Research Methods - Context of Social Research Methods

List 4 factors which are inseparable from
research methods

- theory
- literature
- epistemology and ontology
- values, ethics and politics

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Define Theory
[in the context of social science]

Group of ideas that aims to explain
[the social world].

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Why does theory have a significant influence
on research topics?

It determines what is being studied,
how findings are interpreted, primarily due to wanting to test theories or recognise
other areas surrounding it.

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Why can theories be influenced, as well as influencing?

Findings of a research surrounding a particular theory may be different to previous research and so add to the knowledge database surrounding the topic of interest.

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List 2 views surrounding the use of theory in research

- should be addressed in the beginning of a research project to engage in theoretical reflections
- theory is the outcome of a research process which is formulated after research, and is developed through or in response to the
research

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How are theoretical reflections engaged in quantitative and qualitative reports?

- Quantitative: formulate then test hypothesis
- Qualitative: more common to explore 'research question'

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List 2 implications of views surrounding theory
in social research

- theoretical ideas drive collection and analysis of data
- theoretical ideas emerge out of data

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List 3 reasons about why is it important to follow the literature in social research

- familiarity with literature creates understanding of previous research
- helps with further building on topic of investigation
- avoids repeating previously conducted work

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Define what is meant by
Epistemological Positions in Social Research

The views about how knowledge should be produced in the social science sphere.

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What are some examples of Epistemological Questions in Social Scientific Research?

- how the social world should be studied
- whether scientific approach is right for the field
- whether social research should have a more sensitive approach

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What is the Interpretivist Approach in Social Scientific Research?

People and social institutions are very different from subject matter studied by natural scientists.

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Define what is meant by
Ontological Positions in Social Research

The views about the nature of the social world
and social phenomena

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What are some examples of
Ontological Questions in Social Scientific Research?

- whether nature of the social world influences our behaviour, beliefs and values
- whether social world is in a constant process of reformation and reassessment
- whether social phenomena are inert/beyond influence, or product of social interaction

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What do researchers usually have to go through before being able to conduct social research projects?

Ethical Clearance

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What is required prior to conducting a social research project to ensure safety
and safeguarding of participants?

Careful planning and consideration of ethical implementation

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What biases may be present when conducting social political research?

Research funded by governmental bodies tend to reflect the orientation of the party, or governing directory.

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Research Methods - Context of Social Research Methods

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