Social Science Research Methods Research Articles

Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology on Environmental Protection and that Ideology’s Significance of Environmental Protection Awareness Education for Students

During the process of leading the country, Ho Chi Minh soon outlined strategic directions for the country’s development, including the issue of environmental protection. Educating environmental protection awareness for all classes of people, especially the young generation, is of great significance. The young generation, including youth and students, is a part of society that the Communist Party of Vietnam always pays attention to training and nurturing; they will become the core force shouldering the responsibility of the country’s future. The purpose of this study is to clarify Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology on environmental protection, and the significance of that Ideology in educating environmental protection awareness for students today. To achieve this goal, the study uses disciplinary and interdisciplinary research methods in social sciences and humanities. Research results have shown that Ho Chi Minh’s ideology on environmental protection is still valuable today. At the same time, inheriting those values for environmental protection education activities for students will bring about great changes in the awareness and actions of Vietnamese students. Proposing necessary solutions will help universities improve the quality of environmental protection education for students at present and in the future.

Identifying Tools and Techniques for Picking out Cultural Bottlenecks: Another Crucial Component of the Symbiotic Approach to Socio-Cultural Change

This paper is built upon our earlier papers on the symbiotic approach to sociocultural change, and extends them meaningfully in new directions. This is done by proposing different types of tools and techniques that can be used in identifying cultural bottlenecks, and can therefore be used to usher in, or bring about a faster pace of sociocultural change. We therefore, aptly and appropriately begin this paper by carrying out a brief overview of our earlier papers on sociocultural change, and by briefly laying down their various concepts and postulates. Subsequently, and resultantly, various tools and techniques for identifying and overcoming cultural bottlenecks are also proposed. These include an alignment with a cultural taxonomy, a comparative method to compare cultures, a high low analysis of values, a root cause analysis of cultural performance, analysis of cultural orientations, an evaluation of cultural performance by laying down metric and measurements and analyzing the pace of sociocultural change, etc. We also briefly discuss ethnographic techniques that can be used to evaluate cultures, including long-term ethnography and the ethnography of enculturation. Likewise, social science research methods, and components of research design are reviewed, besides some other approaches to identifying and analyzing cultural bottlenecks. We hope and anticipate that this paper will become a useful cog in the machine to bring about faster sociocultural change, and will become an intrinsic part of our globalization of science movement as well.

교육 분야의 요인분석 방법 실태 및 사회과학 연구분석 가이드 프로그램 개발

Objectives In this study, we intend to develop a factual situation of factor analysis methods in the field of education and a social science research analysis guide program. Methods In order to investigate the factor analysis method of the literature in the field of education, an analysis layer tool is selected, and the selected tools are used to analyze the education-related literature of the last five years (2019-2023). Based on the analyzed contents, a survey is conducted on educational researchers, and based on the results, a Delphi technique is conducted to determine the cause. Based on the identified causes and data, a model of the social science research analysis guide program will be selected, and the program of the selected model will be developed. Results Big data harvesting was selected as the analysis layer tool, and as a result of using it, 74.6% (1,400 articles) used the right angle rotation method as a factor rotation method among 1,876 documents that released factor analysis methods among 55,400 documents in the field of education over the past five years, and 25.4% (476 articles) used the square rotation method. Nevertheless, as a result of analyzing the cause of why most of the square rotation methods are not used, research in the field of education tends to rely on experts or companies due to lack of reference, advice, and statistical knowledge, and it can be found that the selection of research methods is influenced by the excellence of past practices and results, and the need for statistical knowledge is emerging due to the generalization of previous studies. It provided data on the causes of analysis method selection and preferred statistical knowledge acquisition for a group of experts in the field of education and statistics, and analyzed opinions on the social science research and analysis guide program model. It was divided into eight characteristics: automation of research methods, practical applicability, learning forms, provision of various analysis methods, user convenience consideration, update and maintenance, consideration of non-majors, and measures to overcome limitations. Based on these characteristics, the development of the social science research and analysis guide program was completed by dividing it into one main program and two auxiliary programs, and dividing it into three website pages. Conclusions The social science research analysis guide program will be operated free of charge after continuous update, revision, and supplementation by establishing a dedicated website. By allowing anyone to utilize all development components through the Git Hub, it is intended to help develop a more suitable and complete social science research foundation by improving the statistical lack of knowledge and the conventional form of using prior papers. Even if the statistical understanding was high while developing the program, there was a limit to fully presenting all social science research and analysis methods. This will improve through continuous updates, revisions, and supplements, but fundamentally, just as arguments conflict depending on whether statistical methodology is important like factor analysis or whether interpretation and use of results are important, various analysis methods are also difficult, and the developed program presents soft answers. It is hoped that more suitable research and analysis guides will be developed with shared data in the future.

