Introduction:

Social research is the scientific study of society. More specifically, social research examines a
societys attitudes, assumptions, beliefs, trends, stratifications and rules. The scope of social
research can be small or large, ranging from the self or a single individual to spanning an entire
race or country. So its important for all students of social science and other backgrounds to
increase their skill in the field of research or social research.
Social Research:
Social research is a systematic method of exploring analyzing and conceptualizing social life in
order to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aid in the construction of
a theory or in the practice of an art The term social research has been defined by different
scholars differently. The few definitions are as follows:
Prof. C.A. Moser defined it as systematized investigation to give new knowledge about social
phenomena and surveys, we call social research.
Rummel defined it as it is devoted to a study to mankind in his social environment and is concerned
with improving his understanding of social orders, groups, institutes and ethics.
M.H. Gopal defined it as it is scientific analysis of the nature and trends of social phenomena of
groups or in general of human behavior so as to formulate broad principles and scientific concepts.
Mary Stevenson defined it as social research is a systematic method of exploring, analyzing and
conceptualizing social life in order to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aid in the
construction of a theory or in the practice of an art.

A broad comprehensive definition of social research has been given by P. V.Young which is
as follows:
Social Research may be defined as a scientific undertaking which by means of logical and systematized
techniques, aims to discover new factor verify a test old facts, analyze their sequence, interrelationship and causal
explanation which were derived within an appropriate theoretical frame of reference, develop new scientific tolls,
concepts and theories which would facilities reliable and valid study of human behavior. A researchers primary
goal distant and immediate is to explore and gain an understanding of human behavior and social life and thereby
gain a greater control over time.
Thus, Social research seeks to find explanations to unexplained social phenomena, to clarify the
doubtful and correct the misconceived facts of social life.

Utilities Of Social research:

Analysis and Understanding of Social Issues: A systematically designed social research
attempts to tap and recognize social issues and unsolved problems. It seeks to unfold the
shortcomings and evils of social institutions. It also distinguishes the cause and explanatory
variables and recommends or indicates about the possible interventions. It provides the
guidelines for the reform or change strategies.
Social Planning: Data and information is the essential prerequisites for the preparation of
any plan. Any planning exercise therefore requires a reliable database, factual knowledge on
which a course of action could be developed and the difficulties in its implementation
anticipated. Development plan therefore needs varied types of data and information and other
empirical observations related different socio-economic conditions.
Prediction: One of the major functions of social research is to establish casual
relationships between and among the cause variables. Modern social researchers use both
quantitative and qualitative methods to explore and examine such relationships in order to
examine the present dynamics and also predict the future trend.
Advancement of Methods and Techniques: Through different action and operation
research, the social science researchers are involved in designing and developing different
models, tools and techniques, approaches and procedure gear to the need of the socio-economic
management.
Limitations of Social Research:
1. The subject matter of social science is emotion arousing.
2. The normative set and value-judgment approach to attach praise and blame to natural
situations in human relationships.
3. The scientific social observer is himself a part of social process he tries to observe.
4. The confidential and privileged character of much sociological information makes
scientific or objective formulation of knowledge a difficult process.
5. Conspiracies of silence involve conventions that often block social research of
implementation of evidence.
6. There may be unpleasant consequence to the minority group when social science is
applied.
7. Much of the subject matter of social science consists of verbal behavior, which frequently
is intangible and trite.
8. Concentration and continues mental effort is required to know that such concepts as
intangibility, reactivity, and probability are basic to social understanding.

9. It does not provide a complete account or explanation and may include self-justification
reports if the researcher or observer interprets the communication incorrectly, bias
judgment, social desirable judgment, and so on.
10. The findings, reports or even the research techniques can be rejected or denied by others
because it has small number of samples (cannot taken as representative).

