Social research

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Emile_Durkheim

Social research is a method used by social scientists and researchers to learn about social phenomena, human behavior, and societal trends. It involves the systematic collection and analysis of data to understand and explain social structures, relationships, and processes.

Types of Social Research[edit | edit source]

Social research can be broadly categorized into two types: quantitative research and qualitative research.

Quantitative Research[edit | edit source]

Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data. It often employs statistical methods to test hypotheses and make predictions. Common techniques include surveys, experiments, and secondary data analysis.

Qualitative Research[edit | edit source]

Qualitative research focuses on understanding social phenomena through non-numerical data. It aims to provide in-depth insights into people's experiences, behaviors, and interactions. Methods include interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and content analysis.

Research Methods[edit | edit source]

Social research employs various methods to gather and analyze data:

  • Surveys: Structured questionnaires used to collect data from a large number of respondents.
  • Interviews: In-depth, often semi-structured conversations with individuals to explore their perspectives.
  • Focus groups: Group discussions guided by a moderator to gather diverse views on a topic.
  • Participant observation: Researchers immerse themselves in a community or group to observe behaviors and interactions.
  • Content analysis: Systematic examination of communication materials such as books, articles, and media.

Ethical Considerations[edit | edit source]

Ethical considerations are paramount in social research. Researchers must ensure:

Applications of Social Research[edit | edit source]

Social research has wide-ranging applications, including:

  • Public policy: Informing government decisions and policies.
  • Market research: Understanding consumer behavior and preferences.
  • Education: Improving teaching methods and educational outcomes.
  • Healthcare: Enhancing patient care and health services.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD