Understanding the Concept of Social science research

This discussion is about the meaning of social science research. Here I have discussed the objectives of social science research. I have also talked about objectivity in social science research, with its limitation.

1. This discussion*, with omission & commission , is about the meaning of social science research. Here I have discussed the objectives of social science research. I have also talked about objectivity in social science research, with its limitation. *by K Das, CBPBU 1 st June, 2021 Understanding the concept of Social Science Research Coursework participants go through the slides, it’ll itself simplifies lots of our understanding

2. Social Science Research is the activity of gathering, analysing and interpreting information for a variety of social, political, educational and economic purposes. ... It is a Systematic method of exploring, analysing and conceptualising human life to extent and correct or verify knowledge of human behaviour and social life They contribute to a number of specialist subject areas within the School of Social Sciences. What is Social Science Research

3. Social sciences include various disciplines that dealing with: human life, human behaviour, social groups and social institutions Social Science Includes: Political science, Economics, Behaviour Science, Commerce, Education, Law, History, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Social Work etc. Jurisdiction of Social Sciences Social Science is involved everywhere starting from the healthcare to the business world. It also contributes to social welfare, formulation of theories, development of methodology, social planning, prediction, and control (Agarwal 2020).

4. other relevant objectives: # To discover new facts # to verify and test old facts # To develop new scientific tools, concepts and theories # to know connection between human activities # to understand the functions of the society # to study individual behaviour and social action # to explore social reality # to develop theories Objectives of Research To generate new questions and new solutions with new times To discover answers to questions through the application of scientific methods (Kothari: 1990).

5. condition of research   arriving conclusion on facts without any bias and value judgement Conclusions must be independent of one's personal beliefs, likes, dislikes and hopes Objectivity CBPBU

6. # Patience and self-control   # Open mind   # Use of standardized concepts, methods and random sampling Achieving Objectivity CBPBU it should be value free

7. Selection of problem review of literature formulating hypothesis/ objectives preparing research design data collection analysis of data conclusions/suggestions report writing Research process (steps – starts to ends - again & again with feedback) 1st stage 2nd stage 3rd stage F E E D BACK CBPBU NEW PROBLEM

8. Research process Stage I - Abstract thought development General question idea Theory testing or Theory development CBPBU

9. Research process Stage II Planning Research method Specify concepts operationalization Population/ sample It is a process where we specify how we will measure concepts of interest unambiguously Population: Entire collection of units of interest E.g. all students of CBPBU Sample: A subset of units from our population of interest E.g. 100 students of CBPBU CBPBU Strategies, processes or techniques utilized in the collection of data or evidence for analysis in order to uncover new information What, Why & How If we want to prevent Novel Corona Virus, first of all, we must know. What is the Corona Virus ? Why this has spread ? How did it spread ?

10. Research process Stage III Data collection Data processing analysis reporting input output Inputs depend on output CBPBU Digestive system

11. This way we may also understand research process Select issue Review literature Develop hypothesis Research design measurement Data analysis ethics Writing report CBPBU Intellection contributions from others must be consistently and responsibly acknowledged (cite your sources). Academic work completed in any other way is fraudulent The scientific research process is a multi-step process where the steps are interlinked with the other steps in the process

12. Relevance of Social Science Research SSR plays an important role in all field. Development of society is not possible without SSR Discovery of facts and their interpretation Development planning, Social welfare Control over social phenomenon Prediction Systematisa-tion of knowledge Diagnosis of problems and their analysis

13. Limitations of Social Science Research limitations Personal values (biasness) Complex subject matter wrong decisions Human problems / refusal of respondents (human society & Human behavior is too complex) ( investigator must respect clients’ value) (any mistake in any decisions vitiate the validity of the findings) Human problems cause biases and may invalidate the research findings and conclusions

14. Concluding Remarks Social science research helps diverse subject areas to achieve their motives. It plays an important role in all fields. Hence, the growth and development of a society are impossible without social science research. There is never an end to the social science research. It is just like cycling process .

15. Sources of the discussion Kothari, C.R., (1990): Research Methodology – Methods and Techniques, Second Edition, New Age Publishers, New Delhi http:/www.slideshare.net/anamikadady1/3-45357765?from_m_app http://www.slideshare.net/sreenathb/scientific-social-science-research?from_m_app=android Meaning and significance of Social Science Research by Ritu Agarwal. Available at https://www.sociologygroup.com/social science research eye catchy facts