Social Research Methods in Higher Education: A Critical Analysis of Methodological Issues and Emerging Trends at the Zimbabwe Open University

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.