IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol.

4 Issue 10, October 2017

ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

Research Methods Persistent in Social Science

Research
Rajib Das1, Mithila Kabir Tarafder2, Nazmun Nahar3
1
Lecturer, Department of Apparel Manufacturing Management & Technology, Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology,
Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
2&3
Lecturer, Department, of Fashion Design & Technology, Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology,
Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract Social science research is a systematic method of exploring,

This paper is developed on Social Research types and Methods. analyzing and conceptualizing human life in order to
Basically there are three types of Social Research those are Basic, extend, correct or verify knowledge of human behavior and
Applied and Action Research. Again Methods are two types social life. Social research seeks to find explanations to
Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research. Quantitative
unexplained phenomena, to clarify the doubtful and correct
Research to used on human behavior, Where Qualitative
Research not bounded only within behavior, rather time
the misconceived fact of social life. It involves the
environments, social phenomenon etc factors have a great effect application of scientific method for understanding and
on that. analyzing of social life in order to correct and verify the
Social Research has primarily five Methods. As Case Study, existing knowledge as a system. The main idea behind
Analytical Research, Narrative Method, Interview and social research is to discover new inter relations, new
Survey .Case study to used one a particular case. Narrative knowledge, new facts and also to verify old ones. Human
Methods live a historical narration. Analytical Methods do behavior may be involved by certain values and laws. The
analysis on any phenomenon. Interview and Survey Methods are main purpose of social research is to discover those laws
is-e-is. It too focused one few selected people and their opinion.
which can be proper guidelines for studying human contact
However, Research can’t be bounded in any single Method.
Depending on subject demand, more than one Method may be and behavior. According to P.V. Young, we may define
applied. Qualitative Research always a research of considers social research as “the systematic method of discovering
method. new facts and verifying old facts. Their sequences inter
relationship, causal explanations and the natural laws
Keywords: : Action Research, Applied Research, Basic govern them”. From the above definition we can identify
Research, Content Analysis, Experimental Method, Qualitative the following,
Research, Quantitative Research, Research Approach, Survey
Method, etc. a. Social research deals with social phenomena. It studies
human behavior intra relations and the facility that affect
the Social activities.
1. Introduction b. Social research is carried on both for discovering new
facts and verification of the old ones.
Sciences are broadly divided in to natural (physical)
c. Social research tries to establish casual connection
sciences and social sciences. Social sciences include
between various human activities.
various disciplines dealing with human life, human
.
behavior and institutions. E.g. Anthropology, History,
Economics, Education, Commerce, Demography etc,. 2.1. FUNCTIONS AND OBJECTIVE.
Social sciences are not exact science like physical sciences. The major objectives of social research are listed as
It deals with human beings. Human nature and man’s follows:-
environment are so complex, that it is more difficult to a) The aim of social research is to discover new
comprehend and predict human behavior than the physical facts and verifying or testing old facts.
phenomena. It is difficult see the underlying uniformities in b) It tries to understand the human behavior and its
the diversity of complex human behavior. interaction with the environment.

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 IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 10, October 2017
ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

c) It tries to find out the casual connection between social scientist. The area of research in various social
human activities and natural laws governing them. sciences provides vast scope for research in social
sciences.
The important functions of social science research are
The main scope of social research is:
discussed below;
a. Social research provides new insight in to the organized
a) Discovery of facts and their interpretation: society and its social structure.
Social research provides answer to questions of b. Social research also provide new horizon in scientific
what, when, how and why of man, social life and explanation; advanced and tested principles of procedure
institutions. Discover of facts and their inter and suggested new concepts.
relationship help us to discard distortions and c. Another scope of social research is that exemplified by
contribute to our understanding of social reality. studies and attempt to test or challenge existing theories
and revise them the light of new evidence.
b) Diagnosis of problems and their analysis: Our d. Social research helpful to establish new theory and
society has innumerable problems such as established techniques of exploration.
poverty, unemployment, economic inequality, e. Social research also provides contributions to existing
social tension etc,. The nature and dimensions of stone of fruitful ideas, methodology and basis
such problems have to be diagnosed and understanding of social life and control of its problems.
analyzed. An analysis of problems leads to an
identification of appropriate remedial actions. Objectivity in social research:
The question of objectivity has been central to the
c) Systematization of knowledge: The facts methodological debates of the social sciences from the
discovered through research are systematized and beginning. It means the willingness and ability to examine
the body of knowledge is developed. It evidence dispassionately. It is the first condition of
contributes to the growth of theory building. research. Objectivity means basing conclusion on facts
without any bias and value judgment. The conclusion
d) Control over social phenomena: Research in should be independent of one’s personal beliefs, likes
social science provides first hand information dislikes and hopes. Both the data and the inference drawn
about the nature of social institutions. This from their analysis must be free from bias and prejudices.
knowledge helps us to control over the social But modern feminist researchers and critical social
phenomena. researchers argued research is a moral-political activity
that requires the researcher to commit to a value position.
e) Prediction: Social research aims at finding an Value freedom is a myth.
order among social fact and their casual relations.
This affords a sound basis for prediction in Factors Affecting Objectivity: It is very difficult to achieve
several cases. objectivity in social science research. This difficulty arises
out of the adverse influences of (a) personal prejudices and
f) Development planning: Systematic research can bias, (b) value judgment, (c) ethical dilemma and (d)
give us the required data base for planning and complexity of social phenomena.
designing developmental schemes and
programms. Personal prejudices and biases: Prejudices and biases are
like fantasies to believe what is comforting to believe. It
g) Social welfare: Social research can identify the makes to believe something without considering evidence.
causes of social evils and problems. It can thus
help in taking appropriate remedial actions. It also Value related problem arises: Value related problem arises
provides guideline for social welfare. from the social context with in which research occurs. A
researcher’s attitudes towards socio-economic issues are
influenced by his values and ideologies.
2.2. SCOPE OF SOCIALSCIENC
ERESEARCH Personal Preconceptions: Personal preconceptions of
research create not only a distorting effect on the data but
The fields of social science research unlimited and the are also highly insidious. Research failed to examination
materials of research are endless. Every group of social objectivity.
phenomena, every phase of human life and every stages of
past and present development are factors/materials for the