Ethical Consideration in social research:

Ethics must be considered in all phases of a research project, from brainstorming ideas, to
fundraising grants, to designing studies, to conducting interviews, and right through to final
publication of final results. There are a number of key phrases that describe the system of ethical
protections that the contemporary social and medical research establishment has created to try to
protect better the rights of their research participants. The principle of voluntary participation
requires that people not be coerced into participating in research. This is especially relevant
where researchers had previously relied on 'captive audiences' for their subjects -- prisons,
universities, and places like that. Closely related to the notion of voluntary participation is the
requirement of informed consent. Essentially, this means that prospective research participants
must be fully informed about the procedures and risks involved in research and must give their
consent to participate. Ethical standards also require that researchers not put participants in a
situation where they might be at risk of harm as a result of their participation. Harm can be
defined as both physical and psychological. Giving the participants clear idea is
needed for ethical consideration:
Convey to participants the investigators sense of the potential value of
the research.
Give the participants an appreciation of the contributions they have
made to the research.
Provide the participants with an educational experience that includes
an understanding of behavioral science research as used in the study
in which they have taken part.
Develop in the participants an understanding of the necessity of
employing questionable practices to obtain meaningful answers to the
research questions asked in the study.
Immunize the participants against the tendency for negative
impression of self that are developed in the experiment to preservation
even after attempts have been made to correct them.
Convince the participants of the investigators regrets over the need to
employee questionable practices and concern over the participants
feelings about having subjected to these practices.
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 Give the participants a perspective on their experiences that minimizes

any feelings that they might have been manipulated, made fools of,
shown to be gullible.
Preventing the abuse of research findings: There are at least three
possible ways of misuse of research findings: First, Data and findings may be
misinterpreted either intentionally or unintentionally and hence could be
used to support or promote wrong policy or decisions. Second is, that the
result although interpreted correctly could be used for a purpose the
researcher discovers. Third is, Concern arises when application is evaluated
differently by different people
Misuse in explaining social issues: A social scientist, for example,
trying to understand the causes and possible remedies of low firm
productivity. He accordingly gathered empirical data from the three selected
sample units as cases. Based on his preliminary analysis the researcher
argued that smaller the firm size higher the productivity. To the research
dismay he could find that others have explained these findings other way
around.
Misuse for exploitation: Another possible misuse of research
findings can be resulted from its application by the organization or institution
in which the research was done. One such example could be drawn from
industry. One of the well-established findings in industrial research reveals
that when workers participate in management and operational decision
related to their jobs, there moral in such cases usually increases. Such high
moral results in increase in productivity. These findings have had generated
a great interest in participative management and new leadership styles.
Types of Social Research:
Social research can be classified on the basis of their nature as well as on the basis of their
purpose.
Social Research
By Nature

By Nature
1. Pure or Basic
2. Applied or
Operational
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Exploratory
Explanatory
Experimental
Evaluation
Descriptive
Relational
Policy Research

Figure: Types of Social Research

Based on their nature, social research can broadly be classified into two categories. Basic and
applied research are discussed in the followingPure or Basic Research: Pure research attempts to raise core or fundamental issues
related to the principles and philosophical foundation of the subject matter. Pure research pursues
knowledge for knowledge sake. Basic research is therefore an attempt to search-board principles
and integrates such principles without any immediate utilitarian objectives. The motivation in
basic research is understanding, discovering and underlying the universal laws, principles and
theories without concern for immediate practical uses. In other words, pure or basic research
arises from the need to develop a basic discipline. It is concerned with resolving, illuminating or
exemplifying a theoretical issue. Examples: Examples from Communication Monographs, 2005:

The detestability of ego-centric group speech.

Perceptions of conflict styles in Chinese intergenerational dyads.

Syntactic indeterminacy, perceived message sensation value-enhancing features,

and message processing in the context of anti-tobacco advertisements.

Moving beyond dissonance for understanding emotion labor discomfort.

Applied or Operational Research: Applied research refers to investigation carried out

for the acquisition of knowledge, application packages in order to control natural phenomena. It
is concerned with generating new information to help serve current needs, solving problems or
generate decision alternatives and intervention packages. As regards to the process and approach
of investigation, there is, however, no distinction between basic research and applied research.
Applied research is therefore aimed at solving specific practical problem within an organization
or any process of action. In applied research, success comes when results are used by sponsors in
decision making.
Examples: Action research, policy research, feasibility study, operations research,
evaluation research, cost benefit study, etc. are all examples of applied research.

