Topic 7: Social Research Methodologies

Question 1

Goals of Social Science Research

Answer 1

The goals of social science research can be divided into two groups:

• Those who seek to know and/or produce new knowledge related to social phenomena.
• Those who want to answer questions that arise from a concrete reality.

Question 2

Quantitative Method

Answer 2

Carried out to test a hypothesis looking through the data collection and statistical analysis.

• Deductive
• Objective
• Conclusive
• Independent and dependent variables
• Random, probabilistic sample
• Focused on generalization
• Aims at truth, scientific acceptance Statistical analysis
• Focus on numbers
• Counting

Question 3

Qualitative Method

Answer 3

Does not use numerical measurement to answer the research questions.

• Inductive
• Subjective
• Impressionistic
• Holistic, interdependent system
• Purposeful, key informants
• Not focused on generalization
• Aims at understanding, new perspectives
• Case studies, content and pattern analysis
• Focus on words
• Probing

Question 4

Mixed Method

Answer 4

Involves linking qualitative and quantitative methods in a single study to answer a specific problem.

Question 5

Exploratory Design

Answer 5

QUANTITATIVE

Seeks to examine an issue or a problem that has not been studied profoundly. The researcher tries to find indicators that may serve to define the studied phenomenon. Information is obtained to further investigate the phenomenon and to investigate it in a particular context. Out of this type of investigation, you cannot obtain definitive conclusions or generalizations.

Question 6

Correlational Design

Answer 6

QUANTITATIVE

Seeks the relationship or degree of association between two or more variables or concepts. It explains the relationship between 2 variables.

Question 7

Explanatory Design

Answer 7

QUANTITATIVE

Responds to the causes of phenomena or events and focuses on demonstrating why an event occurs and the conditions under which it shows.

Question 8

Grounded Design

Answer 8

QUALITATIVE

Seeks to generate a theorem that explains, at a conceptual level, an action in a specific area.

Question 9

Narrative Design

Answer 9

QUALITATIVE

The researchers collect information about people’s lives and then describe and analyze it.

Question 10

Action Research Design

Answer 10

QUALITATIVE

Seeks to solve everyday problems immediately and improve the action.