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 IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 10, October 2017
ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

Ethical Dilemmas: Research relation with other aspect of b)Pure research helps to find out the critical factors in
research creates ethical problems. E.g. Relation with practical problems.
sponsors, relation with source data, relation with research c)Pure research provides many alternative solutions and
subject etc. thus enables us to choose best solutions.

2.3. TYPES OF SOCIAL RESEARCH. b. Applied Research:

Applied research is focused up on a real life problem
The purpose of research is to discover answer to questions requiring an action pr policy decision. It tries to find out
through application of scientific procedures. Research practical and immediate result. It is thus problem oriented
always starts from a question like why, what, how etc,. The and action directed. According to Ker linger (1979)
nature of questions varies the type research procedure and applied research is research directed towards the solution
methods and procedure also varies. Research may be of specified practical problems. Julian Simon has pointed
classified crudely, according to its major intent or the out that applied social sciences help in making policy
method. According to the intent, research may be classified decision. “Applied research methods are sometimes more
as pure research (basic research), applied research, sophisticated than any methods used in pure research
exploratory research, descriptive study, action research (touffers: 1950)
etc,. According to the method of study, research may be There is vast scope for applied research in the fields of
classified as experimental research, analytical study, technology, management, commerce, economics and other
historical research and survey. social sciences. Innumerable problems are face in these
The above classification is not a watertight demarcation. It areas. They need empirical study for finding solutions. The
is just a narration to understand the different approaches to immediate purpose of an applied research is to find
research. The different types of research are not sharply solutions to practical problems, it may incidentally
distinguishable from one another. There may be contribute to the development of theoretical knowledge by
overlapping between one type and other. leading to the discovering of new facts or testing of a
theory or to conceptual clarity.
a. Basic/Pure Research:
The reason for asking research questions are of two Contributions of Applied Research.
general kinds; intellectual and practical. Intellectual (I). Applied research can contribute new facts. It uncovers
questions are based on the desire to know or understand new facts which enrich the concerned body of knowledge.
for the satisfaction of knowing or understanding. Practical (II). Applied research can put theory to the test. It offers
questions based on the desire to do something better or an opportunity to test the validity of existing theory.
more efficiently. The investigation to which these two (III). Applied research may aid in conceptual clarification.
types questions lead, sometimes labeled “pure” or basic Many concepts are vague. E.g. small farmer, social
and applied research. responsibility, social structure etc; applied research aid
Pure research is focused to collect knowledge without any conceptual clarity.
intention to apply it. It is purely intellectual in character. It (IV) Applied research may integrate previously existing
is also known as basic or fundamental research. Intellectual theories. A practical problem has many facts. It cannot be
curiosity is the only motivational factor behind it. It is not solved by the application of abstract principles from a
necessarily problem oriented. It aims at extension of single science. The solution of a practical problem may
knowledge. It may lead to either discovery of a new theory require some integration of the theories and principles of
or refinement of an existing theory. various disciplines.
The development of various sciences owes much too pure
research. The findings of pure research enrich the store Relation between Pure and Applied Research.
house of knowledge. Pure research lays the foundation for The distinction between pure and applied research is not
applied research. The findings of pure research formed the absolute. Both are not contradictory but are
basis for innumerable scientific and technological complementary. Pure research may have significant
inventions like steam engine, auto mobiles and potential for its application to the solution of a practical
telecommunication etc, which have revolutionized and problem and applied research may end up with making a
enriched our human life. scientific contribution to the development of the theoretical
knowledge.
Contributions of Pure Research. The terms ‘pure’ and ‘applied’ just represent the polar of a
a)Pure research of solutions to many practical problems by continuum. Morry said “research studies have differing
developing principles. degree of ‘purity’ and ‘applicability’, depending on

