RESEARCH DESIGN IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH : AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Research methods include all those techniques/methods  that are adopted for conducting research. Thus, research techniques or methods are the methods that the researchers adopt for conducting the research studies.

        On  the  other  hand,  research methodology  is the  way in  which research problems are solved systematically. It is a science of studying how research is conducted  scientifically. Under  it, the  researcher acquaints himself/herself  with  the  various  steps  generally  adopted  to  study  a research problem, along with the underlying logic behind them.  Hence, it is not only important for the researcher to know the research techniques/methods, but also the scientific approach called methodology.

There are two main approaches to research, namely quantitative approach and qualitative approach.   The quantitative approach involves the collection of quantitative data, which are put to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid manner.   This approach further includes experimental, inferential, and simulation approaches to research. Meanwhile, the qualitative approach uses the method of subjective assessment of opinions,  behaviour  and  attitudes.    Research in  such  a situation is a function of the researcher’s impressions and insights.  The results generated by this type of research are either in non-quantitative form or in the form which cannot be put to rigorous quantitative analysis. Usually, this approach uses techniques like indepth interviews, focus group interviews, and projective techniques.

There are different types of research. The basic ones are as follows.

ü  Descriptive Vs Analytical

ü  Applied Vs Fundamental

ü  Quantitative Vs Qualitative

ü  Conceptual Vs Empirical

Other Types of Research: