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

Description

Principles and Concepts of Social Research is a text covering the foundations of social science research, outlining the history and core elements of Western social research. The text covers a variety of topics, ranging from the history of scientific beliefs from Ancient Greece to the contemporary world. It outlines the basics of the development of knowledge systems and logic, the definition of science and its processes, the progression of classifying humans, and research ethics, amongst other underlying elements of research. The book has three aims: (1) to develop the reader’s knowledge and understanding of social research through modes of social scientific enquiry and an evaluation of techniques of the social, cultural, and political context of its practice; (2) to increase readers’ intellectual competence through a critical examination of the social, cultural, and historical characteristics of research traditions; and (3) to improve the competence of social researchers through a critical evaluation of research strategies, the problematization of science and Western social research, the issues posed by social research, and the skills needed to formulate research outputs and engagement. This book will be of use to core research units and training programs that universities provide at postgraduate level, at doctoral level, and for early career post-doctoral researchers, to develop greater understanding of issues surrounding research. In addition to its theory, the contents of the book will include questions for discussion in seminars and small group work. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents List of Illustrations Acknowledgments 1 Introduction Introduction Terms and Phrases Used Throughout this Book General Scientific Terms Examined in this Book Social Terms Examined in this Book Chapter Summaries Section I Principles 2 Historical Principles of Science 1: From Ancient Greece Through to the Enlightenment Introduction Principles Introduced Through this Chapter Ancient Greece, Philosophy, and Methodology Pre-Socratic Greek Philosophy Socratian and Post-Socratian Philosophy The Development of Systematic Analysis and Knowledge Systems The Medieval Period and the Renaissance The Context of the Medieval Age The Western Interpretation of Aristotle The Enlightenment, and an Understanding of Consciousness Theological Mysticism Versus Theological Proofs Post-enlightenment and Western Social Philosophy Summary 3 Historical Principles of Science 2: The Modern History of Western Science Introduction Principles Introduced Through this Chapter The Era of Modern Western Science Power, History, and the Development of Methodology Power and Scientific Practice Power, Society, and Language Power and Exclusion Summary 4 Contemporary Principles and Defining Science Introduction Key Principles in this Chapter General Statements On Western Science and Social Science The Peculiarities of Western Science Three Ways of Defining Science The Problem With Developing a Unified Understanding of Science Scientific Research as Evolving Social Practice Summary 5 From Principles to Practice Introduction Key Principles in this Chapter The Construction of Objective Knowledge From Subjective Knowledge Taxonomy and Reductionism in Western Social Science The Concept of the Closed and Open Societies in Social Science The Effect of Western Social Scientific Classification On Society Summary Section II Concepts 6 The Concept and Collection of Data Introduction Concepts Introduced Through this Chapter What Is Data Generation, and Where Does It Fit Within the Testing of Theories? Classifications of Data in the Social Sciences and Social Research Classifying Data According to the Form of Its Collection Classifying Data According to the Type of Its Encoding and Presentation Classifying Data According to When and By Whom It Is Collected for Use in Scientific Analysis Case Study of a Data Collection Technique–Observation Summary 7 Analysis in the Social Sciences Introduction Concepts Introduced Through this Chapter The Concept of Analysis Focus in Analysis Taxonomies of Analysis Classifying According to Ontology Classifying According to the Use of Data The Process of Analysis An Example of Analysis: A Study of the Cultural Influences On Charles Darwin’s Evolutionary Theory Through the Law of NATURAL SELECTION Summary 8 The Role of Ethics in Western Social Research Introduction Concepts Introduced Through this Chapter Critical Issues in Western Ethics Defining Ethics in Relation to Morals Ethics as a Force for Good The Contemporary Study of Western Ethics The Taxonomy of Studying Ethics in Western Social Science The Foundation of Ethics in the Social Sciences Summary 9 Writing and Recording Research Outputs Introduction Concepts Introduced Through this Chapter The Concept of Western Scientific Outputs Trends in Publishing Outputs Repositories of Research and Open Access Outputs Developing Research Outputs Using Standard Protocols Publishing a Research Output Taxonomies of Research Outputs Example of a Research Output: The Culture of Western Scientific Conferences Summary 10 Developing Impact and Public Involvement in Social Science Introduction Concepts Introduced Through this Chapter Impact Through Public Engagement Defining Impact in Western Social Research The Three-Ws Model of Public Engagement A Case Study of Developing Participatory Impact Through the Three-Ws Model The Background to the Project ARCHES’ Participatory Practice The Issues That ARCHES Faced Impact Driven Through the Research Summary 11 Conclusion What Is Social Science, and How Is It Derived From a Broader Conceptualization of Science? What Is Scientific Knowledge? Given the Discussion in Section I, It Can Also Be Asked, Is It “Truthful” Knowledge? How Reliable Is It Really? What Is the Way Forward for Social Science? References Index