Methodology of Social Research

Paper Code: 
24SOC222
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The course provides exposure to the fundamentals of various research techniques and methods. It also attempts to sensitize the students to develop a critical outlook at the existing perspectives and methods and to evolve conceptual clarity, which can help them in their future research

 

 

12.00
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

title

24SOC222

 

Methodology of Social Research (Theory)

CO42:Evaluate the ethics and  philosophical ideas underlying the emergence of different approaches in social sciences.

CO43: Apply logic in social inquiry and  develop skills for construction of hypothesis and theory along with understanding of models and paradigms

CO44:.Develop requisite skills for selecting appropriate research design and sampling method.

CO45: Develop requisite skills for analyzing and interpreting data

CO46: Use mixed methods research and develop competency in writing research report

CO47:  Contribute effectively in course specific interaction

 

Approach in teaching: Lecture and Classroom discussions (Tool-Power Point Presentations) Classroom discussions. Tabulation and interpretation of hypothetical data

)

 

Learning activities for the students:

Classroom discussions using case studies, Preparation of report based on hypothetical data

Continuous Assessment test on the topic/quiz, student presentations and assignments

 

Unit I: 
Social Research: Meaning and Approaches
  • Meaning, Scope and Ethics of Social research
  • Approaches to Social Research: Positivist, Interpretive and Critical

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Basic Concepts
  • Logic in Social Inquiry: Elements of Logic, Types of Logical Explanations-Deductive, Inductive and Retroductive
  •  Variable, Hypothesis : Concept, Components
  •  Process of Building Theory
  •  Models and Paradigms: Meaning, Functions and Types

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Research Design and Sampling
  • Research Design: Elements, Types –Descriptive, Explanatory and Experimental; Measurement: Meaning and Levels of Measurement
  • Sampling in Social Research: Probability and NonProbability Types of Sampling, Sample Size, Sources of Sampling and Non Sampling Errors

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Data Collection and Methodological Dialectics
  • Data Collection Techniques: Questionnaire, Observation, Interview Guide, Case Study and Content Analysis
  • Methodological Dialectics of Social Research

 

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Mixed Method research and Research Report
  • Triangulation (Mixing Qualitative and Quantitative Methodologies): Meaning, Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research, Comparison Between Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Research
  • Writing Social Research Report: Organization of Research Report; Use of Books, Journals, Research Reports and Internet

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Neuman, W, Lawrence, 2014,Social Research Methods:Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches,Pearson Education Limited:Edinburgh
  • Bryman, Alan, 1988: Quality and Quantity in Social Research, London: Unwin Hyman

 

References: 

SUGGESTED READINGS:

  • Imam, Ekwal. 2015. Basics of Research Methodology.New Delhi: New India Publishing Agency.
  • Popper, K., 1999: The Logic of Scientific Discovery, London: Routledge
  • Shipman, Martin, 1988: The Limitations of Social Research, London: Longman
  • Sjober, Gideon and Roger Nett, 1997: Methodology for Social Research,  Jaipur: Rawat Publications
  • Barnes, John A, 1979: Who Should Know What? Social Science, Privacy and Ethics, Harmondsworth: Penguin
  • Bose, Pradip Kumar, 1995: Research Methodology, New Delhi: ICSSR
  • Bryman, Alan, 1988: Quality and Quantity in Social Research, London: Unwin Hyman
  • Hughes, John, 1987: The Philosophy of Social Research, London: George Relen and Unwin
  • Madge, John, 1970: The Origins of Scientific Sociology, London: Tavistock

 

e-RESOURCES:

 

JOURNALS:

  • Sociological Research, British Sociologial Association
  • Sankhaya: The Indian Journal of Statistics, Indian Statistical Institute

 

Academic Session: 
2024-25
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