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Unit-1: Elements of Scientific Methods and Various Steps in Social Research

of future, what will be the form of caste system and what will be forms of family. existing notes
information of social sciences is capable of predictions as Natural science.
10. Importance of Logic: Scientific methods are based on logic, and is based on facts and sincerity.
Anything can be intelligently confirmed or unconfirmed but logics are required along-with
facts . Scientific methodology insists on choosing processes and instruments which are logical
and rational. the method used logic in collection of facts as well. While presenting solution
too logic is used. though experienced proof and facts are required but logical explanations
are also accepted. To say that logic is the basis of Scientific method is not incorrect.
11. objectivity: Objectivity is very important in scientific methods, without it a conclusion can
not be reached . objectivity means to study the incidents the way they are. While using
scientific method a scientist has to always be careful that his individual thoughts, opinions
, emotions and point of views should not be a hindrance in unbiased study. He has to be
totally objectively unbiased and depict the fact and to draw conclusions and to prove and
to verify.

Task Explain the characteristics of Scientific method.

1.5 Major Steps in Social Research

Social Research is scientific in nature and it studies any problem or incidents according to scientific
method. Scientific method is normally same as social research. In this context , to start social research
in a scientific method, a subject is chosen which is to be studied, While choosing it , it is kept in mind
that the subject is practical in view of the research. (1) Practicality does not mean usage but to see
that whether it is possible to study with the help of scientific methods. This is also important that the
subject chosen should not have such a vast area that it would seem impossible to study of whatever
studies are done, they are so scattered that no conclusion can be reached. New researchers normally
commit this mistake that they choose a vast topic and are not able to save themselves from the lure
of becoming famous overnight. But going further they fall into a vast ocean that to come back from
there becomes a laughing stock for others. So the first step of this research is the most difficult part
Mr. North Rope has written that a researcher can use the most difficult methods during the later steps
of research but if the research work has been started in a wrong or in a superficial manner than it will
be difficult to improve that. A research work is like a ship which leaves the port for a destination far
away but if in the beginning there is slight mistake in navigation it can divert from its path, however
skillfully a ship is built and however able the captain is. this is important that the subject is chosen
in a manner that its area is limited. Mrs yung has written that a research can be limited keeping in
mind (a) the aims and interests of researcher, (b) the quantity of available material of the researcher,
(c) the complications of method and principles, (d) earlier done research work related to the subject.
Mr. Augburn has warned us that for research work , a topic must not be chosen about which proven
facts are not available and which is difficult according to methodology.
(2) After choosing the subject, it is important that we study other research work and acquaint ourselves
with the thoughts, methods and conclusions of others . According to Mrs. yung , (a) to get the general
knowledge about the subject ,(b) Methods to be used in research ,(c) to create the hypothesis , (d) to
repeat the work done by somebody and the other parts related to the subject on which other researchers
have not noticed, these can be helpful for us. After getting to know the views by other people the
initial problems and complications become clear and we get to know that from which reliable sources
we can get our material.

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