Social Research Essay -- essays research papers

AISHA GITTENS-HIPPOLYTETaking Two Of The Theoretical Approaches To Social Research Discussed In The Module, Demonstrate The Connections Between Their Ontological, Epistemological And Methodological Assumptions. Which Method Or Methods Would Proponents Of each(prenominal) Theory Favour As A Result Of Their Assumptions.In parade to understand the production of sociological knowledge one moldiness first-year examine the thought processes that lay behind each piece of research. in advance a particular subject matter is researched, the police detective firstly braces trus dickensrthy assumptions about that matter. These assumptions differ dependent on the theoretical approach that is taken. They washbowl be divided into three logical beas, namely ontology, epistemology and systemology.Sociologists police detectives first coiffure ontological assumptions. That is to say, they settle down what they are studying or what should be study. They decide what the subject matter cons ists of and the meanings behind it. They must consider the social domain and the nature of being, in relation to the subject matter. Having satisfied this researchers then make epistemological assumptions surrounding the subject matter. They must decide on the fount of evidence to be collected, considering which evidence leave deliver optimum validity. They must decide which stance to take during research, objective or neutral, considering which would be thinkable or even favourable. They must then think about how this set up be best achieved. Should the research be classified as scientific or unscientific and what determines this?Based on the preceding ontological and epistemological assumptions a researcher then makes methodological assumptions. Having decided on exactly what is to be studied the researcher then decides how the research can best be managed gum olibanum formulating a plan of action. Considerations include whether the research used should be primordial or sec ondary. Whether one will test an existing hypothesis or whether one will construct a possibility after having collated evidence. in the long run one can draw conclusions as to which strategy to implement with the eventual(prenominal) goal of producing the type of knowledge that is required. This then results in the type of method or methods of research to be used.To investigate this further I will discuss these assumptions and identify particular methods favoured in relation to two severalize theories, ... ...ences and to raise any questions or issues that they may take. The research must be efficacious, ensuring that the reasons for the research are in the best interests of the oppressed and is necessary to run about social change.MethodsThe methods favoured by stand testify theorists must give juncture to the concerns of the oppressed. They must be able to be representative of those groups. This links this theory to qualitative methods such(prenominal) as in-depth intervie wing or participant observation. These methods would allow the researcher to come into close contact with the subject and allow the subjects own point of view to be heard.Other methods can be used such as questionnaires, as long as they serve a useful purpose. As long they ultimately serve to improve the lives of the oppressed.Using two theoretical approaches to social research namely, Positivism and Standpoint theory, I have demonstrated implicit connections in their respective assumptions. The ontological, epistemological and methodical assumptions are all integral facets of the understanding of social research. Once these are unsounded one can then draw conclusions as to which type or types of methods are appropriate to use.