Social Research Methods

A comprehensive skill for designing and conducting empirical social science research. Covers survey methodology, experimental design, qualitative methods, and mixed-methods approaches used across sociology, political science, and psychology.

Research Design Fundamentals

Selecting a Research Strategy

Research Question Type -> Recommended Design

"What is the prevalence of X?"     -> Cross-sectional survey
"Does X cause Y?"                   -> Randomized experiment or quasi-experiment
"How does X develop over time?"     -> Longitudinal panel study
"What does X mean to participants?" -> Qualitative (interviews, ethnography)
"How much of Y is explained by X?" -> Correlational / regression study
"Does the effect hold across contexts?" -> Comparative / cross-national study