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 IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 10, October 2017
ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

whether their purpose is solely to advance knowledge in a In qualitative research, the researcher’s primary goals are
field or to solve some financial problem. an understanding of social processes rather than obtaining
a representative sample. The study of one or small number
c. Action Research: of cases, often over a lengthy period of time.
Conventional social scientific research is concerned to Qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews
analyses and explains phenomena. The role of research is and participant observation have some of the following
detached, in order to minimize disturbance of the characteristics; Research is carried out in reliable settings.
phenomena under investigation. In action research, In qualitative research, the objectives are to take detailed
research is jointed with action. Researcher became descriptions of people behavior and thought.
participants in planned policy initiatives. It is an action The focus of the research may change during the course of
programme launched foe solving a problem or for research. The qualitative approach involves theory
improving an existing situation. Government institutions construction rather than theory testing.
and voluntary agencies undertake action programmes for
achieving specific goals or objectives. Social welfare Quantitative research in social science:
programmes human resource development programmes, Quantitative approaches are typically associated with
research for improving the qualities of life in factories an positivist perspectives in social research. Hamersley
offices etc, are some examples of action research (1993) provides a useful definition of this approach.
programme. “The term quantitative method refers in large part to the
adoption of the natural science experiment as the model for
Types of Action Research: scientific research, its key features being quantitative
Recover categorize action research in to five types. measurement of the phenomena studied and systematic
(I). Classical design: Research and action are separated control of the theoretical variables influencing those
and independent. The connection between research and phenomena”. Thus, the major characteristics of
action is not purposely sought. It may occur by chance. quantitative research is,
(II). Interdependence of action and research: Action is
carried out by an agency not connected with a research i. Using standardized approaches to collect data.
institution. Research on action may be entrusted to an ii. Explaining causal relationship between variables.
independent research body. For example government may iii. Tests hypotheses or given theory.
launch a development programme and a university social iv. High degree of pre-conceptualization.
scientist may be welcomed to study the on-going v. Adopting theory then research approach.
programme.
(III). Evaluate research built in to an action programme: In The sample survey and experimental method are the most
this case, research is dependent upon action, and the action typical example of quantitative research. Sample survey is
people define the scope of the research. the most commonly used technique with specific tools and
(IV). Action for research: In this type research is joined methods to gather information about a particular question.
with action. Researcher became participants in planned Quantitative approaches differ from qualitative approach in
policy initiatives. a number of ways. E.g. in terms of objectives of the study,
research design, tools and methods etc.
2.4. RESEARCH APPROACHS:
2.5. RESEARCH METHODS AS PER
Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is a broad APPROACHS:
term that encompasses a variety of approaches to
interpretative research. It can be historical, sociological, (a) RESEARCH METHODS: (QUALITATIVE):
education and much more. Qualitative research style in These Methods are basically three types.
social research is not much related to the scientific logic of I .CASE STUDY:
research, but more close to the world around. Quantitative Social researches are curious about their social settings.
Research focus upon human behavior for better Their interests are virtually unlimited. Any social setting is
understandings about the world around them. So the potential for scientific inquiry. The diversity of social topic
emphasis given by quantitative researchers in their studies and situation made researcher to plan their action. This
involves an examination of the perspectives of the people plan for research is conventionally labeled as research
or groups; e.g. their ideas, attitudes, motives, and design.
intensions. Case study method is considered as one of the popular type
of research design used by social scientist. It is an intensive

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 IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 10, October 2017
ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

study of a particular case. In sociological investigation a populations. Object of case study is to expand theory and
case may be any of the following, taken singly or in not to undertake statistical generalization.
combination. (1) A person, (2) A group of person such as Time consuming: As it produces a lot of information which
family or gang, (3) A class of person such as thieves or is difficult to analyze adequately.
professors, (4) An ecological init such as neighborhood or Doubtful reliability: The investigator cannot prove his
community, (5) cultural unit such as fashion or institution. authenticity for obtaining data or having no bias in
analyzing them.
Characteristics: Missing validity: For investigator, what seems to be true is
a) Hartsfield (1982) has referred to the following more important than what is true. The case study can
characteristics of case study. oversimplify or exaggerate leading to erroneous
b) It studies whole unit in their totality. conclusions.
c) It employees several methods in data collection to
prevent errors and distortions. II. ETHNOGRAPHIC:
d) It often studies a single unit: one unit in one study. Ethnographic research is a qualitative method where
e) It perceives the respondent as knowledgeable person, researchers observe and/or interact with a study’s
not just as a source of data. participants in their real-life environment. Ethnography
f)It studies typically case. was popularized by anthropology, but is used across a wide
range of social sciences. Within the field of usability and
Purpose of case study. user-centered design, ethnography is used to support a
Burns (2000) has point out the following purposes of case designer’s deeper understanding of the design problem –
study. including the relevant domain, audience(s), processes,
a. It may be a source of hypotheses for future research. goals and context(s) of use.
b. It helps to establish generalizations about the wider Methods associated with ethnography.
population to which the unit belongs. Anthropological ethnographers often live amongst a
c. It provides anecdotal evidence that illustrates more group/society for a year or more, in order to learn about
general findings. them. This fully immersive, long-term ‘live and work’
d. To refute a universal generalization, a single case can approach to ethnography has not proven popular within the
represent a significant contribution to theory building. field of usability. Part of the reason may involve cost, but it
e. To test the feasibility of the quantitative study. is also the case that anthropologists and usability
practitioners are interested in different things.
Advantages of case study. Anthropologists use ethnography in an attempt to fully
Black champion (1976) enlisted following advantages of understand as much as possible about an entire society.
case study. Usability practitioners are usually only interested in
a) It makes in-depth study possible. learning information that will support their reasoning on
b) It is flexible in data collection methods. specific design problem.
c) It could be used for studying any dimension of the topic; We would argue that deep, immersive ‘live and work’
one specific aspect of the problem. ethnography is rarely required within the field of user-
d) It could be conducted practically any kind of social centered design. However, short ethnographic studies can
setting. be very useful for user-centered projects. For example: in
e) Case studies are inexpensive. order to understand the way in which a Merchant Bank
f)\It helps to study unique case. trades and operates, a usability consultant might conduct
an ethnographic study by working and socializing with its
Disadvantages or criticism. employees for a month.
Case study method is generally criticized on the following Individual methods which are available within an
basis, ethnographic study include: participant observation,
Subjective bias: Research subjectivity in collecting data for interviews and surveys. All of these ethnographic methods
supporting or refuting a particular explanation, personal can be very valuable in gaining a deeper understanding of
view of investigation influences the findings and a design problem. Usability practitioners often make use of
conclusion of the study. these in order to develop their understanding of the
Little evidence for scientific generalization: The common relevant domain, audience(s), processes, goals and
complaint against case study is; how can generalization be context(s) of use.
made from a single case? As an answer to this case studies
are generalize to theoretical propositions, not to statistical

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 IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 10, October 2017
ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

Ethnography is most useful in the early stages of a user- During previous ethnographic studies, we have found that
centered design project. This is because ethnography it is possible that subjects may not act naturally during a
focuses on developing an understanding of the design short study. Longer studies normally counter-act this
problem. Therefore, it makes more sense to conduct because the subjects grow to trust the researcher and/or get
ethnographic studies at the beginning of a project in order tired of any pretence.
to support future design decisions (which will happen later For example: During the first week of an ethnographic
in the user-centered design process). study into an insurance claim processing system, all the
Ethnographic methods (such as participant observation) subjects were observed to be following the strictest
could also be used to evaluate an existing design – but interpretation of the correct procedures. As time
their true value comes from developing an early progressed, however, it became increasingly apparent that
understanding of the relevant domain, audience(s), almost all employees had ‘work-around’ and ‘short cuts’
processes, goals and context(s) of use. which were liberally used in order to speed things up.
We would normally recommend that ethnographic methods These behaviors were very instructive in helping to re-
are used for very complex and/or critical design problems. design the process flow. Had the researcher not stayed in-
More complex design problems (in terms of their domain, situ long enough to observe these, they may have gone
audience(s), processes, goals and/or context(s) of use) are unrecorded.
likely to need the deeper understanding which Risks associated with ethnography: As stated above,
ethnographic studies can bring. Equally, highly critical ethnographic studies consist of the researcher observing
systems (where failure or error can lead to disaster) could and/or interacting with subjects within the environment
also justify significant ethnographic research. which the (future) design is intended to support. The two
For example: An insurance company wanted to re-design main potential weaknesses with ethnographic studies are:
their system dealing with the processing of insurance Researcher: Ethnographic researchers need to be very
claims. This system had evolved over many years and highly-skilled to avoid all the potential pitfalls of an
actually represented a patchwork of previous systems. The ethnographic study. Some of these include the detail &
‘claim processing’ supported by this ‘system of systems’ is completeness of observations, as well as potential bias
itself a highly complex process. In this example, (and mistakes) in data collection or analysis.
ethnographic research should probably be considered. Subjects: It is essential that any studies’ subjects are as true
a representation of the larger user audience as possible
Advantages of ethnography: One of the main advantages (assuming that the study has been designed this way). It is
associated with ethnographic research is that ethnography also vital that the subjects are open and honest with the
can help identify and analyze unexpected issues. When researcher. Of course, both of these issues are related to
conducting other types of studies, which are not based on the quality of the researcher themselves and their role in
in-situ observation or interaction, it can very easy to miss the study’s design.
unexpected issues. This can happen either because Perhaps the most critical decision within an ethnographic
questions are not asked, or respondents neglect to mention study is the choice of ethnographic researcher. This
something. An ethnographic researcher’s in-situ presence individual will design, conduct and analyze the study’s
helps mitigate this risk because the issues will (hopefully) findings – so it is essential that they have the skill and
become directly apparent to the researcher. experience to make sure the study is representative,
Ethnography’s other main benefit is generally considered accurate and fair.
to be its ability to deliver a detailed and faithful
representation of users’ behaviors’ and attitudes. Because III. CONTENT ANALYSES:
of its subjective nature, an ethnographic study (with a Human beings communicate through language. Language
skilled researcher) can be very useful in uncovering and helps to convey our emotions, knowledge, opinions,
analyzing relevant user attitudes and emotions. attitudes and values. Print media, television, radio; movies
also communicate ideas, beliefs and values. The analysis is
Disadvantages of ethnography: One of the main criticisms of communication content-written and pictorial- has now
leveled at ethnographic studies is the amount of time they become a methodological procedure for extracting data
take to conduct. As discussed above, ethnographic studies from a wide range of communications.
do not always require a long period of time, but this Definition: Content analysis is a method of social research
consideration is nonetheless valid. Because of its richer that aims at the analysis of the content- qualitative and
output, an ethnographic study will tend to take longer to quantitative- of documents, books, newspapers. magazines
generate and analyze its data than many other methods. and other forms of written material.

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 IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 10, October 2017
ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

According to Berelson (1952), “content analysis is a b. It is useful in historical research, studying people who
research technique for the objective, systematic and are no longer available to answer questions.
quantitative description of the manifest content of c. It makes possible a variety of cross cultural studies.
communication”. d. It can be used to test preliminary ideas, hypotheses or
The content may be manifest or latent. The former refers to theories etc.
the visible actual parts of the text as manifested in the e. It is powerful tool for evaluating personal or social
document, sentences, and paragraphs and so on. The latter values.
is the underlying or implied meaning conveyed. f. It is more useful where research budget is small and
resources are limited.
Characteristics of content analysis. g. It is easier to repeat the study through this method.
Gardner (1975) has identified four characteristics of
content analysis. Limitations:
1. Objectivity: Explicitly formulated rules of content a. Unforeseen aspects of research field.
analysis enable two or more persons to obtain same results b. Determining validity is difficult.
from the same document. c. Some required documents may not be available to
2. Systematic: It provides enough freedom for the the researcher which may affect the conclusion.
researcher to eliminate unnecessary materials which is not
supporting the research hypotheses. Its conclusion remains the shadow of personal bias.
3. Generality: In content analysis, the characteristic of the (b) QUANTITATIVE METHODS:
sender or recipient of the communication is little scientific These Methods are basically two types,
value.
4. Quantification: The inferences from the study must be in I.SOCIAL SURVEY METHOD:
precise numerical terms. This means that inferences must Social survey technique is very popular in sociology.
be derived strictly from counts of ‘frequency’ steps in Survey research is the systematic gathering of information
content analysis. about individuals and collectivities. The purpose of
surveying may be description or casual analysis. Large
Sarantakos (1998) formulated following steps in content scale descriptive surveys have long history in social
analysis; research. National census is the biggest form of social
I step: The selection of the Research Area, The topic can survey in which surveys, the whole nation regarding its
be one from the newspaper, TV, magazines, books, movies population, their economic condition including their
and the like. earning, birth, death etc.
II step: Formulation of Research Topic, It involves Social surveys are usually for dealing with many related
explaining and operational zing the topic, selection of aspects of social problem. They provide the data for
units, determining categories and formulating hypotheses. administration, rather than for the illustrative or descriptive
III step: Research Design, It aims at determining the size of material. They are generally quantitative and the history of
sampling method of data collection and so on. the social survey is intimately bound up with the
IV step: Data Collection, It involves counting frequencies, development of statistics.
gathering information about the study unit and evaluating Surveys vary greatly in their scope, their design and their
units. content. The specific characteristics of any survey will
V step: Lastly, the analyses and interpretation of data aims determined by the basic objectives, which conducting
at giving inferences and conclusions. survey there must be a specific pattern or design to follow
to collect data. The research follows a scientific step by
Types of content analyses: step procedure.
Sanders and piney (1983) have suggested five types of Procedural ways of social survey: The step by step tasks
content analysis: (1) word counting analysis, (2) involved in carrying out a survey from the first state off
conceptual analysis, (3) somatic analysis, (4) evaluative planning to the preparation of the final report in as follows;
assertion analyses, (5) contextual analysis. Statement of the problem or general objectives: The
Strength and limitations of content analysis problem which make survey necessary and the general
Following are the strength and limitations of content objectives of the survey are stated. The statement is
analysis, generally expressed the area and scope of the study.
Strength:-
a. It is unobtrusive method; it is not threatens respondent b) Specific objectives of the survey: Although the general
directly. objectives, usually few in number are formulated with out

