected or assumed to be affected by an
independent variable. (Variable used to measure the effects of independent variables. Also known
as an outcome variable in certain types of research.)
Organismic Variable : a preexisting characteristic of an individual that cannot be randomly assigned to
that individual (e.g. gender). Serve as control variables only when effects are
known/predetermined.
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Conclusion:
After above discussion, It can be said that research is a process for collecting, analyzing and
interpreting information to answer questions. It draws conclusions from the data gathered, which
is then generalized. Thus, it attempts to improve our understanding of the world in which we
live. Total process of social research is engaged with multiple techniques. To conduct a reliable
and effective social research, the researcher should have known about all contents mentioned
above.
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References:
1. Salahuddin M. Aminuzzaman, 2011, Essentials of Social Research, Osdar
Publications, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/
3. http://www.pitt.edu/~offres/proposal/propwriting/components.ht
m
4. http://www.scribd.com/doc/12925956/Research-Assignment
5. http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2001/09000/pr
oblem_statement,_conceptual_framework,_and.21.aspx.
6. www.wikipedia.com
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