Theories influencing the conduct of social research

Relating to society or its organization the systematic investigation, experimentation, testing, exploration and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusion is known as social research. So, when we do social research there are many influences on the conduct of social research like theory, practice consideration, epistemology, ontology, value.

Theory is an idea to explain something, or a set of guiding principles that kind of framework of social phenomena can be understood so when we do social research it influences a lot because of different people have different perception, knowledge and ideas about that particular theory and the orientation of theory is two types one is inductive theory which is done through generation of theory.

First is deductive theory which is done through testing of theory. Practical consideration refers to a person, idea, project as being more concerned with or relevant to practice than theory. Practicable is also refers to a project or idea as being capable of being done or put into effect: the plan was expensive, yet practicable. So it influences a lot. When planning a research project, there are numerous issues and guidelines to consider. Regardless of the size, scope, or topic of the research project, it is important to consider potential issues relating to the project prior to finalizing the research plan. Epistemology means theory of knowledge. Orientation of epistemology is divided into two type first one is Positivism epistemology is having only one truth. Everything in the universe is measurable. It is quantitative approach.

Second is interpretivist epistemology is having more than one truth. In this we can’t tell or express how much I like that so we express with different value or level of preference will tell that. It is qualitative approach. So that two type of epistemology are opposite of each other so it impact a lot because reflecting each other. Ontology means existence of anything or theory of being. Orientation of Ontology is also divided into two types one is objectivism means all the things are transparency and clear to understand. It is constant in nature.

Third is constructivism means all the things you construct yourself in your mind. Its phenomena itself involving in nature. So it also impacting and influence because it also opposite to each other so many people is one side and other people is on other side so it influence externally a lot. Value means reflect either the personal beliefs or the feelings of a researcher. So it affects every stage of research process. In social research there is everything possible but it depends on evidence.