Abstraction, Conceptualization, Disambiguation, Ideation, Innovation, Objectivization, Quantification, and Theorization in the Social Sciences: New Pillars for Contemporary Social Sciences Research

In many of our previous papers published over the years, we had developed and propounded concepts such as fuzzy logic, the theory of paradoxes, the certainty uncertainty principle for the social sciences, innovative methods for the social sciences, and had also explained the importance of inductive approaches, grounded theory, and nomothetic rule building. We had also stated the importance of practicalism as a core component of the philosophy of science. In this paper, we state the importance of abstraction, conceptualization, ideation, innovation, quantification, theorization, objectivization and disambiguation in the social sciences, and explain all of these concepts in detail. We also refer to them as the “pillars of social sciences research methods and techniques”, or “the guiding principles or the guiding forces in the use or employment of social science research methods and techniques, and social science research activity”. These approaches are necessary because social sciences research is mostly qualitative; these techniques could impart quality and objectivity to social science research in a way that other techniques cannot. These are different from the philosophy of science or the philosophy of social science, and these we anticipate would guide and drive much of social science research enterprise in the twenty-first century and beyond. These are also foundationally different from the objectives of social science research, examples of which could be cultural emancipation, inculcation of a scientific temper, etc. Needless to say, these can be gainfully employed in the non social sciences as well, though this is not our primary focus and emphasis here.

FOREST FOOD RESOURCES IN THE SAKHA REPUBLIC (YAKUTIA)

According to the “Ecosystem Services of Russia” Prototype of National Report (2016), data on terrestrial ecosystem resources in Russia are fragmented. The purpose of this work is to fill the existing gaps in the knowledge of the biodiversity of plant species and the sustainability of traditional food systems across the economic zones of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). Materials and methods. Although the range of edible plants in Yakutia counts more than 100 species, only nine species of berries, eight species of mushrooms, and three species of other food plants were classified as resource-significant based on the consolidated archive materials of the IBPC at FRC YaSC SB RAS and the results of the field studies carried out in 2002-2019. This list of twenty species was tested via a socio-economic survey undertaken as part of the RISE project in 2021-2023. The study was conducted with the permission of the local biomedical ethics committee of the Medical Institute of the North-Eastern Federal University. Each participant signed an informed consent form to be surveyed, according to the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki, which regulates the research involving human subjects. The study embraced 400 rural households. Results. The data on biological stocks of resource-significant food species of Yakutia’s forests were presented based on the consolidated archive materials and results of the field studies undertaken by the IBPC at FRC YaSC SB RAS. Coupled research methods of natural and social sciences were used to produce the estimates of the economic reserves of berries and mushrooms across economic zones of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and the volumes of their harvesting by rural households and the population of the region in general. Conclusion. Social methods have proven reliable for studying biodiversity in a large-sized region. They allow to fill the gaps in the databases built on the results of field studies, particularly in terms of popularity and, accordingly, the prevalence of certain food species. The higher productivity and diversity of flora in Southern Yakutia were confirmed compared to the Arctic and other economic zones. Funding. The reported study was performed under the e-Asia Climate Call and funded by RFBR, project number 21-55-70104, and project VI.52.1.8. “Theoretical and applied aspects of investigation the diversity of the vegetation of Northern and Central Yakutia (East Siberia)” 0376-2016-0001; registration number АААА-А17-117020110056-0.

