Social Research Methods in Higher Education: A Critical Analysis of Methodological Issues and Emerging Trends at the Zimbabwe Open University
Year: 2012
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: The world today is witnessing an explosion of social science research.Unlike other disciplines in the natural sciences, social science research has attracted much attention due to its dynamism and complexity (Dube and Pare, 2003).As modern societies become more complex in their structure, needs and demands, social problems have also become more complex.As a result, several social theories and social research methods have been developed and continue to develop in an effort to understand diverse social problems.Presently, social research is in the process of rapid change.This chapter focuses on current methodological issues and emerging trends in social science research.It argues that the challenge for social scientists and researchers worldwide is to continue in the search for a unified consensus on what methodology might have the power and refinement to connect a proposed "grand theory" with the various midrange theories which, with considerable success, would continue to provide usable frameworks for increasing the overall knowledge of society.Social research is experiencing a paradigm shift that calls for the re-examination of current methodologies.The present review helps identify current methodological issues and trends in social science research.It is important that as social researchers, we should understand the philosophical, theoretical, and methodological debates influencing our work and careers, their implications for research and our place within them.This discussion provides an academic forum for social scientists and researchers to reflect on the contemporary issues and emerging trends affecting their careers.This is important as this will help to shape the orientation of both old and young social researchers to be innovative and go beyond conventional boundaries.This chapter also puts young social scientists -who have not yet become 'attached' to certain sets of theories, concepts and methodology -in advantageous position to understand the current issues and emerging trends in social sciences research. Aim/purpose of the chapterThis chapter serves two purposes.First, the chapter examines the historical, philosophical, and theoretical developments that have influenced social research methods worldwide.
Source: InTech eBooks
DOI: 10.5772/38306
Author: Caleb Kangai
Institution: Zimbabwe Open University
Language: English
Subfield: General Social Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W1535338437