This document discusses sociology, research, and social research. It defines sociology as the scientific study of human behavior in society using observation, reasoning, data analysis, and theoretical knowledge. Research is defined as the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase understanding, while social research specifically focuses on social phenomena using social science methods. Common social research methods discussed include observation, questionnaires, interviews, and social surveys. The document outlines the benefits and limitations of different observational techniques like participant observation, non-participant observation, and systematic controlled observation. Overall, observation is presented as an important method for collecting reliable information about social behavior, though the role and potential biases of the observer must be considered.

2. Topic :

3. *What is sociology?
*What is research?
*What is social research?

4. Sociology is the study of human behaviour in society. it's a
scientific way of thinking about society that includes:
*Observation
*Reasoning
*Analysis of data
*Theoretical knowledge
*Knowledge of the work
Of other sociologists.

5. * Research is the systematic process of collecting and analysing
information(data) in order to increase our understanding of the
phenomenon with which we are concerned or interested.

6. * It is research involving social scientific methods, theories and
concepts, which can enhance our understanding of the social
processes and problems encountered by individuals and groups in
society.
* It is conducted by sociologists, psychologists, economists, political
scientists and an anthropologists.
* It is not just common sense, based on facts without theory using
personal life experience or perpetuating media myths.

7. * According to Pauline v. young,"_social research is a systematic method of
exploring analysing and conceptualising social life in order to extend ,correct,
or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in the construction of a
theory or in the practice of an art."
* stating it still differently, social research seeks to find explanations to
unexplained social phenomena to clarify the doubful and correct the
misconceived of social life.
* According to Wallace and Wallace," sociological research refers to the
structural observation of social behaviour."

8. * Observation
*Questionnaire
*Interview and
*The social survey method

9. *observation is one of the principal techniques of research in social science.
Some of the difficulties arising out of the use of interviewing in sociological
data collection can be overcome by combining of observation with
interviewing or perhaps by using observation alone.
*In fact, observation is essential for any scientific study or research. science
begins with observation and must ultimately return to observation for its
final validation. Observation may take many forms and is at once the most
primitive and the most modern of research techniques. it includes the most
casual and controlled experience as well as the most exit firm records of
laboratory experimentation.

10. * P.G. Gisbert." Observation consists in the applications of our mind and its cognitive
Powers to the phenomena which are studying."
*Ian Robertson," observation studies usually involved an intensive examination of a
particular group, event, or social process. The research does not attempt to influence
what happens in any way but instead at an accurate description and analysing of
what takes place.“
*Wallace and Wallace," in an observational study the researcher actually witnesses
social behaviour in its natural sitting".
* In general, we can say that observation is a systematic direct, definite and
deliberate examination of the spontaneous occurrences at the time of their
occurrence.

11. *Wallace and Wallace," in an observational study the researcher actually
witnesses social behaviour in its natural sitting".
* In general,we can say that observation is a systematic direct, definite and
deliberate examination of the spontaneous occurrences at the time of their
occurrence.

12. The basis for selecting a particular aspect for study in guided by the
nature, scope and objects of the inquiry. Generally, the formulated
hypothesis is the guiding element in the immediate observation. For
example, we are interested in the problem of juvenile delinquency and
have tentatively formulated a hypothesis that juvenile delinquency is
caused by broken homes and careless child rearing. Then ,to test this,
we concentrate our attention on broken homes and observe it as a
cause of juvenile delinquency. if our observation demands the rejection
of that hypothesis then a new hypothesis is found in its place.

13. observation and experiment as representing two techniques of scientific research
are being used in all the science. both the techniques intent to trace the cause and
effect relationships in the phenomenon at study. But the procedures of using
techniques vary according to the material being studied.
"Observational studies are like experiments in all respects expect one. In an
experiment the scientist arranges for something to happen in order to observe what
follows, whereas in an observational study the scientist observe something which
happens or has already happened. both rely upon systematic observation under
controlled conditions in a search for verifiable sequences and relationships."
- Horton and hunt

14. Observation maybe of the three broad types:
* Non controlled, participant observation
*Non controlled, non participant observation
*Systematic controlled observation.

15. participant observation is qualitative research method in which
the researcher studies a group not only by observing the group
but also by participating in activities of the group.

16. Participant observation brings on the sociologist heavy obligations.
* The identities of the observer must be protected.
*Systematic notes must be kept each day and memory must be maintained
afresh.
* the observer must be careful not to influence the behaviour that he or she is
observing.
*Gaining access to the group and winning the confidence of its member is highly
challenging.
*This method relies heavily on the skills an subjective interpretation of the
observer.
Hence the observer must have sufficient competence and experience.

17. *Difficult to record data in a timely manner and objectively.
* Time consuming and demanding in order to enter the group and
build rapport.
* Possible risk of losing objectively by immensing themselves into a
culture.
* Access to organisations may be difficult.

18. *He/she can get more informations with accuracy and precision.
*The informations are recorded in front of the group people.
*The observer is personally involved in group activity and shares their
feeling and prejudices.
* It motivates and stimulates mutual relationship between the
observer and observe.

19. non participant observation involves observing participants without
actively participating. this option is used to understand a
phenomenon by entering the community or social system involved,
while staying separate from the activities being observed.

20. *The observer gets their information without having to interact with
the participants. This leads to more accurate result as people will be
have irregularly when others enter their group.
*Result can be instantaneous.
* Results are easier to analysis.

21. *Less control over the observation.
*harder to find or backup a hypothesis without influencing
participants.
*With limited exposure to the environment it is harder to developed
conclusions.

22. systematic observation of individuals or groups focuses on the visible
behaviour in relation to visible value of the environment.
Systematic observation generally does not permit interpretation of
events in the particular environment

23. *Direct information about behaviour of individuals and groups.
*Permits researcher to enter and understand situation/context.
*Good opportunities to identify an anticipated outcomes .
*Natural, non artificially structured, and flexible setting.
*Reduces reactivity people changing behaviour because they are being
watched.

24. *It is an expensive method.
*And extensive training of observer is required.
*The information provided by this method is very limited.
*Sometimes unforeseen factors may interfere with the observational
task.
*Some people are really accessible to direct observation creates of
obstacles

25. Observation is one of the effective methods of collecting reliable information about
the social behaviour of man though it has its own limitations. In this method the
role of the observer is very significant. The effectiveness of the method depends to
a great extent on the efficiency of the observer.

26. The observer is a mediator between the actual situation and the data. The
researcher must keep in mind the role of the observer while making observations.
All scientific study depends ultimately upon the observer, especially in our field.
The observer, however, is always a variable to be taken into account. In case of
sociology , much information must be gathered before a genuine experiment can
be designed and both participant and non participant observation types are used
for this purpose. We cannot do away with the influence of the observer, but we can
limit it to a great extent.