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 Theory Favour As A Result Of Their Assumptions.In guild to understand the production of sociological knowledge one must(prenominal) starting examine the thought processes that lay behind each piece of research. in advance a particular subject matter is researched, the researcher firstly bothers certain(a) assumptions about that matter. These assumptions differ dependent on the theoretical approach that is taken. They ordure be divided into three logical argonas, namely ontology, epistemology and method actingology.Sociologists researchers first touch ontological assumptions. That is to say, they descend what they are studying or what should be study. They decide what the subject matter consists of and the meanings b ehind it. They must consider the social humankind 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 sheath of evidence to be collected, considering which evidence bequeath deliver optimum validity. They must decide which stance to take during research, objective or neutral, considering which would be manageable or even favourable. They must then think about how this batch 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 thereof formulating a plan of action. Considerations include whether the research used should be old or secondary. Whether one will test a n existing hypothesis or whether one will construct a possible action after having collated evidence. at long last one can draw conclusions as to which strategy to implement with the supreme 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 deuce severalise theories, ... ...ences and to raise any questions or issues that they may present. The research must be usable, ensuring that the reasons for the research are in the best interests of the oppressed and is necessary to impart about social change.MethodsThe methods favoured by stand pane theorists must give illustration to the concerns of the oppressed. They must be able to be representative of those groups. This links this theory to qualitative methods much(prenominal) as in-depth interviewing or participant observation. Thes e 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 understand one can then draw conclusions as to which type or types of methods are appropriate to use.