Introduction to Social Research

We all, to some extent, have the makings of social researchers. We all see things around us in our social world and try to understand or rationalise them. Research is the systematic process of collecting and analysing information (data) in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon with which we are concerned or interested (www. drcath.net, 2008). This unit sets the foundation or context for all the other units to follow. We will first examine what is meant by
the term, Social Research. We go further and discuss the purpose of social research in society today and the role of the researcher in the research process. Two focal points of this unit are the main research traditions that have impacted social research and the two main approaches to conducting social research today. At the end of the unit you are expected to reflect on the concepts learned and how they impact your academic and professional life with regard to carrying out
research.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this Unit you will be able to:
1. Offer an informed view of what social research is.
2. Explain the purpose of social research.
3. Understand the philosophical foundations of social research.
4. Describe the various research traditions impacting social research.
5. Assess the importance of each research tradition to social research.
6. Explain what is theory.
7. Describe the two main approaches to conducting social research.
8. Reflect on the role of the researcher in the research process.

This Unit is divided into four Sessions as follows:

Session 1.1: What is Social Research and What is its Purpose
Session 1.2: Philosophical Foundations of Social Research
Session 1.3: Deductive and Inductive Reasoning in Social Research
Session 1.4: The Role of the Researcher in Social Research Process