The role of feedback type and peer interaction on knowledge acquisition in a flipped classroom on social science research methods

The role of feedback type and peer interaction on knowledge acquisition in a flipped classroom on social science research methods

Exploring food poverty experiences in the German Twitter-Sphere

BackgroundThis study investigates the subjective perceptions of food poverty in Germany by analysing Twitter discourse using the German-language hashtag #IchBinArmutsbetroffen (#IamPovertyAffected) and examines the extent to which various dimensions of a multidimensional theoretical model of food poverty are represented in the discourse.MethodsEmploying a combination of computational social science and qualitative social research methods, the research identifies, and analyses tweets related to nutrition by applying a hierarchical dictionary search and qualitative content analysis. By examining the narratives and statements of individuals affected by food poverty, the study also investigates the interplay among different subdimensions of this phenomenon.ResultsThe analysis of 1,112 tweets revealed that 57.96% focused on the material dimension and 42.04% on the social dimension of food poverty, suggesting a relatively balanced emphasis on material and social aspects of food poverty in the narratives of those affected. The findings reveal that tweets on material food poverty underscore economic challenges and resource scarcity for food. Social food poverty tweets demonstrate widespread deprivation in social participation, leading to isolation, exclusion, and social network loss. Overall, the results elucidate intricate interconnections among subdimensions and multidimensional manifestations of food poverty.ConclusionsThis study contributes methodologically by presenting an approach for extracting food-related textual social media data and empirically by providing novel insights into the perceptions and multifaceted manifestations of food poverty in Germany. The results can aid in a better understanding of the phenomenon of food poverty as it currently manifests in Germany, and in developing targeted social, health-promoting, and political measures that address more effectively the empirically evident multidimensionality of the phenomenon.

Analyzing Translated Research Methods Books in Social And Educational Sciences from English to Turkish: Exploring the Reasons for Translation Through Even-Zohar’s Poly-System Theory

In the last century, a paradigm shift in the scientific field has transformed our perspective on issues and events, our ability to discern cause-and-effect relationships, and our approach to them. This shift has led to radical changes in the scientific field and has accelerated the development of social and educational sciences, enabling such methods to become more prevalent than quantitative ones in the social and educational sciences. As a result, qualitative and mixed method approaches have increasingly replaced quantitative methods, giving rise to various new fields within the social sciences and providing diverse research opportunities. This evolution in research methods has also led to the proliferation of books on research methodologies in these fields. To reach a global audience, these books are predominantly written in English as the Lingua Franca and later translated into national languages if needed, or they are initially written in the native languages of the authors. The choice of translated books can be influenced by the preferences of researchers or translators, gaps in the national literature, the juvenile and unsettled nature of the national literature experiencing significant changes, or their unfamiliarity with current literary innovations. This article examines the justifications provided by translators and translation editors for translating books on research methods in social and educational sciences from English into Turkish within the framework of themes regarding the formation of poly-system theory, as coined by Itamar Even-Zohar as a functionalist pioneer in translation studies, newly emerging in social sciences in the last century. The content analysis, a qualitative research design for document analysis, was utilized in the research through using criterion sampling and maximum diversity, by selecting the prefaces of the translated versions of 20 research methods books by different authors and publishing houses between 2013 and 2022 and exclusively focusing on social sciences and educational sciences. Examining translators’ and editor’s statements deductively through the themes from the poly-system theory, we concluded that there are gaps and turning points in this field both in the national literature and in the world literature, that the relevant literature is not yet settled and trying to become primary and canonized via translated books, resulting in an increasing interest in the field.

