The document discusses the nature and process of social research. It addresses key elements like the role of theory, values and assumptions. The social research process involves literature reviews, developing concepts and research questions, sampling, data collection, analysis and reporting findings. However, social research is messy and researchers may face unexpected issues, so familiarity with principles is important. Potential pitfalls include ambiguous questions or unethical practices. Social research aims to increase knowledge and address practical issues through various types of research questions.

1. The nature and process
of social research
Ibrahim Koncak

2. The Context of Social Research methods
• The role of theory
• The role of values
• The significance of assumptions
• The ways in which political contributions may materialize in social research

3. The elements of Social Research Practice
• Literature review
• Concepts and theories
• Research questions
• Sampling of cases
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Writing up of the research findings

4. The messiness of Social Research
• The social research often does not conform to a neat linear process
• Researchers may find themselves facing unexpected contingencies and
difficulties
 Solution; A familiarity with the nature of the research process and its
principles is crucial to navigate thorough the unexpected.

5. Pitfalls &Gains
• Failing to match research questions to research methods
• Asking ambiguous questions in questionnaires
• Engaging in practices that are ethically dubious
 Understanding of social research methods in important as being a consumer of
published research.
 A good grounding in the research process and a knowledge of the potential pitfalls can
be critically important when reading the research of the others.

6. Why do Social Research?
• Curiosity
• Noticing a gap in the literature
• A development in society
• Multiple reasons
• An aspect of our understanding of what goes on in society

7. Factors in Social Research
• Theories ( what is searched and how interpreted):
• research gets affected and contributes to the theory
• Existing knowledge about the area
• literature review (chapter 5 and chapter 29)
• Relationship btw theory and research theory at the beginning or outcome of the research process
• Scientific approach
• Hypothesis formulated and tested, epistemological debate (Chapter 2)
• The nature of social phenomena
• Social world is external actors or constant process of reformulation and reassessment ( ontological debate) (Chapter 2)
• The values of the research community
• Ethical issues
• Those being researched should be involved in the research process
• Questionnaire should be prepared with the involvement of service users

8. What research is for?
• Practical purpose, make a difference
• Focus on topics and issues that will have implications for practice
• Evolution and active research;
• With implications for people’s everyday lives
• Potential value policy and practice
• Accumulation of knowledge ( Chapter 3, Chapter 17)

9. Social research within a wider political context
• Founded by government bodies
• If research has applied focus, users should be involved.
• The training and personal values of the researcher cannot be ignored.
• Influence the research area, the research question, and the methods employed.

10. Questions

12. Types of research questions
1 Predicting an outcome ( does Y happen under circumstances A and B ? )
2 Explaining causes and consequences ( is Y affected by X or is Y a consequence of X?
3 Evaluating a phenomenon ( does Y exhibit the benefits that it is claimed to have?)
4 Describing a phenomenon ( what is Y like or what form does Y assume?)
5 Developing good practice ( how can we improve Y?)
6 Empowerment ( how can we enhance the lives of those we research?)
7 Comparison ( do A and B differ in respect of X)