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 IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 10, October 2017
ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

regarding to the requirements of the survey technique; II.EXPERIMENTAL METHOD:

these general objectives are broken down in to numerous
specific objectives. The specification of data to be The experimental method is usually taken to be the most
gathered and the hypotheses to be tested by the survey is scientific of all methods, the 'method of choice'. The main
accomplished at this stage. problem with all the non-experimental methods is lack of
control over the situation. The experimental method is a
c) Sample: Two major divisions in the survey sample are means of trying to overcome this problem. The
(a) the universe of the survey (b) the size and design of the experiment is sometimes described as the cornerstone of
sample. After there two are made the actual selection of the psychology: This is partly due to the central role
sample units take place. experiments play in many of the physical sciences and also
to psychology's historical view of itself as a science. A
d) Questionnaire: After the selection of sample units a considerable amount of psychological research uses the
questionnaire is prepared, to collect facts from the sample. experimental method.
The questionnaire must be carefully designed with in limits
of the problem. The preparation of questions, degree of An experiment is a study of cause and effect. It differs
probing, the sequence of questions and the establishment from non-experimental methods in that it involves the
of rapport, a specific pattern and a skill to be applied. The deliberate manipulation of one variable, while trying to
questionnaire is pre-tested in the field for proper keep all other variables constant.
application.
Experiments in the Laboratory:
e) Field work: The next important step is field work. In psychological experiments (like experiments in other
Gathering facts from sample through personal interview fields) we try to keep all aspects of the situation constant
and observation. The interviewers are usually provided except one - the one we are looking at. For example,
with an instruction manual which explain the objectives of suppose we want to investigate which of two methods is
the study and the meaning of each question. more successful at teaching children to read. The aspect
that we vary is called the independent variable (IV) and we
f) Data coding and tabulation: After careful coding and change this in a very precise way. In this example the
editing of the data collected through survey may teaching method is the independent variable. We call the
transcribed into tables. This may be done by preparing a factor which we then measure, in our example it would be
code, a numbered list of major items such summing all the some measure of the children’s reading ability, the
responses received to each question. dependent variable (DV), because, if our ideas are correct,
it depends on the independent variable. In our example,
g) Data analysis and reporting: The data are analyzed and a the children’s reading ability depends on the teaching
report is written which embodying the survey findings. The method used.
survey process is a highly interconnected chain of events The variable which is being manipulated by the researcher
so the above steps are independent of one another. is therefore called the independent variable and the
dependent variable is the change in behavior measured by
h) Limitation of survey method: Even though the survey the researcher.
method is applicable to wide range problems, it has evident All other variables which might affect the results and
limitations. The major limitations are; therefore give us a false set of results are called
Sample error: survey method is subjected to the selection confounding variables (also referred to as random
of sample, variables). Examples of confounding variables in the
Errors of measurement: A scone representing a person’s example given might include the following Differences in
attitude, abilities traits or behaviors may not match with the instructions given by an experimenter or in the stimulus
reality. materials being used (which could be overcome by
Limitations of questionnaire: the imitations on length of standardizing instructions and materials foe all those taking
the questions, that can be asked in a survey an there are part) Differences between participants, e.g. in their age
limits to the number of topics that can be covered. (which could be eliminated as a variable by using a single
Limitations of population: A sample survey designed to age group, or alternatively it could be made more constant
represent a population over a wide geographical area is by ensuring that the age structure of each of the groups
likely not to given adequate representation to any taking part in the experiment is very similar).
population which highly localized in its character.

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ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