Corpus linguistics and the social sciences

Abstract Corpus linguistics, with its methodological orientation towards the empirical analysis of language based on large text collections, has the potential to offer significant tools for addressing real-world problems across various social science domains, including climate change, criminology, healthcare and policy making. Despite this potential, the integration of corpus linguistics into social science disciplines (beyond linguistics) remains hampered by fundamental differences in epistemology, definitions and methodological approaches. This article explores the relationship between corpus linguistics and the social sciences. It is argued that epistemology, or the theory of knowledge, represents a primary barrier to integration, with much corpus linguistics research aligning with positivist and naturalist epistemologies. By contrast, many social science disciplines embrace more interpretive, conventionalist approaches that account for the dynamic nature of social phenomena. Considering the role of naturalism and conventionalism within both corpus linguistics and the social sciences, this article illustrates how these epistemological stances are likely to influence the acceptance and use of corpus methods in social science research. Despite the challenges, areas of convergence (e.g. shared use of data processing tools and the acknowledgement of the central role of language in social processes) provide opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. As means to bridge the epistemological divide, this article advocates for a critical realist approach and concludes by calling on users of corpus linguistic methods to be reflexive and transparent about their epistemological stances when reporting their research.

Structural topic modeling as a mixed methods research design: a study on employer size and labor market outcomes for vulnerable groups

Obtaining and maintaining steady employment can be challenging for people from vulnerable groups. Previous research has focused on the relationship between employer size and employment outcomes for these groups, but the findings have been inconsistent. To clarify this relationship, the current study uses structural topic modeling, a mixed methods research design, to disclose and explain factors behind the association between employer size and labor market outcomes for people from vulnerable groups. The data consist of qualitative interview transcripts concerning the hiring and inclusion of people from vulnerable groups. These were quantitized and analyzed using structural topic modeling. The goals were to investigate topical content and prevalence according to employer size, to provide a comprehensive guide for model estimation and interpretation, and to highlight the wide applicability of this method in social science research. Model estimation resulted in a model with five topics: training, practicalities of the inclusion processes, recruitment, contexts of inclusion, and work demands. The analysis revealed that topical prevalence differed between employers according to size. Thus, these estimated topics can provide evidence as to why the association between employer size and labor market outcomes for vulnerable groups varies across studies––different employers highlight different aspects of work inclusion. The article further demonstrates the strengths and limitations of using structural topic modeling as a mixed methods research design.

Reshaping the Landscape: the Impact of COVID-19 on Social Science Research Methods and Practices

TThe COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the field of social science research, necessitating a re-evaluation of research methods and practices. This research explores the transformative efforts of COVID-19 on social science research, focusing on the changes in methodologies and practices that have emerged in response to the pandemic.Existing literature was reviewed on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected research methods and practices in social sciences. Digital questionnaire was developed to collect primary data from social science researchers indicating the changes they have made in their research methods, the reasons behind these changes, and their perceptions of the effectiveness of these adaptations. Telephonic interviews and focused group discussions were conducted with the selected group of social scientists who have experienced significant changes in their research due to COVID-19. Their experiences, challenges, and innovative solutions they have employed have been explored. Secondary data was also generated from various online and offline platforms. Total 50 social science researchers were surveyed and interviewed. The results of the study shall be helpful to researchers, society, government and policymakers to pay special attention on this particular issue. The main findings and their implications for the field of social science research shall be summarized. The key ways in which the landscape has been reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic shall be highlighted.

Dress like a winner: mathematical investigations in a design workshop in an early childhood education teacher education programme

ABSTRACT This article investigates alternative ways doing of mathematics in an Early Childhood Education Teacher Programme using aesthetic forms of expression, the body and reflections on ethics, gender and responsibilities in the transition from student teacher at university to a qualified preschool teacher of children aged 4–5 years. The purpose of the article is to explore an interdisciplinary mathematics workshop in which student teachers investigate mathematics with body- and hands-on crafting to better understand how young children experience learning situations. The research design draws on feminist activist social science research, including in-making and crafty research methods. Theoretically and methodologically, inspiration is drawn from relational materialism and Donna Haraway’s scientific engagement with ‘speculative fabulations’ and Anna L. Tsing’s development of ‘arts of noticing’. The study shows that learning mathematics through the body, concrete materials, scientific concepts and fiction can be helpful in the transition from student teacher to preschool teacher.

