Correlational research is a quantitative research method that tries to determine if there is a relationship or covariation between two or more quantitative variables which are collected from the same subjects or a group of subjects. The subjects must be from the same participants if any correlation is to be assumed to exist. The more the number of subjects available, the higher is the probability of having valid data. This method of study was developed by Francis Galton and later perfected by Karl Pearson who formulated the mathematical concept. The correlation may be positive, negative or may indicate that there is no relationship between the variables. Correlation shows the strength of a relationship between variables but it does not prove a theory or indicate the cause of the relationship. Correlation is used when the researcher has an interest in knowing the nature of the relationship between variables to be able Continue reading
Research Techniques
Experimental Research – Meaning and Stages
Science revolves around experiments, and learning the best way of conducting an experiment is crucial to obtaining useful and valid results. When scientists speak of experiments, in the strictest sense of the word, they mean a true experiment, where the scientist controls all of the factors and conditions. Real world observations, and case studies, should be referred to as observational research, rather than experiments. For example, observing animals in the wild is not a true experiment, because it does not isolate and manipulate an independent variable. THE BASIS OF CONDUCTING AN EXPERIMENT With an experiment, the researcher is trying to learn something new about the world, an explanation of ‘why’ something happens. The experiment must maintain internal and external validity, or the results will be useless. When designing an experiment, a researcher must follow all of the steps of the scientific method, from making sure that the hypothesis is valid Continue reading
Descriptive Research – Meaning and Methods
Descriptive research is used to obtain information concerning the current status of the phenomena to describe “what exists” with respect to variables or conditions in a situation. The methods involved range from the survey which describes the status quo, the correlation study which investigates the relationship between variables, to developmental studies which seek to determine changes over time. Descriptive Research Methods 1. Case Studies Detailed analysis of a single (or limited number) of people or events. Case studies are usually interesting because of the unusualness of the case. The major problem with case studies is the problem of objectivity. The person who is presenting the case usually has some theoretical orientation. It is acceptable for a theoretical orientation to affect one’s interpretation of events. In a case study the theoretical orientation can also lead to the selection of the facts to include in the case. Continue reading
Simple Random Sampling in Research
In probability sampling, each element of the population has a known non-zero chance of being selected for the sample. Among the probability sampling methods, simple random sampling is simplest as its name indicate and it underlies many of the more complex methods. In a simple random sample of a given size, all such subsets of the frame are given an equal probability. Each element of the frame thus has an equal probability of selection: the frame is not subdivided or partitioned. Furthermore, any given pair of elements has the same chance of selection as any other such pair (and similarly for triples, and so on). This minimises bias and simplifies analysis of results. In particular, the variance between individual results within the sample is a good indicator of variance in the overall population, which makes it relatively easy to estimate the accuracy of results. However, simple random sampling can be Continue reading
Significance and Problems of Social Research
Significance of Social Research Within the last 20 to 25 years, courses in methods of social research have come to occupy an increasingly important role in sociological curricula. It likely that at present every major university offers such courses. This is because growing significance of social research and also growing job opportunities in this field. The market analysis, the public opinion expert, the investigator of communication and propaganda all are growing facts for governmental and business needs. Knowledge of social research is useful for interpreting and weighing such reports. In the present age, social science are accruing a scientific method of study for this method, research is an important factor. In the last two or three decades, social research has become an important subject of the curriculum of Sociology. In fact almost all the universities, where sociology is taught, social research is a part of the curriculum of the sociology. Continue reading
Tips for Effective Research Interviews
There are three major processes or techniques of interviewing in which the research worker should develop proficiencies: (1) creating a friendly atmosphere, (2) asking appropriate questions, and (3) obtaining right, responses. However, some of the basic rules of research interviewing are follows: In establishing friendly relations, spend some time at it to develop a cordial setting for the interview. Engage in pleasant conversation through which questions can arise naturally. Try to establish a relationship of mutual confidence and frankness by stating the purpose of the interview clearly and simply with sincerity and reasonableness, linking the topic of the inquiry to interest of the person. Establish pleasant associations or circumstances. Help the interviewee to feel at case and ready to talk. Be at ease yourself and make it apparent. Allow him time to get acquainted with the surroundings and to gain poise. Make him feel that he is an equal Continue reading