Based on their purpose, social research can broadly be classified into seven categories. These are
discussed belowExploratory Research: Exploratory research attempts to develop a general
understanding and common familiarity with a phenomenon and form new ideas and to achieve
new insight it. Exploratory research attempts to provide sufficient data for the formulation of
further research hypothesis more precisely. Exploratory research supplies the needed knowledge
and experience that will help in setting up fruitful hypotheses for subsequent. For practical usage,
the exploratory research is done for the following purposesi. To simply satisfy the researchers curiosity and desire for better
understanding.
ii. To get extensive information about a phenomenon and discovering new
dimensions.
iii. To test the feasibility of undertaking a more careful study.
iv. To develop the methods to be employed in a more careful study.
Explanatory Research: Explanatory research aims to find out why things are they are.
The main purpose of this type of research is to examine the existing relationship of the variables
and not necessarily to provide any predictive answer to an unsolved issue. Explanatory research
also identifies the significant variables with their degree of influence and impact that characterize
the process. Explanatory research also known as causal studies which are designed to determine
whether one or more variables causes or affects one or more outcome variables.
Examples: Questionnaires, Interviews, Random sampling, Discussions, etc.

Experimental Research: Experimental research is specially required when the research

purpose is to test a hypothesis or to document the expected results of introduction of a specific
intervention. Experimental research records the changes in a dependent variable to corresponding
manipulation and or changes in specific independent variables. In experimental research, the
researcher usually holds all variables constant except one. Experimental researches are broadly
of two types

Laboratory experiment, where the problems to be studied is divorced

from the facets of the real world surrounding it, but not connected
with it.
Field experiment, where attempts are made to study the problem in its
real setting and to minimize the influences of seemingly unconnected
facets or variables.

Evaluation research: The main objective of evaluation research is to assess the

consequences of activities undertaken to advance some value goal. The result of evaluation
research are not meant merely to add to our store of knowledge or develop theory, rather it seeks
to determine whether the activity or progress being evaluated produced or is now producing.
Evaluation research is used as a scientific feedback mechanism for the formulation of future
policies, projects and intervention packages.
Descriptive research: Descriptive research is designed primarily to describe what is
going on or what exists. Descriptive research is carried out to portray accurately the
characteristics of groups, individual or situations or to determine the incidence or frequency with
which something happens. Descriptive research aims to portray selected characteristics of the
subject accurately to study their stability, distribution and occurrence. Descriptive studies
provide necessary back ground for the formulation of more precise problem for subsequent and
detailed study and for the development of hypothesis.
Relational research: Relational researches look at the relationships between two or more
variables. A public opinion poll that compare what proportion of males and females say they
would vote for a party x or party y candidate in the next general election is essentially studying
the relationship between gender and voting preference.
Policy research: Policy research is defined as the process of conducting research on a
fundamental social problem in order to provide policymakers with pragmatic, action oriented
recommendations for alleviation of the problems. Policy research aims to the study of policy
making process. This type of research is typically performed by the policy planners, political
scientists and policy analysts. Policy research is similar to technical research because of its high
action orientation. Policy research is similar to both basic research and policy analysis as it deals
with fundamental social problems. There is some common characteristics of policy research that
differentiate from other research efforts. Following are the characteristics

Is multidimensional in focus
Uses an empiric-inductive research orientation
Respond to study users and
Explicitly incorporate values

Concept Model and Theory:

Concept: Concept is one of the basic tools for analysis any kind of research effort. A
concept is a word or a phrase that symbolizes the phenomena under study and helps the
researchers to communicate the experimented and observed findings. For example marginal
utility, demand elasticity, multiplier, accountability etc. Concept is based on the critical study of
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reality. Concepts are used to construct a framework to guide the research process and
investigation approach. It also helps in organizing the properties of the object under
investigation.
Model: A model is central to every analysis. Imaginative scholars put together some sets
of abstract propositions for which one can deduce hypothesis. Such a set of proposition is usually
called model.
According to Quade, model is an idealization, an abstract of some part of real world and is an
incomplete representation of real thing- an imagination of reality.
According to Simon, A model is like a mini theory and has the same nature of a theory. It focuses
on a few elements abstracted from all of reality.
A model is a substitute for reality-representative that is hopefully adequate for a problem at hand.
Model is apt to be ad-hoc, tentative and future directed. The terms model and theory are
therefore used interchangeably.

