A Comprehensive Guide to Different Research Methods in Social Sciences

Posted on Jul 30, 2024 in Other subjects

Ethnographic Research

Ethnographic research is a qualitative method that involves examining a specific situation or community in depth. To ensure a focused and manageable study, it is recommended to limit the research area.

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

  1. Identify the Area: Begin by conducting a study to understand the types of people residing in the selected area.
  2. Focus on Specific Groups: Apply ethnographic methodologies to study different groups within the area. Information about various immigrant groups can be obtained from municipalities, health centers, and schools.
  3. Conduct the Research Process: For each group, follow these steps:
    • Locate the research site and gain access.
    • Identify and engage with key informants.
    • Develop field relations.
    • Collect data through participant observation, informal interviews, and written documents.
    • Analyze the collected data.
  4. Report Findings: Conclude the research by compiling a comprehensive report that presents the findings and conclusions.

Evaluative Research (The Tower)

Evaluative research aims to assess the effectiveness and impact of programs, interventions, or policies. Here’s a breakdown of the key phases:

  1. Needs Assessment: Thoroughly examine the need, problem, or complaint that the research addresses. Understand the target audience’s expectations and the existing situation. This may involve analyzing population demographics and training needs.
  2. Purpose: Clearly define the purpose of the evaluation. For example, it could be to assess the possibility of implementing a specific program.
  3. Variables and Aspects: Identify the variables, situations, areas, and aspects relevant to the evaluation. Besides descriptive data, consider assessing attitudes and knowledge. Determine the instruments for data collection.
  4. Model and Design: Develop a clear plan outlining the program’s steps, including decision-making processes and expected outcomes. Use value judgments to guide the evaluation design.
  5. Data Collection: Employ various data collection methods such as planned observation, interviews, questionnaires, document analysis, and content analysis.
  6. Data Analysis: Analyze the collected data using appropriate statistical techniques based on the data type and research questions.
  7. Evaluation and Communication: Compare the program’s strengths and weaknesses to inform decision-making and develop an action plan. Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the activities, results, and recommended actions.

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research aims to describe and explore relationships between variables. It involves collecting and analyzing data to gain insights and may serve as a preliminary step for more rigorous research methods.

Types of descriptive research include:

  • Longitudinal Studies: Analyze population characteristics over different time points.
  • Cross-Sectional Studies: Compare characteristics of various subgroups at a single point in time.

Phases of descriptive research:

  1. Problem Definition: Clearly define the research problem.
  2. Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature.
  3. Hypotheses and Variables: Formulate research hypotheses and identify relevant variables.
  4. Data Collection Techniques: Select appropriate data collection methods.
  5. Data Analysis and Observation: Analyze the collected data and observe patterns.
  6. Conclusions: Draw meaningful conclusions based on the findings.
  7. Report: Prepare a comprehensive research report.

Action Research (Eliot)

Action research is a cyclical process that involves practitioners and researchers collaborating to address practical problems in a specific setting.

Here are the key steps involved:

  1. Identify the Initial Idea: Clearly articulate the initial idea or problem statement and reach a consensus among stakeholders.
  2. Exploration: Gather information through meetings, structured interviews, field notes, and recording critical incidents.
  3. General Plan: Develop a comprehensive action plan outlining the steps, actions, and evaluation methods. Implement the first step and assess its compliance and effects.
  4. Check and Explore Implementation and Effects: Continuously monitor and evaluate the implementation process and its impact. Identify any necessary adjustments or refinements.
  5. Check the General Idea: Revisit the initial idea and refine it based on the insights gained. Gather additional observational evidence and critical incidents to verify the effectiveness of the interventions.

Case Study

A case study involves a detailed examination and analysis of a specific social unit or educational institution.

Here are the phases involved:

  1. Exploration and Recognition: Conduct preliminary investigations, including document analysis, interviews, and sociometric techniques.
  2. Selection of Subjects and Units: Based on the initial exploration, select specific subjects and units for in-depth study. This could include administrative operations, personal relationships, or interactions between users.
  3. Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation: Systematically collect, analyze, and interpret the data. Prepare a preliminary report describing the findings.
  4. Decision Making: Based on the preliminary report, reflect on the findings and develop recommendations for improvement. Prepare a final report for the commissioning authority.