Social Science Research Methods

Overview

Social science research encompasses a remarkably diverse methodological landscape. Beyond the familiar quantitative-qualitative divide lie specialized methods refined over decades within particular disciplinary traditions -- each carrying specific epistemological commitments, analytical procedures, and quality criteria. This skill covers advanced and specialized methods that go beyond introductory courses: discourse analysis in its multiple traditions, conversation analysis, quantitative content analysis, comparative methods including Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), process tracing, archival research, participatory and community-based research, the Delphi method and Q methodology, social network analysis, bibliometrics and scientometrics, systematic mapping reviews, and program evaluation and policy analysis.

It is designed for faculty and researchers across the social sciences -- sociology, political science, education, public health, communication, public policy, social work, and interdisciplinary fields. Many of these methods are also used in the humanities and applied fields such as management, urban planning, and international development.

The skill body below is a router: it states what each method is, when to reach for it, and where the full procedures, worked examples, and reference tables live. Detailed content has been split into the references/ files indexed at the end.

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to: