Research Methodology for Social Sciences: An Overview (ePub)

Social science is defined as a branch of science devoted to study the societies and the relationships among individuals within the societies. Social science research is a systematic method of exploring, analyzing and conceptualizing human life in order to extend, correct or verify knowledge of human behavior and social life. Social research seeks to find explanations to unexplained phenomena, to clarify the doubtful and correct the misconceived fact of social life. It involves the application of scientific method for understanding and analyzing of social life in order to correct and verify the existing knowledge as a system

However, conducting research is a daunting task that requires in -depth knowledge of the subject-matter, planning, care, and hard work. As part of the requirements for the award of degrees in higher education institutions, students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels normally carry out research, which they report in the form of dissertations or theses. The research journey commences with the selection of a research topic and the preparation of a proposal on the selected topic. Experience has shown that students tend to encounter difficulties in writing research proposals for their supervisors because they do not fully comprehend what constitutes a research proposal. Many students lack an understanding of the subject-matter, interest in research, good knowledge of the methodology, time and research guidance, and scholarly and related references.

The purpose of this book is to provide the students with an overview of how to write an effective and scholarly research proposal and dissertation by discussing the essential ingredients required in scientific research. As a supervisor of both undergraduate and graduate students, I can attest that most students face a huge challenge in selecting their research topic resulting in delays in completing their dissertation journey. From the students' point of view, this book endeavors to explore the challenges faced by both undergraduate and graduate students when they are writing their research proposal and research project and how to mitigate those challenges in order to accomplish their academic goals. In a nutshell, the book endeavors to provide the students with the tips for writing a quality dissertation to enable them graduate without any hassle.