Without suggesting that all research fits
neatly into these categories, two dominant tendencies exist in sociological
literature
Theory – testing
research
Theory – building
research
There is a
research carried out primarily to test theories, which uses structural
techniques of data collection such as content analysis or a social survey with
standard questionnaires. Such research requires that details of sampling and
data collection are tightly planned in advance and that the data are quantified
and presented in a research report in the form of tables or other statistical
means.
The second type of
research concentrate on theory construction (theory building) and more uses participant’s
observation and less structural interviews techniques. In this case the whole
research process will be much more flexible and more often than not, certain
and aspect of research design and sampling will be decided during the course of
the research.
Analyzed relationship between
social theory and social science research
a)
Research construct theory, the qualitative research (theory
– building research) is primarily conducted for the purpose of constructing a
theory.
b)
Research tests theory, the quantitative research ( theory –
testing research ) is conducted primarily for the purpose of testing an
existing theory
c)
A theory guides a research, in conducting any social science
research a researcher will need a theoretical frame work to guide his research
before starting a research
d)
Research modifies a theory
e)
Nullification or deletion of an existing theory depends on a
quantitative research
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