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Define Research. Explain the sources of data collection in social research.

Answer»

Research is a “Systematized investigation to gain a new knowledge about social phenomena and problems we call it social research”. Modem society is dominated by Information and Communication Technology. Recent computers perform multidimensional functions. Various ‘ soft ware packages provide data on different topics. Use of internet provided world wide data on different subjects. Internet provides more up to data information, very large extent of data which is limitless because traditional print media has limited space in library.

Internet access is available for 24 hours a day. research successfully save time, energy and resources due to use of internet. Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing and Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing techniques are common in America. It helps the researcher to collect data systematic way and computer easily store, classify and analyses the responses immediately completion of interview.

The techniques of data collection are: Observation is a regulated perception of facts and circumstances with a definite purpose in view. There are two types of observation on the basis of different criteria:

1. Controlled and Uncontrolled observation: controlled observation implies the use of various tools and instruments to control one or more variable. It usually takes place in a laboratory. Uncontrolled observation is also called unaided observation because it is made in the natural environment without exercising any controls on the phenomena observed.

2. Participant and Non-Participant Observation: The Participant observation method focus on observer or researcher participants in the social phenomena under study. Whereas in Non-participant observation or researcher does not participate, is a loaf and observes the life and activities of the group in a passive manner.

Merits of participant Observation 

  • It is possible to observe the natural behavior of the group because the observer is not stranger. 
  • It is possible to gather quantitatively more and quantitatively better information. 
  • It is possible to get better insights into the phenomena because the observer is an insider. 
  • It is possible to observe secrete behavior.

Demerits. 

  • There is a danger objectives because of emotional attachment and over-involvement or ego-satisfaction 
  • Some phenomena cannot be observed through participation. For instance, an observer cannot become a criminal.

Merits of Non-Participant Observation 

  • It is possible to retain a high level of objectivity. 
  • A non-participant observer is able to collect considerable information because of his open role as an observer and his eagerness to learn.

Demerits . 

  • It is not possible to get information on many aspects of life and activities because observation is limited to formal occasions and organizations.
  • It is not possible to gain insights into many aspects of behavior because the observer is an outsider.

Merits and limitation of Observation Merits 

  • It is possible to record behavior as it occurs, without any distortions. This gives highly qualitative data. 
  • Observation is a flexible method of data collection 
  • It is independent of people’s willingness to report.

Limitations 

  • Data collected through observation cannot be quantified 
  • There is a danger of bias, especially hidden bias. 
  • Observation cannot be used to study private behavior 
  • Observation is limited by the duration of the event.

Interview 

The very term implies “Interviewing is an interactional process, it is a mutual view of each other.

Structured Interview: has predetermined questions and standard techniques. The number of questions is also fixed. In this method of interview, number and nature of questions, order of asking them, wording of questions, recording system and everything in the interview process is standardized Merits of structured Interview’:

  • It provides safe basis for the generalization 
  • In this method, interview’s bias can be restricted 
  • It is more methodical and easy to administer

Demerits. 

  • The rigid and mechanical process, sometimes defeat the purpose of interview. It lacks the flexible nature and personal touch in interview 
  • In this method, there is a possibility that substances of interview obtain less importance than fon*:al process and set up.


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