Research Methods in Social Research: Choosing the Right Approach
The choice of research method in social research is a critical decision that shapes the entire study. Matthews and Ross (2010) emphasize the importance of aligning the research method with the research questions and objectives. They discuss various research methods, including experimental designs, quasi-experimental designs, cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, and case studies.
Experimental designs, while offering strong causal inferences, are often challenging to implement in social research due to the complexity of real-world situations[1]. Quasi-experimental designs provide a more practical alternative, allowing researchers to approximate experimental conditions in natural settings[1].
Cross-sectional studies offer a snapshot of a phenomenon at a specific point in time, useful for describing situations or comparing groups[1]. In contrast, longitudinal studies track changes over time, providing insights into trends and potential causal relationships[1]. However, as Bryman (2016) notes, longitudinal studies can be resource-intensive and may face challenges with participant attrition over time[2].
Case studies, as highlighted by Yin (2018), offer in-depth exploration of specific instances, providing rich, contextual data[3]. While case studies may lack broad generalizability, they can offer valuable insights into complex social phenomena[3].
The choice of research method should be guided by several factors:
- Research questions and objectives
- Available resources and time constraints
- Ethical considerations
- Nature of the phenomenon being studied
- Desired level of generalizability
Creswell and Creswell (2018) emphasize the growing importance of mixed methods research, which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of social phenomena[4].
The selection of research method in social research is a nuanced decision that requires careful consideration of multiple factors. As Matthews and Ross (2010) stress, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and researchers must critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of each method in relation to their specific research context[1].
References:
Matthews, B., & Ross, L. (2010). Research methods: A practical guide for the social sciences. Pearson Education.
Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford University Press.
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage publications.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
Citations:
[1] https://www.bol.com/nl/nl/f/research-methods/39340982/
[2] https://search.worldcat.org/title/Research-methods-:-a-practical-guide-for-the-social-sciences/oclc/867911596
[3] https://www.pearson.com/en-gb/subject-catalog/p/research-methods-a-practical-guide-for-the-social-sciences/P200000004950/9781408226186
[4] https://search.worldcat.org/title/Research-methods-:-a-practical-guide-for-the-social-sciences/oclc/780979587
[5] https://www.studeersnel.nl/nl/document/tilburg-university/methodologie-4-ects/summary-research-methods-bob-matthews-liz-ross/109770
[6] https://books.google.com/books/about/Research_Methods.html?id=g2mpBwAAQBAJ
[7] https://books.google.com/books/about/Research_Methods.html?id=7s4ERAAACAAJ
[8] https://academic.oup.com/bjc/article-abstract/52/5/1017/470134?login=false&redirectedFrom=fulltext