METHODOLOGIES IN SOCIAL RESEARCH

The plural word “methodologies” instead of “methodology” creates interest (or probably confusion) in the reader and makes him/her wonder why the plural term is chosen as a title. Nevertheless, there is a logic to the title. The book takes the point of view that there are several methodologies in social research about which a novice researcher should be aware.
It presents the dominant approaches, namely the experimental and survey research designs in the beginning, followed by the whole range of alternative approaches which are seldom taught in classrooms. One aspect the book reiterates is that the “research question should determine the choice of the methodology and not the otherwise”. For example, if the question is related to the cultural aspects of a certain community living in a tribal pada, then the appropriate methodology, namely ethnography or ethnomethodology could be employed. In popular research methodology textbooks, there is a demarcation of the research methodologies as quantitative and qualitative.
This book takes a different path and provides the reader an overview of a range of methodologies right from experimental research to ethnomethodology. The objective of this exercise is to help the readers appreciate the strengths of various methodologies and to encourage young research scholars to become familiar with the methods and nuances of conducting research.
Contents
Experimental Research
Survey Research
Case Study Research
Historical Research
Oral History
Grounded Theory
Feminist Standpoint Epistemology
Participatory Research
Ethnography
Ethnomethodology
Mixed Methods Research
Ethics in Social Research