tools and techniques in social research pdf

TOOLS ANDTECHNIQUES INSOCIAL RESEARCHAn Academic presentation by Dr. Nancy Agnes, Head, Technical Operations, Tutors India Group www.tutorsindia.comEmail: info@tutorsindia.com

Today's OutlineIntroduction

Tools and Techniques for Social Research

Questionnaire Development

Conclusion

IntroductionResearch within social sciences is deemed as aprocedure that enquires into issues which are socialin nature and social challenges that are known toexist within any given society.

New knowledge is being gained with the help ofresearch into social sciences and thereby, novelinformation is being acquired via scientific as well assystematic processes.

Social science research would refer to a step-by-step method of acquiring new information on anysocial topic that makes an impact on peoplewithin society.

Research in social sciences provides new insightsinto social occurrences which enablesresearchers to get an idea of why, when, where,what and how social life is being developed andredeveloped on a day-to-day basis.

On the basis of social science research the intricatemanner of society is being comprehended asresearch in social sciences offers awareness fordisplacement or sustenance of realities that arepreconceived.

Social science research is a strategic procedure thathas been deployed by researchers to challengecurrent knowledge, on the basis of new findings thatdisplace previous knowledge on social reality.

In the current day, social science research wouldpertain to either an applied or pure kind ofresearch that offers valuable insights on socialhappenings or issues in any society.

The focus of social research is on social aspects ofhuman existence and the diverse nature of socialreality. Social research is deemed as a blend of‘social and ‘research’.

Therefore, social research would simply refer toresearch on social life and social issues.

Tools and Techniques forSocial Research

The basic challenge with master insocial science research techniqueswould be the terms that are utilizedto communicate concepts that areesoteric in nature.

Information can be collected through several ways; nonetheless, there is alimited number of ways to scientifically execute it.

The spirit of social science research can be narrowed down to a single word;empiricism or being empirical.

This would mean something that can be observed through senses [4]. Empiricaltools to gather information would primarily be of six types and these wouldinclude;

SurveysInterviewsFocus GroupsField ObservationExperimentationExisting Data

However, gathering information through the above techniques warrantsthe need to develop questionnaires for social science research.

Designing a questionnaire for a social research survey is noteasy. A questionnaire is referred to as a tool for amassing datawherein a respondent (person who answers the questions)offers answers to an array of questions.

Questionnaire development for gathering data would requiretime and efforts. Nonetheless, by adopting steps of tooldevelopment in research for questionnaire development, youwould be in a position to come up with effective mediums togather data that will be helpful to you in terms of answering yourresearch questions [6].

QuestionnaireDevelopment

Adopting a step-by-step approach would be the best way to develop aquestionnaire. The steps are outlined as under.

Identifying the objective of the questionnaire. You need to decide on the kindof information that you are desirous of gathering with the questionnaire.

Develop a research question. It could be one or more nonetheless; it will formthe crux of the questionnaire.

Develop hypotheses that will be tested using the questionnaire.

STEP ONE – DETERMINING THE OBJECTIVE

On the basis of the information accumulated, there would be many kinds ofquestions that could be added within the questionnaire, wherein, each wouldhave their own advantages and disadvantages.

Some of the commonly used questions within a questionnaire would be;dichotomous questions, open-ended questions, multiple choice questions,rank order questions and rating scale questions.

STEP TWO – DETERMINING THE TYPES OF QUESTIONS

Questions within the questionnaire are supposed to be concise, clear anddirect. This will be helpful in ensuring that you derive the most appropriateanswers while conducting your social science research. However, the questionsare supposed to be short and simple. Complicated statements or jargon needto be avoided.

Keep the questionnaire as short as it can be possible because a large numberof respondents would be open to answer questionnaires that are short. Alsorefrain from asking unwanted questions and stick only to questions that arenecessary for the research

STEP THREE – DEVELOPING QUESTIONS

STEP FOUR – QUESTIONNAIRE LENGTH

It is necessary that you give an introduction of the person who will beconducting the survey. It is the onus of the interrogator to statewhether he is working alone or as a group. Further, the purpose of theresearch / questionnaire should also be mentioned so that therespondent is aware how the data gathered from him will be used.

STEP FIVE – WRITING THE QUESTIONNAIRE

ConclusionQuestionnaire development for socialresearch can be tedious, taxing andrigorous. A weak questionnaire wouldmean that it would impact the quality ofyour research.

Therefore, utmost care has to be takenduring questionnaire development. Tomake things easy, you can availquestionnaire and survey developmenthelp that is offered by professionals.

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