Methodology is a system of rules, Principles and procedures, which forms scientific investigation. Comment. (UPSC CSE Mains 2020 - Sociology, Paper 1)
- Social research pertains to the study of the socio-cultural implications of the social issues. In this regard, different scientific disciplines have influenced social research in terms of theorisation as well as methods adopted in the pursuit of knowledge. Consequently, it embraces the conceptualization of the problem, theoretical debate, specification of research practices, analytical frameworks and epistemological presuppositions. Social research in rural development depends on empirical methods to collect information regarding matters concerning social issues. In trying to seek explanations for what is observed, most scientists usually make use of positivistic assumptions and perspectives. However, the phenomenologist challenges these assumptions and concentrates primarily on experimental reality and its descriptions rather than on casual explanations. In critical research, the researcher is prepared to abandon lines of thought which do not get beneath surface appearances. It involves a constant questioning of perspective and the analyses that the researcher is building up.
- According to Pauline V Young social research is a systematic method of exploring analysing and conceptualizing 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 art.
- Social research is systematic and scientific. It is not just guesswork and imaginative work. Reliable evidence can be produced only by using a research methodology.
- A methodology is thus a system of rules, principles and procedures that guides scientific investigation. The sociologist is interested in what happens in social world and why it happens.
- Research methodology provides guidelines for collecting evidence about what takes place and for explaining why it takes place. Sociologists use a variety of research methods used in sociology today- observation, questionnaire, interview and the social survey method.
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