Reflections on the design and application of ‘Surveypura’: a simulation-based pedagogical tool for quantitative research methods in public health and social sciences

It has been reported from various contexts that learning quantitative methods for public health and social research is challenging for students. Based on our observations of these challenges, we designed a simulation-based pedagogical tool called Surveypura to support classroom-based learning of quantitative research methods. The tool includes a large illustration of a fictional village with 155 houses, alongside data for each of the households. The features of the houses, household characteristics, and the village have been carefully designed to give the visual feel of an actual village and better assist the pedagogical process. The tool was used by five facilitators with their masters’ students at our university in courses on social research and epidemiology. Our observations of the sessions and interactions with facilitators and students suggested that the tool supported more engaged learning of quantitative research methods in a non-intimidating manner. We believe that Surveypura can be a useful simulation-based pedagogical tool to teach quantitative research methods in epidemiology and social sciences even in other contexts.

Quantitative Methods in Social Science Research: Systematic Review of Content Analysis, Survey and Experiment Methodologies

Quantitative Methods in Social Science Research: Systematic Review of Content Analysis, Survey and Experiment Methodologies

Use of Mixed Methods in Social Sciences Research

The landscape of social sciences is inherently complex and multifaceted, demanding a comprehensive and nuanced approach to research methodologies. This paper highlights the significance of mixed methods research in addressing the intricate and dynamic nature of social phenomena. Mixed methods not only enhance the validity and reliability of research findings but also allow for a holistic understanding of social phenomena and empower researchers to explore the comprehensiveness and diversity of human experiences, behaviors, and interactions that the traditional single-method approach often falls short of. Furthermore, mixed methods facilitates the triangulation of data, enabling researchers to corroborate and validate results through diverse lenses, thereby fortifying the robustness of their conclusions. Mixed methods contribute to the development of more effective and informed social and public policy interventions. Adopting mixed methods in social science research is not merely a choice but a necessity for unlocking the full potential of inquiry and advancing our collective understanding of the complex social world.

Transparansi dan Integritas dalam Pemilihan Umum: Upaya Mencegah Kecurangan dan Manipulasi

Transparency and integrity are two important principles that must be upheld in the implementation of general elections. Cases of fraud that occurred in the 2019 elections such as the practice of money politics in the form of distributing money and goods (cooking oil, rice, sugar, headscarves), distributing umroh coupons such as the case that ensnared Mandala Shoji (DPR-RI candidate from PAN) and Lucky Andriani (DKI DPRD candidate from PAN). The case of voting more than once was carried out by Ridwan Benseh as an KPPS member at TPS 08 Paru Village, Bandar Baru District, Pidie Jaya Regency. Transparency and integrity is one way to prevent fraud and manipulation from occurring in general elections. The research method in this article is to use qualitative methods, qualitative methods are defined as social science research methods that collect and analyze data in the form of words. Efforts made to prevent fraud and manipulation in general elections improve the quality of election management institutions, participatory supervision of the community, the use of information technology to increase transparency.

THE LINGUISTIC CHARACTER OF TAAROF IN SPEECH ETIQUETTE OF IRANIANS

The word taarof is widely used in the modern speech etiquette of Iranians. Taarof is known as a form of polite literature in Iranian culture. The thorough study of taarof is important for the theory and application of intercultural communication. Therefore, the article analyzes the theoretical studies of scientists about taarof, considers the main postulates of the theory of politeness and issues of national features of speech etiquette in Persian culture, and lastly it analyzes the linguistic nature of taarof used by Iranians in everyday real communication.The purpose of the article is to analyze the taarof in speech etiquette of Iranians. In this regard, to study the rules of using the polite form of communication between the addresser and the addressee and the scope of application of taarof in speech etiquette among Iranian peoples from the point of view of linguistic culture and traditions. The methodology of researching the issues in the article is closely related to the fields of linguistics, sociology, and pragmalinguistics. Analysis, description, and empirical and social scientific research methods are used in the course of the research on the speech etiquette of Iranians.According to the research of scientists, people's communication with each other should be based on the national mentality and its own laws, rules, and principles established in that place. Admittedly, it is true that people living in that environment prosper and mature according to the development of society. A learner of any language should know the mentality, worldview, and traditions of the country where he is learning the language in order to implement the language etiquette of that nation because cultural differences might have a negative impact on the relationship or create obstacles.When a language learner travels to the country of Iran,it is important for intercultural communication knows the cultural, linguistic and behavioural differences of that country.It is effective to use the results of the research in the teaching of the Persian language to language learners and in the research work of students.

