SOCIAL RESEARCH :
(i) Purpose
Every research begins with a question or a problem of some sort. The aim of
research is to discover answers to meaningful questions through the application of
scientific procedures. The major emphasis in this paper will be on empirical research
rather than on scientific speculation. When we come to execute a piece of empirical
research, all the concepts in the research and all the important words used in the write
up must be defined in terms of operations. It, for example we want to study the
amendment to the child marriage restraint act 1929, we must know the technique
through which we can measure public opinion, since the law will ultimately be executed
for the benefit of the people. Moreover, the technique must be reliable to the extent that
it may be used for people of all castes and creed. Empirical research can increase our
knowledge of human nature and its working. It can be a source of strength for
individuals and institutions. It also serves as a part of the general scientific enterprise.
Empirical research might lead to manipulation and exploitation by government and other
agencies or organizations. This must be avoided at all costs, and the findings should be
used for the good of the people.
There are six major steps in research. These are : (I) A statement of purpose
made in the form of formulation of the problem. (II) A description of the study designs.
(III) Designing of the technique of sampling. (IV) Specifications of the methods of data
collection. (V) Classification and tabulation of data. (VI) Conclusions and interpretation,
i.e., report writing.
(I) Formulating the problem :
It is an old and wise saying that “a problem well put is half solved”. In scientific
research we must abandon the idea that we can frame our problems in the form of
simple commonsense questions. We have to put a great deal of thought into the
formulation of our questions if we hope to get anything meaningful out of them. For
example, in the course of any ordinary conversation, we ask a friend: “do you believe in
giving equal right in property to your daughters?” He would probably have no problem in
answering and we would probably be willing to accept his answer without questing. But
suppose we are conducting an important opinion survey among general public on the
basis of which we want to enact a law, would we be willing to ask our respondents their
opinions only in the form of a single question? Chances are that we would not.
Consideration for a moment shows that we would be concerned with questions, such
as, “should a man who pleads for equal right to his own daughters. There must be a
clear thinking on all these problems before we proceed to frame questions to be put to
respondents.
(II) Study design :
The second important step in research is the designing of the research study.
The process of research design can be explained by an analogy of an architect
designing a house. In designing a house, the architect has to consider various matters
such as how large it will be, how many rooms it will have, what materials will be used.
He considers all these factor before the actual construction begins. He proceeds in this
way because he wants a picture of the whole structure before starting construction of
any part. This way he can make alterations and improvement before the contraction
actually starts”. In other words, to design is to plan, that is, designing is the process of
making decisions before the situation in which the decision has to be carried out arises.
It is a process of deliberate anticipation directed towards bringing an expected situation
under control.
The designing of a research study depends to a great extent on the particular
purpose that the research is intended to serve. It is, therefore, essential to apply one’s
mind to the research design well in advance.
The term research design, as already stated, refers to the entire process of
planning and carrying out a research study. It involves the following tem major steps:
1. Identification and selection of the research problem.
2. Choice of a theoretical framework (conceptual model) for the research problem and its
relationship with previous researches.
3. Formulation of the research problem, specification of its objectives, its scope and
hypotheses to be tested.
4. Design of the experiment or inquiry
5. Definition and measurement of variables.
6. Sample procedures.
7. Tools and techniques for gathering data
8. Coding, editing and processing of data
9. Analysis of data – selection and use of appropriate statistical procedures for
summarizing data and for statistical inference.
10. Reporting –description of the research process; presentation, discussion and
interpretation of data; generalization of research findings and their limitations; and
suggestions for further research.
The above ten steps can be grouped into four major stages: (a) The planning
stage. (b) The design stage. (c) The operational stage. (d) The completion stage. The
Planning stage includes the identification, selection and formulation of research problem
as well as the formulation of hypotheses and their linkage with theory and existing
literature. The design stage consists of drawing up the design of the experiment or
inquiry, definition and measurement of variables, sampling procedures, tools and
techniques of gathering data. The operational stage deals with the drawing of the
finances and time budgeting, recruitment and training of the staff. The completion stage
is concerned with analysis and interpretation of data.
(III) Sampling :
The third important stage in the field of social research is the problem of
sampling. It is physically and financially not possible for the researcher to contact each
and every person coming under the purview of social problem.
Further, it may not be possible to know the names of all those concerned.
Exhaustive and intensive study are also rendered impossible because of the large
numbers and above all the main advantage of opting for a sample is that it gives
significantly correct results with much less time, money and material. The whole group
from which the sample is drawn is technically known as universe or population and the
group actually selected for study is known as sample. A number of methods are used
for drawing samples, but they can be grouped into following heads: (1) Random
sampling; (2) purposive sampling; (3) Stratified sampling; (4) quota sampling ; (5)
multistage sampling; (6) convenience sampling; and (7) self selected sampling.
