SOC 301 — Methods of Social Research & Statistics: Lecture Note

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Course code: SOC 301 • Course title: Methods for Social Research • Course credit load: 4 SERIES 1: Foundations of Social Research Methods Series outline • Part 1.1: Nature and Purpose of Social Research • 1.1.1: Meaning and scope of social research • 1.1.2: Objectives and significance of studying human societies • 1.1.3: Role of research in knowledge generation • Part 1.2: Forms and Strategies of Research • 1.2.1: Descriptive and non-descriptive approaches • 1.2.2: Historical research strategies • 1.2.3: Comparative overview of research designs • Part 1.3: Types of Research Methods • 1.3.1: Quantitative methods: survey, comparative study, quasi-experiment • 1.3.2: Qualitative methods: focus group, in-depth interview, ethnography, case study • 1.3.3: Advantages and disadvantages of methods • Part 1.4: Evaluating and Justifying Research Choices • 1.4.1: Strengths and weaknesses of different methods • 1.4.2: Criteria for selecting appropriate methods • 1.4.3: Justification for combining methods • Part 1.5: Ethics and Integrity in Social Research • 1.5.1: Importance of integrity in data collection • 1.5.2: Adherence to ethics in research practice • 1.5.3: Objectivity in design, data processing, and interpretation Introduction Social research provides the foundation for understanding how human beings live, interact, and organise themselves in diverse societies. Without systematic inquiry, our knowledge of social life would remain fragmented and speculative. This Series introduces you to the essential principles and strategies of social research, preparing you to appreciate both the breadth and depth of methods available for studying human behaviour and social structures.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS The aim of this Series is to equip you with a clear grasp of the fundamental concepts, designs, and approaches in social research, while also guiding you to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and ethical implications. We shall commence this Series by examining the nature and purpose of social research, highlighting its meaning, scope, and role in knowledge generation. Next, we will explore the forms and strategies of research, including descriptive, non-descriptive, and historical approaches. Subsequently, we will study the different types of research methods, distinguishing between quantitative and qualitative techniques and considering their advantages and disadvantages. Following that, we will evaluate and justify research choices by analysing the strengths and weaknesses of methods and the criteria for selecting them. Finally, we will wrap up by focusing on ethics and integrity in social research, emphasising the importance of objectivity, adherence to ethical standards, and credibility in the entire research process. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define the meaning and scope of social research, • SLO 1.2 explain the objectives and significance of studying human societies through research, • SLO 1.3 describe the role of social research in generating knowledge, • SLO 1.4 distinguish between descriptive, non-descriptive, and historical research strategies, • SLO 1.5 analyse the comparative strengths and weaknesses of different research designs, • SLO 1.6 identify and explain key quantitative methods such as survey, comparative study, and quasi-experiment, • SLO 1.7 identify and explain key qualitative methods such as focus group discussion, in-depth interview, ethnography, and case study, • SLO 1.8 evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both quantitative and qualitative methods, • SLO 1.9 assess the criteria for selecting appropriate research methods and justify their use in different contexts, and • SLO 1.10 apply principles of integrity, ethics, and objectivity in the design, data collection, processing, and interpretation of social research. 1.1 Nature And Purpose Of Social Research 1.1.1 Meaning and scope of social research

