I observed a variety of approaches and data types utilized in social science research while researching substance addiction and its effects on human services. Case studies, surveys, and experiments were a few frequently utilized methodologies, and qualitative and quantitative data were common data kinds. In social science research, the methodology and data types chosen can greatly impact the study’s conclusions. For instance, a quantitative researcher will gather numerical data that may be examined through statistical techniques (Pandey & Pandey, 2021). Comparatively, qualitative research methods emphasise data collection through focus groups, interviews, and observations (Pandey & Pandey, 2021). Choosing one methodology over another might greatly impact the research findings. When examining substance misuse, for instance, a researcher may neglect the subjective experiences of those who are addicted if they choose a quantitative approach.
However, it is evident from reading Kevin’s piece that the study of criminal justice and homeland security greatly emphasises mixed-method and quantitative research. The nature of the research issues and the requirement for empirical evidence to make sensible decisions in the field are probably to blame. Kevin’s inquiry about the PATRIOT Act is a great illustration. Mixed-methods research is also common in this area since it enables researchers to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to address challenging research problems. There are some similarities and distinctions when compared to my area of study, human services, with a focus on substance misuse. Like Kevin’s, human services research frequently applies quantitative and qualitative research techniques. However, qualitative research is more frequently employed in my sector because it enables a deeper comprehension of intricate social concerns. Kevin’s field, however, makes greater use of quantitative research techniques to gather empirical data.
Moving on to Ashly’s post, it is obvious that the human services field, namely Child and Family Services, focuses on quantitative research. This is probably because the research issues in this area frequently need empirical data to conclude. Ashly’s study subject examines why some trauma victims exhibit minimal or no symptoms. In contrast, others exhibit severe symptoms, a perfect example that calls for quantifiable data. There are certain similarities and differences compared to my field. Quantitative techniques are used in substance addiction research and human services to collect empirical data. However, there is also a significant emphasis on qualitative research techniques in my field since they enable a deeper comprehension of the intricate societal concerns related to substance abuse.
The technique and data type choices significantly impact the significance and validity of the research findings in social science studies. For this reason, it is crucial to determine carefully which data types and methodologies are most appropriate for the research subject being examined.
I found some disparities when I contrasted the methodology trends in criminal justice and homeland security with those in human services. While Kevin acknowledged that mixed-methods research was common in his area, the focus on quantitative analysis in human services research seemed more prominent. Quantitative research approaches are more effective at analyzing data from big populations, which human services researchers frequently work with (Stockemer, 2019). Using quantitative methodologies in human services research could result in disregarding the subjective experiences of persons, which is a crucial component of providing human services, regarding the influence of their preferences (Stockemer, 2019). A more thorough grasp of the subject under study might also be achieved by applying mixed-methods analysis. Social science studies may need more generalizability or a lack of perspectives. Thus, a study on one population may not apply to others. Similarly, a Western-focused study may not consider other civilizations’ experiences. Therefore, social sciences, methodology, and data types interact complexly, and the choices can greatly affect research results. Considering the pros and cons of different methods and data sources helps researchers be thorough and accurate.
Reference
Pandey, P., & Pandey, M. M. (2021). Research methodology tools and techniques. Bridge Center. http://dspace.vnbrims.org:13000/jspui/bitstream/123456789/4666/1/RESEARCH%20METHODOLOGY%20TOOLS%20AND%20TECHNIQUES.pdf
Stockemer, D. (2019). Quantitative methods for the social sciences a practical introduction with examples in SPSS and Stata. by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-319-99118-4.pdf
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