Theory: It is very difficult to nail down the term theory, partly because the concept has
very different meaning to different disciplines and even at different moments in a particular
discipline. Theory is a logical framework which attempts to organize and explain a variety of
specific facts. Theory in its simplest sense is a set of principles, abstracts that is used to explain,
analyze and predict any phenomena, process and occurrence.
More specifically, theory explains the relationships, causality and dependency of certain
variables. It also predicts the possible direction or momentum of those variables of study. Theory
helps us to draw predictive, causative and conclusive judgments towards a broad generalization.

Functions of Concept:
Concepts serve a number of important functions in social science research. The functions of
concepts are discussed below

Foundation of communication: Without a set of agreed upon concept, scientists could

not communicate their findings or replicate each others studies. Communications based
on inter subjectivity and shared understanding would be impossible. Concepts provide a
common language, which enables scientists to communicate with one another. It is
important to remember that concepts are abstracted from perceptions and are used to
convey and transmit information.

Introduce a perspective: Concepts introduce a perspective- a way of looking at

empirical phenomena. The concept enables scientists to relate to some aspect of reality
and identify it as a quality common to different examples of the phenomenon in the real
world.
Allow scientists to classify and generalize: Concepts allow scientists to classify their
experience and to generalize from them. For example, we can overlook the ways in which
pine, oak, spruce, fir, palm and apple differ from one another and grasp their generic
resemblance via the concept tree.
Components of theories: Concept serve as components of theories and thus of
explanations and predictions. Concepts are the most critical elements in any theory
because they define its content and attributes. For example the concepts power and
legitimacy define the substance of theories of governance.

Components of social research:

Abstract
Key Words
Introduction
Statement of the problem
Rationale of the study
Objectives of the study
Research questions/ Hypothesis
Literature review
Conceptual framework
Definition of variables
Research methodology

Abstract: A paragraph summarizing topic of research, who or what will be the object of data
collection, how the data will be collected, how it will be analyzed, and what results expected
(possible outcomes). very proposal, even very brief ones, should have an abstract. This section
provides a capsule description of the entire project. It should include a brief statement of the
needs or problem being addressed, the methodology(s) to be employed in accomplishing the
tasks outlined, project goals or expected outcomes, the time duration, and the approximate cost.
Key Words: Keywords are the words that academics use to reveal the internal of an author's
reasoning. While they are used primarily for rhetoric, they are also used in a strictly grammatical
sense for structural composition, reasoning, and comprehension. Indeed, they are an essential
part of any language. There are many different types of keyword categories including:
Continuation, Contrast, Emphasis, Evidence, Illustration and Sequence. Each category serves its
own function, as do the keywords inside of a given category.
Introduction: Its purpose is to introduce the research topic to readers. It must cover
statement of the problem, hypotheses, objectives of study, review of literature, and the
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methodology to cover primary and secondary data, limitations of study and chapter scheme.
Some may give in brief in the first chapter the introduction of the research project highlighting
the importance of study. This is followed by research methodology in separate chapter. The
methodology should point out the method of study, the research design and method of data
collection.
Statement of the problem: The most important aspect of a research proposal is
the clarity of the research problem. For a short statement, it certainly has a lot of power. The
statement of the problem is the focal point of your research. It should state what you will be
studying, whether you will do it through experimental or non-experimental investigation, and
what the purpose of your findings will be. As a part of the Introduction, effective problem
statements answer the question Why does this research need to be conducted? It is just one
sentence (with several paragraphs of elaboration). In it, you are looking for something wrong,
something that needs close attention, or something where existing methods no longer seem to be
working.
Rationale of the study: Research is re-search and hence the researcher may highlight the earlier
research in new manner or establish new theory. He must refer earlier research work and
distinguish his own research from earlier work. He must explain how his research is different and
how his research topic is different and how his research topic is important. In a statement of his
problem, he must be able to explain in brief the historical account of the topic and way in which
he can make and attempt in his study to conduct the research on his topic.
Objectives of the Study: This describes the goals and objectives that are the targets and
desired outcomes of work done by you to find answers to the problem or issue under
investigation. The purpose often starts with a single goal statement that explains what the study
intends to accomplish. The words goal and objective are often confused with each other. They
both describe things that a person may want to achieve or attain; however, each is different in its
scope. Goals are more global in nature, affecting larger populations over longer time frames.
They are the big vision and are more general in wording. Objectives are more specific and
defined in nature. They are time-related to achieve a certain task, and are the measurable
outcomes of activities undertaken to achieve goals; they are described as achieved or not
achieved. Objectives should align with a studys goals.
Research Questions or Hypothesis: Questions and hypotheses are testable explanations
that are proposed before the methodology of a project is conducted, but after the researcher has
had an opportunity to develop background knowledge (much like the literature review that you
just finished). Although research questions and hypotheses are different in their sentence
structure and purpose, both seek to predict relationships. Deciding whether to use questions or