By changing one variable (the IV) while measuring another can be analyzed using inferential statistical tests. These
(the DV) while we control all others, as far as possible, tests permit statements to be made about how likely the
then the experimental method allows us to draw results are to have occurred through chance.
conclusions with far more certainty than any non-
experimental method. If the IV is the only thing that is Limitations of laboratory experiments:
changed then it must be responsible for any change in the
dependent variable. 1. Artificiality: The experiment is not typical of real life
Probably the commonest way to design an experiment in situations. Most experiments are conducted in laboratories
psychology is to divide the participants into 2 groups, the - strange and contrived environments in which people are
experimental group and the control group, and then asked to perform unusual or even bizarre tasks. The
introduce a change for the experimental group and not the artificiality of the lab, together with the 'unnatural' things
control group. Suppose we wish to see if people sit at a that the subjects may be asked to do, jointly produces a
library table for a shorter time if someone comes and sits at distortion of behavior. Therefore it should be difficult to
the same table than if they remain alone. First we must generalize findings from experiments because they are not
measure the average amount of time people sit when they ecologically valid (true to real life).
are alone. This is the control condition and it gives us a
baseline against which to judge our results. Then we send 2. Behaviour in the laboratory is very narrow in its range.
a confederate to sit at the same table and we measure the By controlling the situation so precisely, behavior may be
average amount of time the person sits there. This is the very limited.
experimental condition.
3. A major difficulty with the experimental method is
A control group, then, is a group for whom the demand characteristics. Some of the many confounding
experimenter does not change the IV. The experimental variables in a psychology experiment stem from the fact
and control groups must be matched on all important that a psychology experiment is a social situation in which
characteristics, e.g. age, sex, experience etc. neither the Subjects nor the Experimenters are passive,
inanimate objects but are active, thinking human beings.
Advantages of laboratory experiments: Imagine you’ve been asked to take part in a psychology
i. Experiments are the only means by which cause and experiment. Even if you didn’t study psychology, you
effect can be established. It has already been noted that an would be trying to work out what the experimenter
experiment differs from non-experimental methods in that expected to find out. Experimenters too have expectations
it enables us to study cause and effect because it involves about what their results are likely to be. Demand
the deliberate manipulation of one variable, while trying to characteristics are all the cues which convey to the
keep all other variables constant. Sometimes the participant the purpose of the experiment.
independent variable (IV) is thought of as the cause and
the dependent variable (DV) as the effect. 4. The experimental method as used in psychology has a
history of using biased or unrepresentative sampling.
ii. It allows for precise control of variables. The purpose George Miller (1962) estimated that 90% of U.S.
of control is to enable the experimenter to isolate the one experiments have used college students (who are
key variable which has been selected (the IV), in order to accessible and 'cheap') and yet the results still tend to be
observe its effect on some other variable (the DV); control generalized to the U.S. population as a whole, and often
is intended to allow us to conclude that it is the IV, and beyond that to Britain, Western Europe, etc. But there is
nothing else, which is influencing the DV. no reason to believe that U.S. college students are typical
of any other group in terms of gender, age, personality,
iii. Experiments can be replicated. We cannot generalize social class background or any other subject variable
from the results of a single experiment. The more often an which can influence how subjects will perform in any
experiment is repeated, with the same results obtained, the experimental situation. What's more, these students are
more confident we can be that the theory being tested is often psychology students who are required to participate
valid. The experimental method consists of standardized in research as a course requirement!
procedures and measures which allow it to be easily
repeated. 5. It has already been noted that a strength of the
experimental method is the amount of control which
iv. It is also worth noting that an experiment yields experimenters have over variables. However it must also
quantitative data (numerical amounts of something) which be noted that it is not possible to completely control all

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 IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 10, October 2017
ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

variables. There may be other variables at work which the Natural Experiments:
experimenter is unaware of. In particular, it is impossible
to completely control the mental world of people taking In some circumstances, psychologists can take advantage
part in a study. of a natural situation in order to carry out an investigation
in circumstances which they cannot themselves manipulate.
6. A very major problem with the experimental method For example, a primary school may decide to try out a
concerns ethics. For example, experiments nearly always completely new reading scheme and the effects of this
involve deceiving participants to some extent and the very could be compared with a similar school using a different
term 'subject' implies that the participant is being treated as reading scheme. A local hospital may decide to have
something less than a person. Recently the use of the mixed wards rather than separate wards for men and
experimental method has come under considerable women. The effects on the patients of being in these wards
criticism for the way that researchers often break ethical could be compared with those in single-sex wards.
guidelines. It is also important to recognise that there are
very many areas of human life which cannot be studied This is not a true experiment because the psychologist is
using the experimental method because it would be simply unable to manipulate or control variables. For this reason
too unethical to do so. it is sometimes referred to as a quasi-experiment. It is
possible, though to compare two groups, the equivalent of
7. Another issue is to do with normative data. Some an experimental and a control group. It has the advantage
researchers consider that an important advantage which that the participants are unaware that they are taking part in
experiments have over, say, observational techniques is the an investigation and it is certainly not as artificial as a
random assignment of research participants to laboratory setting.
experimental conditions. This helps to reduce the
problems of analysis caused by systematic differences
between people. Other psychologists, however, argue that 3. Conclusions:
grouping people together in this way, and trying to cancel
out individual differences so that we only look at a group In contrast to the physical science the social science lack
norm, is limited in how much it can tell us because it the power of exact prediction; this is attributed to the
ignores what is special about people. “erratic”, and irregular nature of human behavior. Social
scientist point out that the low predictable potential in
Mainly because of the above limitations psychologists are social science is due to our limited knowledge of relevant
increasingly more likely to use other non-experimental variables operative in the group like customs, traditions
methods - and in particular more qualitative methods. etc,. The cause and effect are difficult to be segregated
clearly. The present state of development of social science
is far behind physical science. Merton advises to social
The Field Experiment: scientist against their despair; it is possible to develop
border applicability. Present days Research is mostly
Sometimes it is possible to carry out experiments in a more Quantitative Research. The variable or factors are analyses
natural setting, i.e. in ‘the field ’. A famous example of depends on it Methods. So, it’s very important to
this is the series of studies carried out by Piliavin et al understand and select the suitable Methods for Research.
(1969) in which they arranged for a person to collapse on However, It is not necessary to select any specific methods
an underground train and waited to see how long it was for any Social Research. Any research can be combination
before the person was helped. One of the independent of two or more Methods depending on its nature and
variables they used was the appearance of the ‘victim’: subject. Whatever may be the Methods the variables to be
whether he was carrying a walking stick or whether he well analyzed and proven scientifically? Or else the
appeared to be drunk. Research result will not be accepted by the scholars..

