It's on research introduction

1. 1
Introduction to Research in
Social Sciences
Tayba Umar
MSc (PU)
MPhil (PU)

2. Research in Social Sciences
 Research in the social sciences is a
systematic and methodical process aimed
at understanding human behavior, societal
structures, and the complex interactions
that shape our world. It encompasses a
wide range of disciplines, including
sociology, psychology, political science,
anthropology, economics, and more.
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3. Scientific method
 The scientific method is an abstract concept
that refers to the ways in which questions
are asked and the logic and methods used to
gain answers.
 Two important characteristics of the scientific
method are the reliance on an empirical
approach and the skeptical attitude scientists
adopt toward explanations of behavior and
mental processes.
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4.  Empirical approach emphasizes direct
observation and experimentation as a
way of answering questions. It is
perhaps the most important
characteristic of the scientific method.
Using this approach, psychologists
focused on behaviors and experiences
that could be observed directly.
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5. Key Characteristics of
Social Science Research
 Systematic Inquiry: Follows a structured and
organized approach to investigate specific questions.
 Empirical Evidence: Relies on data collected through
observation, experimentation, or surveys.
 Theoretical Frameworks: Utilizes existing theories
to guide research questions and interpret findings.
 Objectivity: Strives to minimize bias and subjectivity
in the research process.
 Replicability: Ensures that studies can be repeated
and verified by other researchers.
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6. 6
Definition of Research
Research is a systematic
and organised effort to
investigate critically and
solve a specific problem.

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Purpose of Research
Review and synthesise already
existing knowledge.
Investigate some existing
problem (S).
Generate new knowledge.
Construct something new.
Explain new phenomena.

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Types of Research
 Applied research – Research with the goal of
trying to solve some real life problem
 Basic research – Research with the goal of
describe, explain and predict the
fundamental principal of behaviour.

9. Theoretical Framework
 In social research, the theoretical framework and
methodological approaches provide structure, context,
and tools for investigating social phenomena. Here’s an
overview of both:
1. Theoretical Framework
 A theoretical framework anchors a study within a specific
set of theories and perspectives, offering a lens to
interpret findings and understand the relationships
among variables. It helps:
 Define concepts and clarify assumptions.
 Shape research questions and hypotheses.
 Guide interpretation of results. 9

10. Methodological Approaches
Methodology refers to the overall
approach and strategy for gathering
and analyzing data. Social research
methodologies are typically
categorized into quantitative,
qualitative, and mixed methods.
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11. Methodological Approaches
1. Quantitative Research:
 Uses numerical data and statistical analysis.
 Seeks to test hypotheses, measure
variables, and establish patterns or
relationships.
 Common methods include surveys,
experiments, and secondary data analysis.
 Emphasizes reliability and generalizability.
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12. Methodological Approaches
2. Qualitative Research:

Explores complex social phenomena and
captures detailed descriptions.
 Emphasizes understanding individuals'
perspectives, contexts, and meanings.

Methods include interviews, focus
groups, ethnography, and content
analysis.
 Valued for depth, flexibility, and
contextual insights.
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13. Methodological Approaches
3. Mixed-Methods Research:

Combines quantitative and qualitative
techniques to provide a comprehensive
understanding of research problems.

Can be used to validate findings or offer
both breadth and depth of understanding.

Examples include using surveys to gather
general data and follow-up interviews for
deeper insights.
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14. Methodological Approaches
 Each approach has unique strengths and is
chosen based on the research question,
theoretical framework, and desired depth or
breadth of analysis. Together, theoretical
frameworks and methodological approaches
shape the design, data collection, and analysis
stages of social research, enabling
researchers to construct and explore
meaningful questions about society and
human behavior.
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• Broad in nature.
• Investigate a problem faced by human
beings in daily life and in the workplace in
need of solution.
• Strong emphasis on application of
knowledge - not so interested in basic
research.
• Requires knowledge that will lead to
changes in the way things are done.
So What is
Psychological Research?

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Some Questions
 Why research?
 What to research?
 Where and How to
research?
• When?
• What Ethical issues?

17.  Sternberg (1997) suggests that students new to the field
of psychological research consider several questions
before deciding they have a good research question:
 —Why might this question be scientifically important?
 —What is the scope of this question?
 —What are the likely outcomes if I carry out this
research project?
 —To what extent will psychological science be advanced
by knowing the answer to this question?
 —Why would anyone be interested in the results
obtained by asking this question?
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18. Example
 After decades of research, what do psychologists
say about the behavioral, emotional, and social
effects of media violence?
 Anderson et al. (2003) reported several key
findings in their review of research that
investigated violence in television, films, video
games, the Internet, and music: —Exposure to
media violence causes an increase in the
likelihood of aggressive and violent thoughts,
emotions, and behavior.
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19. THANK YOU