Research Methodology in Social Science

In the social sciences, quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena and their relationships. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The process of measurement is central to quantitative research because it provides the fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression of quantitative relationships. Social research can serve a variety of purposes. Three of the most influential and common purposes of research are exploration, description and explanation. Exploration involves familiarizing a researcher with a topic. Exploration satisfies the researcher’s curiosity and desire for improved understanding. Survey research is one of the most important areas of measurement in applied social research. The broad area of survey research encompasses any measurement procedures that involve asking questions of respondents. A survey can be anything form a short paper-and-pencil feedback form to an intensive one-on-one in-depth interview. This book is focuses on a range of different qualitative research methods commonly applied within and across the social sciences. The course begins with an introduction to the historical, epistemological and ontological basis of qualitative research methods. It then turns to common qualitative data collection methods, research designs and ethical planning strategy.