Page 141 - DSOC404_METHODOLOGY_OF_SOCIAL_RESEARCH_ENGLISH

Unit-18: Techniques and Methods of Qualitative Research

notes

Notes Apart from Dilthe, German historians have also hinted towards this. really,
sociology techniques are different from techniques in natural sciences on the basis
of study-topics, nature, etc.

(A) Quantitative Methods—these techniques represent the concrete facts in a quantitative form.
1. Social Survey Method—This method was first used by Leplay.
Meaning—Mark Abrams says, “social survey method is a process by which quantitative data related
to social organization and social activities are collected.

Study Methods of Sociology

↓
↓ ↓
(Special methods) (General method)
↓
↓ ↓
(Quantitative methods) Qualitative methods
↓ ↓
Represent tangible data in Represent non-tangible data in
quantitative form quantitative form

Work flow—in this method, work has to be done at several levels. first, the subject has to be decided.
then before compiling the data in the region, the equipments and the resources should be known.
After the resources for material collection and compilation are determined, then the collection of
material begins. Material collection is organized using interviews, questionnaires,, schedule, etc. At
fourth level, the critical analysis of the material has to be done. Classification, serialisation, analysis
are used to find out the results of survey. The last step is to prepare the report of the survey. In the
report, facts and data are represented using graphs and plots as well.
Type—(1) ordinary social survey is wherein a study of problem of a particular cast/category is done
in a collective form whereas.
(2) special social survey is study of a special social problem.
Importance—since the social survey method is based on practical knowledge, it is possible to have
direct knowledge about the region. Due to this reason, the importance of this methos is increasing.
limitations—this method has its own limitations as well. study of emotional and intangible facts is
not possible. there is always a possibility of impartiality and several times because of lack of correct
sampling the results are wrong. Despite these limitations, the popularity is continuously increasing
which shows the importance of this method.
2. Statistical Method—According to Kendal, “ Statistics is that branch of scientific methods which is
related to the information obtained from measurement or computation of qualities of different elements
in a group.” this makes it clear that social statistical method is a method to statistically study the data
in a scientific form. Therefore, Odum has regarded statistics as a necessary part of research.
Workflow—In the first stage of statistical method, the samples have to be chosen. In the second step,
compilation of records should be done. In the third stage, classification and serialisation is done. In

loVely professional uniVersity 135