(IV) Data collection :
The two most important tools generally used in social surveys are schedule and
questionnaire. Really speaking the two forms are similar in nature and there is a very
little difference between the two. As far as construction is concerned and only difference
between the two is probably the fact that while the schedule has to be used in direct
interview or direct observation and is filled by the field worker himself, the questionnaire
is generally mailed or otherwise supplied to the respondent who fills and returns it to the
researcher. Some researchers combine both for collection of data. There is yet another
tool of data collection which is popularly known as interview guide. It contains only the
topics or board headings on which the questions are to be asked. Interview guide is
generally used in case of qualitative or in-depth interviews. The schedule and the
questionnaire contain some questions or blank tables which are to be filled in by the
field worker getting information from the respondent in the former case or the
respondent himself in the latter case. The purpose of construction of the schedule is to
provide a standardized tool in order to attain objectivity.
Apart from these tools of data collection, the researcher also makes use of
observation technique. Observation is probably the oldest method used by human
beings in scientific investigation for collecting data. But in legal system it may not prove
to be of much use. Hence, it has not been discussed in detail in the present paper.
(V) Classification and tabulation of data :
Before the data collected through observation or interview is processed, it must
be put into some definite from. Raw data is in a most jumbled form and as such no
inference can be drawn from it. Two statistical processes are used in social sciences to
render this haphazard, complex, unintelligible mass of data into some significant,
understandable form. They are known as classification and tabulation. Although a rough
plan of classification and tabulation is kept in mind while preparing the schedule or a
questionnaire, the final classification and tabulation is done only when the data has
been collected.
(VI) Report writing :
The last phase of the journey in social research is the writing of report. After the
collected data has been analyzed and interpreted with the help of various statistical
techniques, thereby arriving at various generalizations, the report is prepared.
The purpose of a report is to convey to the interested persons the whole result of
the study in sufficient detail. It is so arranged as to enable the reader to comprehend the
data and to determine for himself the validity of conclusion. Research is essentially a
co-operative venture. It is necessary that findings of the study must be made available
to other. The purpose of a report is the dissemination of knowledge, broadcasting of
generalizations to ensure their wider use. The report also creates ground for formulation
of new hypotheses and leads to further research on the same or allied problems. By
means of report, various small segments of research can be coordinated and
consolidated into one simple theory.
(i) Purpose
Every research begins with a question or a problem of some sort. The aim of
research is to discover answers to meaningful questions through the application of
scientific procedures. The major emphasis in this paper will be on empirical research
rather than on scientific speculation. When we come to execute a piece of empirical
research, all the concepts in the research and all the important words used in the write
up must be defined in terms of operations. It, for example we want to study the
amendment to the child marriage restraint act 1929, we must know the technique
through which we can measure public opinion, since the law will ultimately be executed
for the benefit of the people. Moreover, the technique must be reliable to the extent that
it may be used for people of all castes and creed. Empirical research can increase our
knowledge of human nature and its working. It can be a source of strength for
individuals and institutions. It also serves as a part of the general scientific enterprise.
Empirical research might lead to manipulation and exploitation by government and other
agencies or organizations. This must be avoided at all costs, and the findings should be
used for the good of the people.
There are six major steps in research. These are : (I) A statement of purpose
made in the form of formulation of the problem. (II) A description of the study designs.
(III) Designing of the technique of sampling. (IV) Specifications of the methods of data
collection. (V) Classification and tabulation of data. (VI) Conclusions and interpretation,
i.e., report writing.
(I) Formulating the problem :
It is an old and wise saying that “a problem well put is half solved”. In scientific
research we must abandon the idea that we can frame our problems in the form of
simple commonsense questions. We have to put a great deal of thought into the
formulation of our questions if we hope to get anything meaningful out of them. For
example, in the course of any ordinary conversation, we ask a friend: “do you believe in
giving equal right in property to your daughters?” He would probably have no problem in
answering and we would probably be willing to accept his answer without questing. But
suppose we are conducting an important opinion survey among general public on the
basis of which we want to enact a law, would we be willing to ask our respondents their
opinions only in the form of a single question? Chances are that we would not.
Consideration for a moment shows that we would be concerned with questions, such
as, “should a man who pleads for equal right to his own daughters. There must be a
clear thinking on all these problems before we proceed to frame questions to be put to
respondents.
(II) Study design :
The second important step in research is the designing of the research study.
The process of research design can be explained by an analogy of an architect
designing a house. In designing a house, the architect has to consider various matters
such as how large it will be, how many rooms it will have, what materials will be used.
