Page 56 - DSOC404_METHODOLOGY_OF_SOCIAL_RESEARCH_ENGLISH

Methodology of Social Research

notes thus we can say that keeping in mind the purpose of research and to bring it under a certain type
and to successfully face the conditions of the research, the structure which is formed is called research
design.

7.2 Selection of Research Design

A research design requires a well thought plan to be done very carefully, keeping in mind all negative
and positive aspects. this helps as a guideline. if the subject is chosen correctly then the scope of
success of research increases, so every researcher has to keep certain things in mind in order to select
and implement the research work, which are as follows-
1. Preliminary Knowledge about Research Topic: Before starting any research basic knowledge is
very important which helps to go further.

Notes Prof. Park has written that in relation to a research work preliminary knowledge
is as important for a scholar as for a doctor the information of a patient’s physical
conditions.

This preliminary knowledge is important because on the basis of it finally it can be ascertained that
the subject is suitable for a researcher or not. on its basis only we can try to assume probable and
applied problems of the research. this can be obtained by a scholar by talking to people, to go around
in related fields and by studying and reading thoughts of other experts.
2. Precautions in the Selection of the Topic: it’s very important to be careful in selection of the topic
on the basis of preliminary knowledge, because according to Mr ogburn, this carefulness in selection
specified the contribution of a scholar. He has warned us that this type of topic should not be chosen
which is not clear and which is out of the research area and which is difficult to get enough proofs
of. While choosing the topic it should be speculated how real the research would be, for example, we
know certain feminine psychological reasons but not all; similarly we know a bit about race mixture
but that is not enough. these topics should not be chosen because “almost correct” is not acceptable.
We should not choose topics which we feel can be influenced by emotions because these facts will not
bring a real conclusion. international relation strikes and lock out nationalism, casteism and racism
are the type of subjects which are highly influenced by emotions, so these should be considered before
selection of a topic.

Did You Know? During a strike if a researcher asks the number of workers to a union leader, he
will tell 15,000 and the mill owner might tell only 300 and in that atmosphere
it is difficult to find out who is correct. Thus, it is important to be careful.

3. Precautions in Determining the Scope of Research: in the beginning level extreme carefulness
and sensitivity is required. If the area of research is defined then the best and real study methods
can be applied to get maximum results. According to experts this alertness is not only important but
necessary too. if the area of research is too wide then the sea of research can deviate in its ocean. if
the area of research is not clear then the conclusion will also be not clear. for example, if i consider
casteism, an area of research then my whole life will be spent trying to get facts about the castesism

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