Social Science
Practice of Social Research
By Sakshi Sharma, Dr. Rajpreet Kaur, Edited by Gabriel Roberts
The practice of social research involves the systematic study of human society, behaviors, and interactions through various scientific methods. It aims to uncover patterns, test theories, and provide insights into social phenomena such as inequality, education, health, crime, and cultural dynamics. Social research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews, observations, and statistical analysis, to gather and interpret data. Researchers follow a structured process that includes identifying a research problem, reviewing existing literature, formulating hypotheses, designing research tools, collecting data, and drawing conclusions. Ethical considerations play a central role in social research, ensuring that participants' rights, privacy, and well-being are protected throughout the study. Objectivity, transparency, and reproducibility are also key principles that uphold the credibility of research findings. By applying rigorous methodology, researchers are able to contribute to policymaking, education, and societal development. The practice of social research is not limited to academic institutions; it is widely used by governments, NGOs, businesses, and media to inform decisions and understand social trends. As societies evolve, so do the methods and tools of research, increasingly incorporating digital technologies and data analytics. Ultimately, social research empowers us to make informed choices and create more equitable and effective solutions to social issues. Practice of Social Research provides a comprehensive guide to the methods, principles, and applications of systematic inquiry into social phenomena. Contents: 1. Introduction, 2. Basic Elements in Social Research, 3. Quantitative Research Methods: Surveys and Experiments, 4. Research Design: Strategies and Structures, 5. Social Research Methodology, 6. Formulating Research Problems and Hypotheses, 7. Ethics in Social Research, 8. Design of Sociological Research.
About the Authors
Sakshi Sharma has six years of experience as an Assistant Professor in the Management Department at the Rayat Group of Institutions, where she specialized in teaching and mentoring students in Quantitative Techniques, Research Methodology, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at IK Gujral Punjab Technical University, Main Campus, Kapurthala, Punjab, India, with a focus on Organizational Behaviour. Her academic background includes Masters degrees in Business Administration (Human Resources), Economics, and Psychology from reputed Indian universities. She has to her credit various research papers published in Scopus, Web of Science, and UGC-Care Listed journals. She has also participated in numerous national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. Her research contributions span the fields of economics, industrial and organizational behaviour, and organizational development. As a life member of the Counsellor Council of India, she actively contributes to mental health and career guidance services. Dr. Rajpreet Kaur, is an Assistant Professor of Management at I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Main Campus, Kapurthala, Punjab, India. With over 15 years of teaching and research experience, she specializes in stress management, work-family life balance, labor laws, and industrial relations, alongside human resource management and organizational behavior. Dr. Kaur has a substantial publication record, including 14 International Journal Publications, 21 National Journal Publications, and 26 Book Chapters. She is also the author of 6 books and has presented her research at 19 international conferences/seminars and 24 national conferences/seminars. Her work has been featured in esteemed journals, including the Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality and Tourism and Management Research Review, published by well-known publishers such as Elsevier, Springer, Sage, and Inderscience. Many of her publications are indexed in reputable databases like ABDC, Scopus, and SSCI. Dr. Kaur has been invited as an expert/resource person at various national seminars, workshops, and training programs, underscoring her expertise and thought leadership in the field. She has also shared her insights through talks on AIR India Radio in Jalandhar. Her research involvement extends to the supervision of 4 doctoral (Ph.D.) theses that have been awarded. Additionally, she has participated in 34 faculty development programs and workshops. Dr. Kaur has earned notable awards, including the Baba Farid Memorial award (2020) and Best Teacher award (2023). Her international research at the University of Toronto and University of Calgary enriches her impactful contributions to education.