Introduction to Social

Research
Dr. M. Rezaul Islam, MSW & PhD (Nottingham)
Professor
ISWR. DU.
E-mail: [email protected]
Introduce
• Participants
• Myself
Phases of Social Research
Preparation and Attitude Formation Mental Preparation Conceptual Understanding Social Science
Understanding Philosophy

Planning and Research Proposal Research Designing Formulation of Data Collection Sampling IRB
Designing Methodologies instruments Approval

Conducting and Field Preparation Fieldwork/Data Data Editing Coding Data Processing
Implementation Collection

Reporting and Data Analysis Draft Reporting Report Feedback Final Report Publication
Writing [Qualitative & Presentation
Quantitative]
Preparation and Understanding
Attitude Formation

• Set clear goals • Stay updated

• Seek inspirational role • Embrace challenges
• Engage in active learning • Positive reinforcement
• Cultivate curiosity • Reflect on progress
• Build confidence • Develop critical thinking
• Find supportive communities • Utilize resources
• Apply research to real-life issues • Stay organized
Preparation and Understanding
Mental Preparation

• Adopt a growth mind-set • Stay updated

• Set realistic expectations • Embrace challenges
• Stay positive • Positive reinforcement
• Manage stress • Reflect on progress
• Be open to feedback • Develop critical thinking
• Develop resilience • Utilize resources
• Stay motivated • Stay organized
• Build mental endurance
Conceptual
Understanding
 Preparation and Understanding
Social Science Philosophy
• Epistemology • Phenomenology
• Study of knowledge, its nature, and how it can be acquired. • Study of individuals’ lived experiences and how they
• Ontology perceive their world.
• Examination of the nature of being and existence within social • Hermeneutics
phenomena. • Interpretation of texts and understanding the context and
• Positivism meaning.
• Emphasis on empirical observation and scientific methods. • Ethics
• Moral principles guiding research conduct, including respect
• Interpretivism for participants.
• Focus on understanding the meaning and experiences of social • Reflexivity
actors.
• Awareness of the researcher’s influence on the research
• Critical Theory process and outcomes.
• Examination of power structures and societal inequalities. • Contextualization
• Constructivism • Understanding phenomena within their social, cultural, and
• Understanding that social reality is constructed through human historical contexts.
interaction. • Agency and Structure
• Constructivism • Balancing the role of individual actions and larger social
• Understanding that social reality is constructed through human structures in shaping outcomes.
interaction. • Interdisciplinarity
• Realism • Integrating approaches and insights from various disciplines
• Belief in the existence of a reality independent of our to enrich understanding.
perceptions but accessible through research.
Planning and Designing
Research Proposal
What should you include in the proposal?
• Title
• Background of the study
• Statement of the problem
• Research questions and objectives
• Significance of the study
• Literature review: Concepts and theories
• Scope of the study
• Research design and methods
• Work schedule
• References
•
Planning and Designing
Research Designing
• Define the research problem • Address ethical considerations
• Review literature • Methodological design
• Formulate hypotheses or research • Pilot testing
questions
• Collect data
• Choose the research design
• Analyze data
• Select the population and sample
• Interpret results
• Develop data collection methods
• Plan data analysis: Ensure validity
• Report findings
and reliability
Planning and Designing
Formulation of Methodologies
• Write the methodology section step by step:
• i) location,
• ii) main research approach (qualitative/qunatitative/mixed),
• iii) main research method(s) (survey, experiment, case study, or ethnographic),
• iv) data collection methods and data collections instruments,
• v) sampling and respondents’ profile,
• vii) data analysis techniques: reliability and validity
• Limitation of study
• Justify the use of methods (all steps) and sample size
• Ethical consideration
• Clarify which ethical body approves the research
• Contents of ethics
• Consent form
• Justify why this ethical guideline is important
Planning and Designing
Formulation of Methodologies Data collection
method
Research Research
approach method  Experimental group & control group

 Experimental method  Face-to-face interview

Quantitative  Survey method

• Survey method  Face-to-face interview

• Case study method  FGDs, KIIs, ICIs, Observation,
Qualitative
• Ethnographic method Community mapping, PRA,
• Experimental method documentation, etc.
• Survey method
Mixed • Case study method
• Ethnographic method
 Planning and Designing
Data Collections Instruments
 Experimental group & control group  Lab test, exposure/intervention
(Cause-and-effect relationships)

 Face-to-face interview  Structured or unstructured

interview schedule

 FGDs, KIIs & ICIs  Guideline

 Observation, community  Checklist

mapping, documentation

 Participatory rural appraisal

 Checklist & guideline
(PRA)
Planning and Designing
Sampling
Quantitative  Experimental method Probability
 Survey method sampling

• Survey method Purposive

Qualitative
• Case study method sampling
• Ethnographic method
• Experimental method
• Survey method Probability &
Mixed
• Case study method purposive
• Ethnographic method sampling
Planning and Designing
IRB Approval
• Understand IRB Purpose
• Complete Required Training
• Prepare a Detailed Protocol
• Informed Consent
• Risk Assessment
• Submit Application
• Privacy and Confidentiality
Conducting and Implementation
Field Preparation
• Select Research Methods: Choose appropriate methods such as surveys,
interviews, or observations based on the research objectives.
• Use Data Collection Instruments: Develop valid and reliable instruments like
questionnaires or interview guides to gather relevant data.
• Pilot Testing: Conduct pilot testing of instruments with a small sample to identify
and address any issues.
• Use Sampling Technique: Determine the sampling technique (e.g., random,
stratified) based on research objectives and resources.
• Recruit and Train Field Staff: If needed, recruit and train field staff on research
protocols, ethics, and data collection techniques.
• Show Ethical Approval: Show ethical approval to ensure research complies with
ethical standards and protects participant rights.
• Arrange Logistics: Coordinate logistical details such as scheduling, access to
research sites, and permissions.
Conducting and Implementation
Fieldwork/Data Collection
• Implement Data Collection Methods: Execute chosen methods such as
surveys, interviews, or observations.
• Dress Code: Use the right dress as per field location, consider power-relation.
• Ensure Data Quality: Maintain quality standards through careful adherence to
protocols.
• Address Ethical Considerations: Follow ethical guidelines, ensuring informed
consent and confidentiality.
• Monitor/Supervision: Track data collection progress, addressing any issues
promptly.
• Adaptation: Remain flexible to adjust strategies based on field conditions or
unforeseen circumstances.
• Document Field Notes: Maintain detailed records of observations,
interactions, and deviations from plans.
• Manage Data: Organize, verify, and secure collected data for analysis.
Conducting and Implementation
• Data Editing
• Data Coding
• Data Processing
 Reporting and Writing
Data Analysis

Quantitative  Experimental method  SPSS

 Survey method  Descriptive

• Survey method  Thematic

Qualitative • Case study method  Verbatim
• Ethnographic method  Triangulations
• Experimental method
Mixed • Survey method
• Case study method  All
• Ethnographic method
Reporting and Writing
• Draft Reporting
• Report Presentation
• Feedback
• Final Report
• Publication: Journal Article, Book, Book Chapter [Scopus Indexed),
Report
Research Report
Cover Page
Research Report
Table of Contents
 Publication: Scopus

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