The Nature of Social Research

Social research is defined as a systematic attempt, using socially approved methods, to extend our knowledge and understanding of the world, specifically concerning people. It involves methodological rigor in data collection and analysis, with methods validated by the research community over time.

A key distinction of social research is that its subjects are people. This presents both challenges and advantages. People are not passive objects; their interpretations and responses can bias research, requiring careful design. However, researchers' shared human experience allows for unique insights and understanding into their subjects.

Social research methods are widely used across various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, history, politics, business studies, accountancy, geography, and nursing. These methods are applicable whenever the subject of study involves people and their interactions, rather than purely objective, non-human phenomena.

Effective research begins with a clear research question, not a predefined technique. The research design involves selecting an appropriate strategy to answer the question, followed by choosing specific methods for data collection and analysis. This approach, akin to an architect designing a building, considers aims, practical constraints (time, money, staff), and stylistic preferences.

Social research is influenced by different philosophies: positivistic and interpretive. Positivistic approaches, mirroring natural sciences, use a hypothetical-deductive method, quantitative data, and assume an objective reality (e.g., experiments, surveys). Interpretive approaches focus on language, meanings, and interpretation within a socially constructed world, using qualitative methods (e.g., observation, case studies). While distinct, real-world research often blends these approaches.

Colin Robson identifies three primary research strategies: surveys, case studies, and experiments. Most social research studies align with one or a combination of these. Understanding each strategy's characteristics is crucial for appropriate research design.

Surveys involve collecting standardized information from large groups of people, typically hundreds or thousands. Data collection is usually via questionnaires or structured interviews, administered on paper, the web, or in person. Sampling is common to manage costs, aiming for a representative subset of a known population to yield quantitative data.

Case studies aim to develop detailed, intensive knowledge about a single, complex object or a small number of related objects (e.g., an individual, an organization, or a few schools). This approach is multifaceted and holistic, often involving qualitative data, participant observation, interviews, and document analysis. It explores the case within its broader social context.

Experiments are typically conducted with small numbers of participants. The core principle is manipulating one variable (planned change) to observe its effect on other variables, often involving comparison between groups. True experiments rely on random allocation to different conditions to establish causality, enabling strong evidence for cause-and-effect relationships. Experiments primarily yield quantitative data and often involve hypothesis testing.