The Purpose of Research Essay
In the Essay:
- Explain how and why social research is used in sociology, social work, and/or justice studies.
- Explain how applied and basic research methods help further sociological knowledge.
- GCU believes that the work of the Christian is to further biblical principles related to goodness and justice in all career fields. Explain why it is important to understand ethics in research. How could Christian principles assist social science researchers to conduct research ethically?
This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies:
BS Sociology
- 2:1 Describe the role of research methods in furthering sociological knowledge.
Social research is an essential tool used in sociology, social work, and justice studies to understand and explain various aspects of social phenomena. It involves the use of scientific methods to collect and analyze data, which helps researchers to draw meaningful conclusions and generate new knowledge. For example, in sociology, social research is used to investigate social structures, social inequality, and social behavior patterns. In social work, research is used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and programs designed to address social issues. In justice studies, research is used to examine criminal behavior, the impact of policies and laws, and the effectiveness of the justice system.
Applied and basic research methods are two important approaches used in sociological research to further sociological knowledge. Applied research aims to address practical issues and problems by using research findings to develop and implement effective interventions and policies. For example, applied research may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a social program or policy and make recommendations for improvements. On the other hand, basic research aims to increase knowledge and understanding of social phenomena without necessarily having a practical application. Basic research can be used to develop new theories, concepts, and frameworks that can be applied to future research.
Ethics in research is important because it ensures that research is conducted in a responsible and respectful manner, which protects the rights and welfare of research participants. As Christians, it is essential to conduct research in a manner consistent with biblical principles related to goodness and justice. Christian principles such as respect for human dignity, justice, and compassion can assist social science researchers to conduct research ethically by guiding their decisions and actions. For example, a researcher may choose to prioritize the welfare of research participants over the advancement of knowledge if it aligns with their Christian values. Additionally, Christian principles can help researchers to approach research with humility and a willingness to learn from the perspectives and experiences of others.