+13236381128
+15199002991
+61480040096
Book a Demo
TRY A SAMPLE SURVEY
en_US Englishde_DE German
en_US Englishde_DE German
+13236381128
+15199002991
+61480040096
en_US Englishde_DE German
Social Research1

Social Research

SHARE THE ARTICLE ON

Table of Contents

What is Social Research?

Social research is a type of research generally employed by social scientists to gain an understanding of individuals and societies. It involves the identification, exploration, evaluation, and prediction of social phenomena in regard to human behaviour. 

 

Social research utilizes scientific methods to collect, evaluate, and analyse data on social phenomena. It attempts to identify the cause-and-effect relationship between variables in social dynamics and problems so that a solution can be found and perhaps even applied. 

New call-to-action

Why is Social Research Important?

Social Research2

Social research has many different applications, making it an important form of research. It is a source of knowledge that allows researchers to expand on existing theories or develop new ones. It is also a useful tool to promote social cohesion and unity as it can be used to understand the causes of problematic areas between two groups so that a solution can be found.

 

Another pivotal use of social research is that it facilitates social planning. When societies want to develop and bring in social growth and development, social research facilitates the social planning that will be required. This allows structural changes to be created in social life; changes that will improve the quality of life and increase social welfare. 

What is the Aim of Social Research?

Social Research3

The following are a few key objectives of social research: 

    • The Welfare of Humanity: A common goal of social research is to develop a deeper understanding of social phenomena so as to identify the ways in which the welfare of humanity can be improved and enhanced. 
    • Social Control and Prediction: Social research allows researchers to predict the behaviour of certain individuals or societies under specified conditions.  
  • Classification of Facts: Sometimes social research is used to verify or clarify facts regarding social phenomena. 
  • Scientific Study of Life: Social research attempts to acquire information regarding different social phenomena so that the data collected can be evaluated constructively using the scientific method. The scientific method allows us to make decisive and reliable conclusions on the social phenomena being studied. 

Knowledge Development: Another key objective of social research is to develop existing knowledge. Scientific research is recorded and preserved and therefore adds to the knowledge of social phenomena.

Get a step-by-step guide to sampling

Types of Social Research

The classification of social research can be based on many typologies. We will specifically explore the types of social research classified by nature of data, the purpose of research, and the focus of research. 

 

  • Nature of Data: Quantitative or Qualitative 

When classifying social research by the nature of data, there are two distinct categories; quantitative and qualitative data. Qualitative research deals with techniques and measures that do not produce numerical data, while quantitative research includes techniques and measures that produce distinct, numerical, or quantifiable data. 

 

  • Purpose of Research: Applied or Basic

When classifying social research by its purpose, we see two main categories; applied and basic. Basic research, also known as fundamental research, is used to understand problems that occur in social settings and how to solve them. The purpose of basic research is to understand the social problem, but it may not involve any immediate or planned application. It predominantly contributes to theory formation.

 

Applied research, on the other hand, helps find a solution to a social problem. The results from applied research are used practically to solve problems and therefore have an immediate application. 

 

  • Focus of Research: Theoretical or Empirical

Social research can be theoretical or it can be empirical. It is theoretical when it is concerned with developing or testing the theories of social researchers. It is empirical when the research is based on measurements and observations of the world around us. 

Market Research toolkit to start your market research surveys and studies.

What are Different Methods used to Conduct Social Research?

The four main types of social research are as follows:

Surveys

Surveys are conducted by creating a questionnaire that has open-ended and closed-ended questions on a specific topic. These surveys are then deployed to the sample group; a representative subgroup of the target population. Surveys can be conducted using a range of digital and non-digital channels such as email, website, face-to-face, etc. Surveys are one of the most cost-effective and efficient methods to gather information as they can be conducted via the internet. 

There are many types of social research surveys including longitudinal, cross-sectional, and correlational; each serves a slightly different purpose. 

Interviews

In this technique, respondents are asked questions face-to-face, via telephone, or through other online mediums. Interviews are a very useful tool to obtain data as they allow researchers to better understand and explore subjects’ opinions and behaviours. This method is also very useful when trying to collect in-depth and comprehensive data. 

Observations

Observational research involves studying subjects in their natural environment. In this method, researchers are expected to observe participants by being involved in their daily life. This helps obtain data on participants’ routines, decision-making skills, behaviours, likes, dislikes, etc. The variables being studied are closely observed, monitored, and measured to obtain the data required. 

Experiments

Experimental research is conducted by adhering to a strict scientific research design. It generally involves studying different variables, namely the independent and dependent variables, in a controlled environment where the cause and effect relationship between the two can be studied. 

Product naming Guide

FAQs on Social Research

Social research is the study of social phenomena and human behaviour. It is used by social scientists to learn about individuals and societies and allows them to discover or verify the sequences, interrelationships, and causal explanations of social phenomena.

Social research can be classified in many ways. When categorized by the nature of data, there is quantitative or qualitative. When categorized by the purpose of research, there is applied or basic. When categorized by the focus of research, there is theoretical or empirical.

There are four main methods used to conduct social research and they are:

  • Surveys
  • Interviews
  • Observations
  • Experiments

Explore Voxco Survey Software

Online page new product image3 02.png 1

+ Omnichannel Survey Software 

+ Online Survey Software 

+ CATI Survey Software 

+ IVR Survey Software 

+ Market Research Tool

+ Customer Experience Tool 

+ Product Experience Software 

+ Enterprise Survey Software 

Get a Free Demo

Read more