Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand fundamental concepts and purposes of social research.
- Develop skills to design research studies including formulating research questions and hypotheses.
- Apply appropriate data collection and analysis techniques in social research.
- Critically evaluate social research studies for validity, reliability, and ethical considerations.
- Explore the application of social research findings in real-world contexts.
Content Outline
Preview1. Introduction to Social Research
- Importance and Purpose of Social Research
- Key Concepts:
- Research Questions
- Hypotheses
- Variables (Independent, Dependent, Control)
- Research Methods Overview
2. Research Design and Methodology
- Types of Research Designs:
- Qualitative Research
- Quantitative Research
- Mixed-Methods Research
- Sampling Techniques:
- Probability Sampling (Random, Stratified, Cluster)
- Non-Probability Sampling (Convenience, Purposive, Snowball)
- Data Collection Methods Overview
- Ethical Considerations in Social Research
3. Formulating Research Questions and Hypotheses
- Characteristics of Effective Research Questions
- Developing Clear and Concise Hypotheses
- Relationship Between Questions, Hypotheses, and Research Design
4. Data Collection Techniques
- Surveys:
- Design and Administration
- Advantages and Limitations
- Interviews:
- Structured, Semi-structured, Unstructured
- Techniques for Effective Interviewing
- Observations:
- Participant vs Non-Participant Observation
- Recording and Documentation
- Experiments:
- Controlled Settings
- Variables Manipulation
- Criteria for Selecting Appropriate Data Collection Methods
5. Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Quantitative Data Analysis:
- Descriptive Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation)
- Inferential Statistics (Hypothesis Testing, Correlation, Regression)
- Qualitative Data Analysis:
- Thematic Analysis
- Content Analysis
- Coding Techniques
- Interpreting Results and Drawing Conclusions
6. Reporting and Presenting Research Findings
- Components of a Research Report:
- Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References
- Structuring Research Findings
- Using Visual Aids:
- Tables, Graphs, Charts
- Writing Clear and Concise Explanations
7. Ethical Issues in Social Research
- Informed Consent
- Confidentiality and Anonymity
- Data Management and Security
- Protecting Participant Well-being
- Addressing Ethical Dilemmas
8. Research Validity and Reliability
- Concepts of Validity:
- Internal Validity
- External Validity
- Concepts of Reliability:
- Test-Retest
- Inter-Rater Reliability
- Strategies to Enhance Validity and Reliability
9. Critiquing Social Research Studies
- Critical Analysis Framework:
- Evaluating Research Questions and Hypotheses
- Assessing Methodology and Sampling
- Reviewing Data Collection and Analysis
- Identifying Strengths and Limitations
- Considering Ethical Compliance
- Writing a Research Critique
10. Applying Social Research in Real-world Settings
- Social Research in Various Fields:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
- Public Policy
- Case Studies Demonstrating Application of Research Findings
- Using Research to Address Social Issues and Inform Decision-Making
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Conduct Social Research Work.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan
Learning Outcomes
Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.
Assessment Methods
Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.