As with the laboratory experiment, the independent

variable is still deliberately manipulated by the researcher.

However it is not possible to have such tight control over

variables in the field, but it does have the advantage of
being far less artificial than the laboratory.

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 IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 10, October 2017
ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2016) – 5.264
www.ijiset.com

References Second Author:

[1] Alan Bryman, Social Research Methods, UK, Paperback – Mithila Kabir completed her MBA in Product and Fashion
Merchandising and also accomplished of her B.A. (Honors) in Fashion
19 Jan 2012.
Design and Technology from Shanto-Mariam University of Creative
[2] Keith F Punch, Introduction to Social Research, Technology, Bangladesh. She is also completed her Higher National
Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches, Australia, SAGE Diploma in Fashion and Clothing from Bangladesh Institute of Art and
Publications Ltd, Third Edition 2014. Design .She is functioning as a Lecturer, Department of Fashion Design
[3] Piergiorgio Corbetta, Social Research: Theory, Methods and and Technology at Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology,
Techniques, UK, SAGE, Apr 16, 2003. Bangladesh and engaged with BTEC Fashion and Clothing Programme
[4] Kenneth D. Bailey, Methods of Social Research, for last Five years. Her area of interest is Pattern Construction and
Development, Garment production, Printed Textile and Design.
Canada,The Free press,2012.
Production Technique.
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_research
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qualitative_research Third Author:
[7] http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/quantitative Nazmun Nahar completed her MA Fashion Design and Technology also
[8] http://www.statisticssolutions.com/quantitative-research- accomplished of her B.A. (Honors) in Fashion Design and Technology
approach/ from Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Bangladesh.
[9] https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl001151.pdf She is also completed her Higher National Diploma in Fashion and
[10]http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/104973150933 Clothing from Bangladesh Institute of Art and Design. She is functioning
5528 as a Lecturer, Department of Fashion Design and Technology at Shanto-
[11]https://www.slideshare.net/ludymae/chapter-9methods-of- Mariam University of Creative Technology, Bangladesh and engaged
with as a Coordinator BTEC Fashion and Clothing Programme for last
data-collection
Five years. Her area of interest is Pattern Development, Computer Aided
[12]https://people.uwec.edu/piercech/ResearchMethods/Data%2 and Design, Fashion Application, Pattern cutting and design,
0collection%20methods/DATA%20COLLECTION%20MET Communication through art & design. She engaged with several types of
HODS.htm social and cultural activities
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gement/datopic.html
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[18] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/experimental
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[20]http://www.qualitative-
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[23] https://explorable.com/case-study-research-design

First Author:
Rajib Das received MBA in Apparel Merchandising from BGMEA
University of Fashion and Technology, Bangladesh and also
accomplished of his B.A. (Honors) in Apparel Manufacturing
Management and Technology from Shanto-Mariam University of
Creative Technology, Bangladesh and also doing his MSS in Industrial
Relations and Labor Studies from University of Dhaka. He is functioning
as a Lecturer and Student Advisor, Department of Apparel
Manufacturing Management and Technology at Shanto-Mariam
University of Creative Technology, Bangladesh and engaged with
Accord Alliance as an Assistant Research Analysis to develop RMG
Compliance Development Programme for last two years. His area of
interest is Tools and Techniques of Merchandising, Computer Aided
Design and Manufacturing, Social Compliance, Fashion and Apparel
Marketing, Apparel Production Planning and Control. He has a blog
about Garments Merchandising .He participated in a number of
professional Trainings and Workshops and frequently participates as a
Trainer to contribute the business phenomenon. He engaged with several
types of social and cultural activities. He attained some Conferences,
Trainings and Workshops in, Thailand and India.

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