He considers all these factor before the actual construction begins. He proceeds in this
way because he wants a picture of the whole structure before starting construction of
any part. This way he can make alterations and improvement before the contraction
actually starts”. In other words, to design is to plan, that is, designing is the process of
making decisions before the situation in which the decision has to be carried out arises.
It is a process of deliberate anticipation directed towards bringing an expected situation
under control.
The designing of a research study depends to a great extent on the particular
purpose that the research is intended to serve. It is, therefore, essential to apply one’s
mind to the research design well in advance.
The term research design, as already stated, refers to the entire process of
planning and carrying out a research study. It involves the following tem major steps:
1. Identification and selection of the research problem.
2. Choice of a theoretical framework (conceptual model) for the research problem and its
relationship with previous researches.
3. Formulation of the research problem, specification of its objectives, its scope and
hypotheses to be tested.
4. Design of the experiment or inquiry
5. Definition and measurement of variables.
6. Sample procedures.
7. Tools and techniques for gathering data
8. Coding, editing and processing of data
9. Analysis of data – selection and use of appropriate statistical procedures for
summarizing data and for statistical inference.
10. Reporting –description of the research process; presentation, discussion and
interpretation of data; generalization of research findings and their limitations; and
suggestions for further research.
The above ten steps can be grouped into four major stages: (a) The planning
stage. (b) The design stage. (c) The operational stage. (d) The completion stage. The
Planning stage includes the identification, selection and formulation of research problem
as well as the formulation of hypotheses and their linkage with theory and existing
literature. The design stage consists of drawing up the design of the experiment or
inquiry, definition and measurement of variables, sampling procedures, tools and
techniques of gathering data. The operational stage deals with the drawing of the
finances and time budgeting, recruitment and training of the staff. The completion stage
is concerned with analysis and interpretation of data.
(III) Sampling :
The third important stage in the field of social research is the problem of
sampling. It is physically and financially not possible for the researcher to contact each
and every person coming under the purview of social problem.
Further, it may not be possible to know the names of all those concerned.
Exhaustive and intensive study are also rendered impossible because of the large
numbers and above all the main advantage of opting for a sample is that it gives
significantly correct results with much less time, money and material. The whole group
from which the sample is drawn is technically known as universe or population and the
group actually selected for study is known as sample. A number of methods are used
for drawing samples, but they can be grouped into following heads: (1) Random
sampling; (2) purposive sampling; (3) Stratified sampling; (4) quota sampling ; (5)
multistage sampling; (6) convenience sampling; and (7) self selected sampling.
(IV) Data collection :
The two most important tools generally used in social surveys are schedule and
questionnaire. Really speaking the two forms are similar in nature and there is a very
little difference between the two. As far as construction is concerned and only difference
between the two is probably the fact that while the schedule has to be used in direct
interview or direct observation and is filled by the field worker himself, the questionnaire
is generally mailed or otherwise supplied to the respondent who fills and returns it to the
researcher. Some researchers combine both for collection of data. There is yet another
tool of data collection which is popularly known as interview guide. It contains only the
topics or board headings on which the questions are to be asked. Interview guide is
generally used in case of qualitative or in-depth interviews. The schedule and the
questionnaire contain some questions or blank tables which are to be filled in by the
field worker getting information from the respondent in the former case or the
respondent himself in the latter case. The purpose of construction of the schedule is to
provide a standardized tool in order to attain objectivity.
Apart from these tools of data collection, the researcher also makes use of
observation technique. Observation is probably the oldest method used by human
beings in scientific investigation for collecting data. But in legal system it may not prove
to be of much use. Hence, it has not been discussed in detail in the present paper.
(V) Classification and tabulation of data :
Before the data collected through observation or interview is processed, it must
be put into some definite from. Raw data is in a most jumbled form and as such no
inference can be drawn from it. Two statistical processes are used in social sciences to
render this haphazard, complex, unintelligible mass of data into some significant,
understandable form. They are known as classification and tabulation. Although a rough
plan of classification and tabulation is kept in mind while preparing the schedule or a
questionnaire, the final classification and tabulation is done only when the data has
been collected.
(VI) Report writing :
The last phase of the journey in social research is the writing of report. After the
collected data has been analyzed and interpreted with the help of various statistical
techniques, thereby arriving at various generalizations, the report is prepared.
The purpose of a report is to convey to the interested persons the whole result of
the study in sufficient detail. It is so arranged as to enable the reader to comprehend the
data and to determine for himself the validity of conclusion. Research is essentially a
co-operative venture. It is necessary that findings of the study must be made available
to other. The purpose of a report is the dissemination of knowledge, broadcasting of
generalizations to ensure their wider use. The report also creates ground for formulation
of new hypotheses and leads to further research on the same or allied problems. By
means of report, various small segments of research can be coordinated and
consolidated into one simple theory.
