This document discusses different types of studies and research methods used in social and social work research. It outlines qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative methods are aimed at understanding human behavior and social processes, and include case studies, content analysis, narrative methods, and ethnography. Quantitative methods adopt a positivist perspective and use standardized data collection to test hypotheses, and include census, opinion polls, and evaluating relationships between variables. The document also distinguishes between pure research, driven by intellectual curiosity to expand knowledge, and applied research, which is problem-oriented and aims to inform actions or policies. In conclusion, it advocates that integrating qualitative and quantitative methods can produce richer results than using a single methodology.

1. Different types of studies & their usage in
Social & Social work Research.

2.  A systematic search for an answer to a question or a solution to a
problem is Research.
 The search of facts may be made through:
a) Arbitrary Method: Imagination, Blind belief, impression.
b) Scientific Method: Precise & arrives at conclusions on the basis of
verifiable evidences.

3.  Systematic method of discovering new facts & verifying
old facts. Their sequences, inter relationships, causal
explanations & the natural laws which govern them.

4.  It is the systematic investigation into the problems in the field of social
work.
 Any research that is carried out in the field of social work is called
social work research.

5. 1. Qualitative Methods
 Not much related to the scientific logic of research.
 More close to the world around.
 Focuses on human behavior for better understanding of the world
around. E.g. Their ideas, attitudes, intensions.
 Researcher’s primary goals are an understanding of Social processes
rather than obtaining a representative sample.

6. 1. Case Study: Intensive study of a particular case. E.g. A
person, A group of persons: Family, A class of persons:
Professors, Ecological Unit: Community.
2. Content Analysis: Aims at the analysis of the content like
documents, books, newspapers, magazines.
3. Narrative Method: It is an approach to understand the way
people make of their lives as narratives.
4. Focused Group Interview: Here, group of people are asked
about their perceptions, opinions, belief towards the
product, service, concept, advertisement, etcetera.
5. Ethnography: Focus on sociology through close field
observation of sociocultural phenomena, typically an
ethnographer focuses on a community.

9.  A researcher spends several months “hanging around” with a
gang of “street kids” to investigate their lifestyle & the issues
that are important to them (Participant observation)
 In-depth interviews are conducted with rural women &
workers from relevant agencies to explore attitudes to
domestic violence in the country.

10. 2. Quantitative Research
 Typically associated with Positivist perspectives in Social Research.
 Adoption of the natural science experiments, the model for scientific
research.
 Use standardized approaches to collect data.
 Tests hypothesis or given theory, high degree of pre-
conceptualization.
 Adopting theory than research approach.

13.  The census.
 Large opinion polls.
 Some forms of evaluation, E.g. Outcome evaluation, cost benefit
analysis.
 Research which aims to establish whether there is a relationship
between two or more variables, E.g. Is there a relationship between
income & religion?

15. PURE RESEARCH
 Intellectual curiosity is the
motivational factor behind it.
 Aims at extension of knowledge.
 Best example is that of Michael
Faraday , he laid out his research
without knowing that, it would be
useful. He continued to find out the
truth or knowledge.
APPLIED RESEARCH
 Focused upon a real life problem,
requiring an action or policy
decision.
 Problem oriented & action directed.
 Application in the fields of
technology, management,
commerce, economics & other
Social sciences.

16. In this brief review of some of the major approaches to research,
I have attempted to show how important it is to understand the
underlying assumptions, beliefs & goals of each approach &
how these shape the way, research is done. Some type of
quantitative & qualitative research can be integrated to
produce richer results than will be achieved by simply using
one methodology or another.

17. Thank You !