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Methodology of Social Research

notes 3. This method is sufficiently helpful to deductive method.
4. this method is based on psychological order.

Demerits

1. incomplete data can produce false results.
2. this method cannot be used to formulate static rules.
3. This method becomes useless in those fields of sociology wherein it is difficult to find
data.
(i) Deductive Method—in this method, special results are obtained using general rules. in
more easy terms, it can be said that achieving special results on the basis of some general
data is known as deductive method. it can be easily explained using an example—it
is a general rule that—“Human being is a social creature which fulfils its requirement
with the support of others.” on the basis of this general rule, a few special results can
be obtained, like—sohan, Matru, Harish, Mohan, etc. are all social creatures hence each
of them individually will fulfils its requirements using the support of others. Thus,
this is a deductive method. this method is also addressed as imaginary, analytical,
intangible methods.

Merits or advantages

1. the obtained results are adequately reliable.
2. it is a simple and less expensive method.
3. this method can formulate all worldwide rules.
4. this method helps inductive method to make it a complete method.

Demerits

1. this method is incomplete without the inductive method.
2. in case of incomplete data, the results from this method cannot be reliable.
3. if the quantity of data obtained is not much, then also the results obtained from this method
may not be reliable.
4. this method is imaginary and intangible.
2. Case Study Method—This method was first used by Lepley and Herbert Spencer. Case study
method is considered the best method for qualitative study.
Meaning—this is a method wherein the social unit (individual, organization, category) is viewed
in totality.
Work-Flow and Important Facts—in this method, a personal relationship is established with the
person. All the facts of a person’s life can only be known easily only if we know the person very well.
While talking, the interviewer takes a brief note. Apart from interview, biographies, letters of good
friends, personal articles, etc can also be helpful. While using this method, the following should be
kept in mind-
1. the study of a person should be carried out in his social background.
2. the importance of family and other preferential groups in a ones life should not be
forgotten.

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