Abstract
Using required reading, discussions, and quizzes for references, I have produced in this assignment a scholarly document that addresses three topic areas: (a) philosophy of research, (b) core concept for research design, and (c), other approaches to research. I assessed explicit knowledge-base description of key concepts and questions related to the topic area. The purpose of this assignment was to demonstrate necessary proficiency in identification, articulation, and application, of related components characteristic of the social sciences.
According to Lodico, Spaulding and Voegtle (2010), applied research is research assessing the value and efficacy of particular educational practices. The goal is to ascertain the applicability of educational theories and principles by testing hypotheses within explicit settings (p. 10). With that said, throughout this course specific readings, discussions, and quizzes have been required so that understanding of theoretical frameworks in applied research might be developed. Additionally, appropriate use of both qualitative and quantitative methods of research have been studied in order to confidently articulate and to implement the findings of the specific method of study associated with the social sciences. Accordingly, I have composed a scholarly essay that describes, discusses, and applies appropriate relationships found in (a) philosophy of research, (b) core concept for research design, and (c), other approaches to demonstrate my aptitude to understand and process applied research approaches.
Philosophy of Research
All natural and social sciences have their foundations grounded in philosophical considerations and positions. Methodological and ...
... middle of paper ...
...
References
Ellis, T., and Levy, Y., (2008). Framework of problem-based research: A guide for novice researchers on the development o a research-worthy problem. Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline, 17-33, Retrieved August 4, 2010 from http://inform.nu/Articles/Vol11/ISJv11p017-033Ellis486.pdf
Lodico, M., Spaulding, D., & Voegtle, K. (2010). Methods in Educational Research: From Theory to Practice. San Francisco, CA.: John Wiley and Sons
Long, N. (2010). Lecture1, 2, & 6: A Personal Connection to Research, August 3, 2010 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/46323/CRS-EDUC8000- 4122367/presentation2/1-1/index.htm
Williams, M. (2006). Philosophical Foundations of Social Research Methods. SAGE Publications Ltd, (4) Retrieve August 2, 2010 from http://www.uk.sagepub.com/refbooksProdDesc.nav?prodId=Book227160
Rugg, G., & Petre, M. (2007). A gentle guide to research methods. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press.
Babbie, E. (2007) The Practice of Social Research. Thomson Higher Education. Belmont. (USA) Eleven Edition.
Different styles of research are employed in research to safeguard that the facts are acquired to permit examiners to find resolution to the principal queries for the study correctly, therefore, evading uncertainty ( ). Acquiring relevant proof encompasses stipulating the type of proof mandatory in answering the query. Methodological designs encompass logical complications; therefore, matters of sampling, information gathering methods, and queries are secondary to the type of method used in research. Strategies are often compared with quantitative and qualitative research methods. Research and collective studies are often observed as principal specimens of quantitative research and are evaluated compared to the flaws and strong point of numerical, examination, and quantitative research methods ( ).
Fraenkel, J. R., & Wallen, N. E. (2006). How to design and evaluate research in education (6th ed.). New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages.
Taking Two Of The Theoretical Approaches To Social Research Discussed In The Module, Demonstrate The Connections Between Their Ontological, Epistemological And Methodological Assumptions. Which Method Or Methods Would Proponents Of Each Theory Favour As A Result Of Their Assumptions.
Research methodology is analogous to a kaleidoscope (Cunningham, 2000). Just as a kaleidoscope reveals different shapes and colours of objects to the viewer depending on the angle at which it is held, a methodology provides different observations on phenomena for the researcher depending on how it is employed and implemented.
Social research is changing and opening its doors towards methodological strategies that are more open minded. These new strategies are becoming useful aides in scientific enhancement of knowledge. While research methodologies are evolving, there still exists hostility between research methods such as qualitative research, quantitative research, and mixed methods (Johnson & Christensen, 2008).
Straits, Bruce C., and Royce A. Singleton. Social Research: Approaches and Fundamentals. Oxford University Press, 2011.
In social science, there are several paradigms, each with its own unique ontological and epistemological perspective. Examples of paradigms include positivism which focuses on objectivity, know ability, and deductive logic. Its assumption is that society can and should be studied empirically and scientifically (Ritzer, 2004). Critical paradigm’s main emphasis is on power, inequality, and social change. It is of the assumption that social science can never be truly value-free and should be conducted with the express goal of social change in mind (Calhoun, 2007). Social constructionism paradigm’ s main emphasis is that truth as varying, socially constructed, and ever-changing and is of the assumption that reality is created collectively and that social context and interaction frame our realities (Berger, 1966).
Verhoeven. N (2011). Doing Research: The Hows and Whys of Applied Research. (3rd edition). Den Haag: Eleven International Publishing
Research today has become a central part of Sociology. Research in Sociology faces numerous puzzles and suspicions; challenges blind faith and unravel the mystery that surrounds the truth. According to Pauline V. Young “...sociological research is a systematic method of exploring ,analysing and conceptualising social life in order to extend ,correct ,or verify knowledge,
The definition of the problem stage in the research process is a very important one. Without a properly defined problem the research cannot progress. One cannot design a research plan without a very clear idea of what needs to be proficient.
The social sciences have and will continue to be in the future will play an important role in studying and solving problems for both society and its individuals. The disciplines that it encompass vary widely but often need to come together to solve issues and study certain facets of humanity. For my personal use social science is a tool to better understand others, be more sensitive to issues that people may face and to anticipate the way people and society may act in certain situations. A social science lens can be productive in that it helps people be more indiscriminate though understanding people and their behavior. I hope to use the socials sciences to impact other people’s lives in a positive manner. The social sciences to me when used in a well-intended manner are able to not only explain phenomena but also be a solution and or make a situation better. The intent of this essay is to better understand and define the social sciences, touch on the many disciplines of the science in addition to its relationships with other scientific areas.
...chniques and procedures among those associated with quantitative or qualitative research. A literature review, which included document analysis, was used to answer sub-questions one, two and three. A model building approach was suggested to answer sub-question four. In addition, the study uses a case study as a proof-of-concept. The use of a case study is a qualitative empirical study to strengthen the research validity. Since the research methods directly responding to the research questions (Literature review and Model building) make use of textual data, we classified this study as a qualitative study. Table 3.1 below summarises the classification of this study in terms of the dimensions discussed above.
Parsons, Talcott. (1938). The Role of Theory in Social Research. American Sociological Review. 3(1), 13-20.