Organisation of local self-government in the Republic of Azerbaijan

The relevance of the study lies in the fact that local self-government is the foundation of the life of the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan and one of the main foundations of any democratic system. The purpose of this study is to establish the constitutional and legal content and forms of interaction between the state authorities and local self-government at the present stage of development of the Republic of Azerbaijan. To achieve the research objective, the author used general theoretical and special legal methods. The main result of the study is the argumentation of the position that interaction between public authorities and local self-government should be considered as a joint activity based on the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, its laws and by-laws, and carried out in certain directions and forms. Achieving this goal involves setting and solving such a research task as analysing the main trends in the development of local self-government at the present stage, forms, and mechanisms of interaction between local self-government bodies and the bodies of the state power structure of a subject of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on the one hand, and the local population at the regional level, on the other. The study used both general scientific methods of research (logical analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, abstraction and descent from the abstract to the concrete, and the method of identification) and private (so-called traditional) methods of social sciences (the method of structural and functional analysis, and the institutional method). The conclusion of the study is the argumentation of the position that in Azerbaijan, as in other post-Soviet countries, the problem of relations between state and municipal authorities is quite relevant since local self-government has always been an attribute of a democratic society and a form of self-organisation of the population to solve local problems. In addition, local self-government in Azerbaijan is recognised as an equal and independent form of government, which is also confirmed by the results of the study. The study also substantiates specific proposals for improving the functioning of the local self-government system in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which will contribute to increasing the efficiency of its implementation at the regional level.

Beyond Methods: Theoretical Underpinnings of Triangulation in Qualitative and Multi-Method Studies”

Abstract This paper explores the “triangulation approach” in social science research methods. Triangulation is an emerging method specifically in qualitative and multi-method studies. Researchers in the social sciences have increased their use of the triangulation approach recently due to the merits of this approach, especially to conduct in-depth studies through multiple inquiries. Simultaneously, this method has criticism and misconceptions among social researchers in terms of what it is, how it can be used, and the credibility of the findings when used. Therefore, this paper analyses in depth what triangulation is, the types of triangulations and how they can be applied in the social sciences. The study basically adopted systematic literature review and used 30 articles published in scientific journals. The paper critically reviewed journal articles related to triangulation, revealed how different types of triangulation methods have been applied in the social sciences and highlighted the merits and cautions of applying this method. The paper theoretically contributes to understanding the phenomenon of the triangulation approach and how it connects with qualitative and multi-method studies. In addition, it revealed that the following data collection techniques from multiple sources can be exploited: in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, literature, documents, and surveys on the triangulation method to improve the credibility and reliability of the research. Furthermore, the study empirically contributes to social science researchers applying this approach with proper understanding.

Looking beyond waves and datasets: “cultures of terrorism” and the future of history in terrorism studies

ABSTRACT Frequent observations about the lack of historical work in terrorism studies pose questions about history’s place – and its relevance even – in the field. Why have historians largely failed to engage with terrorism studies? And why have terrorism studies scholars generally failed to engage with history? This article suggests that the dominance of social scientific research methods, the quest for “rules” and models, and the prizing of quantitative data in terrorism studies, combined with historians’ own reluctance to foreground the contemporary relevance of their work, have led to the underrepresentation of history. It calls on historians to demonstrate the value of qualitative research methods to notions of contemporary terrorist violence using a “cultures of terrorism” approach in the context of Critical Terrorism Studies.