Lesson 1.5: Doing Research in Social Science

• What are the two basic methods in social sciences?

  Quantitative Method and Qualitative Method
• What are the key focuses of the Quantitative Method in social sciences?

  • Numerical data
  • Statistical analysis
• What are the goals of the Quantitative Method?

  Generalization, prediction, and description
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Quantitative Method?

  Strengths:

  • Large-scale studies
  • Representative samples
  • Measurable outcomes

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Limited depth
  • Lack of individual context
• What are the key focuses of the Qualitative Method in social sciences?

  • Meanings
  • Interpretations
  • Social phenomena
• What are the goals of the Qualitative Method?

  Understanding processes, experiences, and subjective realities
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Qualitative Method?

  Strengths:

  • Rich data
  • In-depth exploration
  • Contextual understanding

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Smaller sample sizes
  • Potential for bias
• What do both quantitative and qualitative methods offer in social sciences?

  Valuable insights into social phenomena
• What factors influence the choice of research method in social sciences?

  The research question, desired outcomes, and the nature of the social phenomenon being studied
• How can combining both quantitative and qualitative methods benefit research in social sciences?

  • Provides a more comprehensive understanding
  • Allows for triangulation of data
  • Enhances the validity of findings