Principles and Concepts of Social Research: A Critical Examination of Methodology, Methods and Analysis for Emerging Researchers

This book aims to introduce and critically discuss the epistemological and methodological principles of social science research, the basic philosophies of its methodological design, and the ethics and policy issues surrounding social research. The objective of this book is to: 1. develop reader’s knowledge and understanding of social research through an exposition of the significance and rationales of alternative epistemological paradigms and modes of its social scientific enquiry and evaluate the corresponding techniques of the social, cultural and political context of its processes; 2. increase readers’ intellectual competence through an examination of the social, cultural and historical character of research traditions, how these traditions became established, the dimensions of research problems and the parameters, value and appropriateness of its techniques; 3. improve the professional and practical competence of social researchers through a critical evaluation of research strategies, the problematization of research data, the issues posed by social research and the competence needed to formulate research proposals for external funding or theses.

The proposed book is founded on the following argument: "Science is not a natural activity, and the principles of science are neither natural or based in natural logic. These principles largely evolve from social and cultural factors and historical legacies. Consequently, our understanding of the human world is based on a biased intellectual development, which is founded in subjective social and cultural traditions and should be observed, analyzed and understood as such before approaching and planning your research project." As well as theory, the contents of the book includes questions for discussion in seminars and small group work, as well as exercises within and between lectures, seminars, tutorials or classes.