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hypothesis depends on facts such as the purpose of the study, the approach and design of the
methodology, and the expected audience for the research proposal.
A research question proposes a relationship between two or more variables. Just as the title
states, it is structured in form of a question. There are three types of research questions:

A descriptive research question seeks to identify and describe some phenomenon.

An example: What is the ethnic breakdown of patients seen in the emergency room for nonemergency conditions.

A differences research question asks if there are differences between groups on some
phenomenon.

For example: Do patients who receive massage experience more relief from sore muscle pain
than patients who take a hot bath?

A relationship question asks if two or more phenomena are related in some systematic
manner.

Literature Review: The literature review develops broad ideas of what is already known in a
field, and what questions are still unanswered. This process assist in furthering narrowing the
problem for investigation, and will highlight any theories that may exist to support developing
hypotheses. One must show that he has looked through the literature and have found the latest
updates in his field of study in order for a proposal to be convincing to an audience. This process
also helps him to be sure that his investigation is not just reinventing the wheel. A discussion
of the present understanding and/or state of knowledge concerning the problem or issue sets the
context for your investigation.
Conceptual framework: Most research reports cast the problem statement within the
context of a conceptual or theoretical framework. A description of this framework contributes to
a research report in at least two ways because it (1) identifies research variables, and (2) clarifies
relationships among the variables. Linked to the problem statement, the conceptual framework
sets the stage for presentation of the specific research question that drives the investigation being
reported. For example, the conceptual framework and research question would be different for a
formative evaluation study than for a summative study, even though their variables might be
similar. Scholars argue that a conceptual or theoretical framework always underlies a research
study, even if the framework is not articulated. This may seem incongruous, because many
research problems originate from practical educational or clinical activities. Questions often arise
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such as I wonder why such an event did not [or did] happen? For example, why didn't the
residents' test-interpretation skills improve after they were given feedback? There are also
occasions when a study is undertaken simply to report or describe an event, e.g., pass rates for
women versus men on high-stakes examinations such as the United States Medical Licensing
Examination (USMLE) Step 1. Nevertheless, it is usually possible to construct at least a brief
theoretical rationale for the study. The rationale in the USMLE example may be, for instance,
about gender equity and bias and why these are important issues. Frameworks are usually more
elaborate and detailed when the topics that are being studied have long scholarly histories (e.g.,
cognition, psychometrics) where active researchers traditionally embed their empirical work in
well-established theories.

