Research Methods in Social Science

Steps in the Scientific Method

Explain the Purpose of Each Step

1.

Observe.

 Social sciences begin with observation and identification of real-world problems and loopholes that must be addressed, which also determines the research topic.

2.

Problem Statement.

 Description of the problem includes those who are affected, how they are affected, and the cause of the social problem that must be solved.

3.

Literature Review

 A thorough literature review is necessary to identify the background of the research topic and problem, identify other studies on the same problem, and identify the various methods used in approaching the problem, and the extent of answering it.

4.

Hypothesis Formulation.

 A theoretical framework is necessary to predict the results of the study, by which the study itself is given to prove or disprove. The hypothesis gives direction for the study.

5.

Research Design and Methodology.

 This describes the method of gathering data and analyzing of the data. Research design answers the type of data that should be collected, the instruments to be used in the survey, and the type of study that should be performed. This includes the use of the chosen methodology over others.

6.

Data Collection.

 Depending on the research design identified, data should be carefully collected to identify the characteristics of the problem, nature of the environment and relationships between given variables.

7.

Results and Analysis.  

 Having recorded necessary data, an analysis is important to identify trends in the subset, and relationships between different variables and form tables to present the results for easier interpretation.

8.

Discussions.

 This involves giving an interpretation of the results and why they behave in the illustrated manner. More so, the discussion determines whether the hypothesis has been proven or not.

9.

Conclusion and Recommendations.

 A final report of the study’s findings is necessary to help in its comparability to other studies in the field. The conclusion describes the significance of the study to the observations made and recommends the study gaps that future research should pursue.