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Social research refers to the systematic study of human behaviour, social structures, and interactions within societies. It involves collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to generate knowledge about how people live, organise themselves, and respond to various social conditions. The scope of social research is broad, covering areas such as family life, education, politics, religion, economics, and cultural practices. By applying structured methods, researchers aim to move beyond personal opinions or assumptions to produce credible and scientific insights. Fill in the blank: Social research is the systematic study of ______ behaviour, social structures, and interactions. Diagram showing the scope of social research across different domains (family, education, politics, economy, culture). Caption: Figure 1.1 Scope of social research 1.1.2 Objectives and significance of studying human societies The objectives of social research include describing social phenomena, explaining relationships between variables, predicting future trends, and evaluating social policies. These objectives help scholars and policymakers to make informed decisions. The significance lies in its ability to provide evidence-based knowledge that can improve social conditions, reduce inequalities, and promote development. For example, surveys on education can reveal disparities in access, while ethnographic studies can highlight cultural practices that shape community life. Fill in the blank: One major objective of social research is to ______ social phenomena and explain relationships between variables. Box 1.1 Objectives of social research 1.1.3 Role of research in knowledge generation The role of research is to transform observations into structured knowledge. By applying rigorous methods, researchers ensure that findings are reliable, valid, and applicable to wider contexts. Social research contributes to theory building, policy formulation, and practical interventions. It also challenges existing assumptions, offering new perspectives on social issues. Without research, knowledge would remain anecdotal and fragmented. Fill in the blank: The role of social research is to transform ______ into structured knowledge. Image of a researcher conducting interviews in a community setting. Caption: Plate 1.1 Fieldwork as a source of knowledge generation Pilot questions 1.1 1. Which term refers to the systematic study of human behaviour and social structures? 2. What is one major objective of social research? 3. Why is social research significant for policymakers? 4. What is the role of social research in knowledge generation? 5. Fill in the blank: Social research ensures that findings are ______ and valid.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2 Forms And Strategies Of Research 1.2.1 Descriptive and non-descriptive approaches Descriptive research is a method that aims to present an accurate picture of a phenomenon by observing and recording details without manipulating variables. It focuses on describing characteristics such as behaviours, attitudes, or social conditions. In contrast, non-descriptive research seeks to go beyond description by testing relationships, exploring causes, or predicting outcomes. While descriptive studies provide a snapshot of reality, non-descriptive approaches allow researchers to probe deeper into why and how social phenomena occur. Fill in the blank: ______ research aims to present an accurate picture of a phenomenon without manipulating variables. Diagram comparing descriptive and non-descriptive research approaches. Caption: Figure 1.2 Comparison of descriptive and non-descriptive research 1.2.2 Historical research strategies Historical research involves the study of past events, records, and documents to understand social phenomena in their historical context. It relies on sources such as archives, official records, newspapers, and oral histories. The strength of historical research lies in its ability to trace developments over time and explain how past events shape present realities. However, its weakness is the potential bias or incompleteness of historical records. Fill in the blank: Historical research relies on sources such as ______, official records, newspapers, and oral histories. Image of a researcher examining archival documents. Caption: Plate 1.2 Archival research as a historical strategy 1.2.3 Comparative overview of research designs Research designs provide the framework for conducting studies. Common designs include descriptive studies, which focus on observing and recording phenomena, experimental studies, which involve manipulating variables to test cause-and-effect relationships, and cross-sectional designs, which study groups at a single point in time. Each design has strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends on the research problem. For example, descriptive studies are useful for exploring new areas, while experimental studies are better suited for testing hypotheses. Fill in the blank: ______ studies involve manipulating variables to test cause-and-effect relationships. Caption: Table 1.1 Strengths and weaknesses of research designs Pilot questions 1.2 1. Which type of research focuses on presenting an accurate picture of a phenomenon without manipulation?

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 2. What is one major weakness of historical research? 3. Which research design is best suited for testing cause-and-effect relationships? 4. Fill in the blank: Cross-sectional designs study groups at a single ______ in time. 5. Why might descriptive studies be useful in exploring new areas of research? 1.3 Types Of Research Methods 1.3.1 Quantitative methods: survey, comparative study, quasi-experiment Quantitative research methods are approaches that rely on numerical data and statistical analysis to study social phenomena. A survey is a structured method of collecting information from a large group of people using questionnaires or interviews. A comparative study examines similarities and differences between groups, societies, or time periods. A quasi-experiment involves testing cause-and-effect relationships without full experimental control, often used when random assignment is not possible. These methods are valued

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