Definition of variables: Be sure that your proposal is understandable to a general reader who
does not know much about your field of investigation. This section gives the definition of
important terms and concepts that are usually stated in the objectives, hypothesis, and research
questions. Define subject-specific and technical terms. If you are using words that are different
in meaning in the context of your experiment from traditionally accepted meanings, define the
terms. Be sure to refer to authoritative sources in your definitions. Explain any operational
definitions, the definitions that you have created just for your study. An example of an
operational definition is: "For the purpose of this research, improvement is operationally defined
as posttest score minus pretest score. The clearest way to arrange your definitions page is to
arrange terms in alphabetical order, with definitions stated in complete sentences.
Research Methodology: It is related to collection of data. There are two sources for
collecting data; primary and secondary. Primary data is original and collected in field work,
either through questionnaire interviews. The secondary data relied on library work. Such primary
data are collected by sampling method. The procedure for selecting the sample must be
mentioned. The methodology must give various aspects of the problem that are studied for valid
generalization about the phenomena. The scales of measurement must be explained along with
different concepts used in the study. While conducting a research based on field work, the
procedural things like definition of universe, preparation of source list must be given. We use
case study method, historical research etc. He must make it clear as to which method is used in
his research work. When questionnaire is prepared, a copy of it must be given in appendix.
Hypothesis and Variables:
Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a specific statement of prediction. It describes in concrete
(rather than theoretical) terms what you expect will happen in your study. Not all studies have
hypotheses. Sometimes a study is designed to be exploratory. There is no formal hypothesis, and
perhaps the purpose of the study is to explore some area more thoroughly in order to develop
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some specific hypothesis or prediction that can be tested in future research. A single study may
have one or many hypotheses.
Types of Hypothesis: Research (Substantive) Hypothesis - simple declarative statement of
the hypothesis guiding the research.

Statistical Hypothesis:
a statement of the hypothesis given in statistical terms.
a statement about one or more parameters that are measures of the population
under study.
a translation of the research hypothesis into a statistically meaningful relationship.
Null Hypothesis: a statistical hypothesis stated specifically for testing (which reflects the
nodifference situation).
Alternative Hypothesis: an alternative to the null hypothesis that reflects a significant difference
situation.
Directional Hypothesis: a hypothesis that implies the direction of results.
Non - directional Hypothesis: a hypothesis that does not imply the direction of results.
Variable: Understanding the nature of variable is essential to statistical analysis.
Different data types demand discrete treatment. Using the appropriate statistical measures to both
describes your data and to infer meaning from your data require that you clearly understand
distinguishing characteristics.
Types of Variables:
Independent Variable: a variable that affects the dependent variable under study and is
included in the research design so that its effects can be determined. (Also known as a predictor
variable in certain types of research).
Dependent Variable : a variable being affected or assumed to be affected by an
independent variable. (Variable used to measure the effects of independent variables. Also known
as an outcome variable in certain types of research.)
Organismic Variable : a preexisting characteristic of an individual that cannot be randomly assigned to
that individual (e.g. gender). Serve as control variables only when effects are
known/predetermined.

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Intervening Variable : a variable whose existence is inferred, but which cannot

bemanipulatedor directly measured. Also known as nuisance variables, mediator variables, or
confounding variables.
Control Variable : an independent variable not of primary interest whose effects are
determined by the researcher. (May be included in the research design to help explain variation
in results.)
Moderator Variable : a variable that may or may not be controlled, but has an effect on
the research situation.
-when controlled - control variable (effects are known)
-when uncontrolled - intervening variable (effects unknown)

Conclusion:
After above discussion, It can be said that research is a process for collecting, analyzing and
interpreting information to answer questions. It draws conclusions from the data gathered, which
is then generalized. Thus, it attempts to improve our understanding of the world in which we
live. Total process of social research is engaged with multiple techniques. To conduct a reliable
and effective social research, the researcher should have known about all contents mentioned
above.

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References:
1. Salahuddin M. Aminuzzaman, 2011, Essentials of Social Research, Osdar
Publications, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/
3. http://www.pitt.edu/~offres/proposal/propwriting/components.ht
m
4. http://www.scribd.com/doc/12925956/Research-Assignment
5. http://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2001/09000/pr
oblem_statement,_conceptual_framework,_and.21.aspx.
6. www.wikipedia.com

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