Page 53 - DLIS407_INFORMATION AND LITERATURE SURVEY IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

Information and Literature Survey in Social Sciences

Notes
y Systematisation of knowledge
y Control over Social Phenomena
y Prediction
y Development Planning
y Social Welfare

7.1 Scope of Social Science Research

The fields of social science research are virtually unlimited, and the materials of research endless.
Every group of social phenomena, every phase of human life, and every stage of past and present
development are materials for the social scientists. At one level, such research deals with social
sciences - Sociology, History, Geography, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, etc., and, thus,
all research based on these disciplines are social science research. For example, a study of living
conditions of tribal communities is research in Sociology. At one level, such research deals with social
sciences - Sociology,
According to Globusz Publishers, the social science research is a systematic method of exploring,
analysing and conceptualising human life in order to extend, correct or verify knowledge of human
behaviour and social life. In other words Social Sciences Research “seeks to find explanations to
unexplained social phenomena, to clarify the doubtful and correct the misconceived facts of social
life”. Research is not an arbitrary activity, but follows certain rules and procedures.
Some of the factors of social science research are as follows
(i) social science research is a method of enquiry to gain further knowledge or enhance existing
knowledge
(ii) social science research is essential to understand issues of human concerns
(iii) social science research involves time and money
(iv) social science research is useful for the formulation of legislations, policies, schemes, and
programmes.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. ………………deals with social phenomena and attitudes of human beings as members of
a society under different circumstances and situations.
2. Social science research is essential to understand issues of…………….. .

7.2 Approaches to Social Science Research

The various approaches to Social Science research can broadly be classified under the following four
heads:
1. Historical approach
2. Descriptive research
3. Case Study
4. Experimental approach

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