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Research Methods Assignment

The document distinguishes between social problems and research problems in social science, explaining that social problems are societal issues perceived as harmful, while research problems are specific gaps in knowledge that require systematic study. It emphasizes that social problems inspire research but become research problems only when framed as specific, investigable questions. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective social research, transitioning from general concerns to structured inquiries.

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3 views1 page

Research Methods Assignment

The document distinguishes between social problems and research problems in social science, explaining that social problems are societal issues perceived as harmful, while research problems are specific gaps in knowledge that require systematic study. It emphasizes that social problems inspire research but become research problems only when framed as specific, investigable questions. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective social research, transitioning from general concerns to structured inquiries.

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RESEARCH METHODS ASSIGNMENT

Name: Godwin Oblie


Index Number: 7975723

Distinguishing Between a Social Problem and a Research Problem

In social science, people often confuse a social problem with a research problem, but they
are not the same. A social problem is something in society that most people see as
harmful, unfair, or in need of attention like poverty, unemployment, crime, or gender
inequality. Babbie (2020) explains that social problems exist because society defines
them as important; they’re shaped by values and public concern rather than by academic
rules.

A research problem, on the other hand, is a gap or question in knowledge. Creswell and
Creswell (2018) describe it as something in the literature that hasn’t been fully answered
and needs systematic study. So while a social problem might inspire research, it only
becomes a research problem when it’s turned into a specific question that can actually be
studied.

Kerlinger and Lee (2000) highlight that this requires careful thinking and theory. For
example, poverty on its own is too broad to study, but asking how education affects
household income in rural areas is a researchable problem. Punch (2014) also makes this
clear: problems in the world are about real-life issues, while problems for research are
about analyzing and understanding patterns. Ritchie et al. (2014) add that social concerns
guide research, but the key is turning them into clear questions that can be investigated
properly.

In short, social problems give us the reason to research, while research problems give us
the focus. Recognizing the difference helps us move from general concern to structured
study, which is what social research is really about.

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