Research Methods in Social Issues

Research Topics and Sources

• Social problems can be explored through various sources such as magazines, journals, and social media; an example topic is cyberbullying among senior high school students.
• Wide reading and critical film viewing encompass diverse materials, including books and documentaries; an example is the SONA project as an information campaign.
• Social networking effects can be analyzed using platforms like Facebook and Instagram during the pandemic.
• Replication research can be done via library compilations; a specific topic may address inadequacies in K to 12 implementations in private schools.
• Gray areas in phenomena such as COVID-19 vaccines can be investigated through lectures and seminars.

Narrowing Down a Research Topic

• Refine topics by elaborating on theories or discussing ideas with knowledgeable peers.
• Focus research on specific groups, such as students or teachers, to provide clarity.
• Define the study's aim, determining whether it is exploratory, explanatory, or descriptive, and whether it is applied or basic.
• Identify community situations for improvement, which can lead to relevant research questions.

Guidelines for Choosing a Research Topic

• Select topics of personal interest based on experiences to foster engagement.
• Ensure availability of sufficient sources for the chosen topic to support research.
• Prioritize timely and relevant topics with community significance.
• Adhere to limitations posed by educational directives when necessary.
• Assess personal resources, ensuring capabilities align with the research demands.

Topics to Avoid

• Highly controversial subjects may lead to bias; select neutral topics instead.
• Technical subjects requiring specific expertise should be avoided if lacking knowledge.
• Difficult-to-investigate topics may present challenges due to insufficient or outdated resources.
• Broad topics demand narrowing down to maintain focus and clarity.
• Too narrow subjects may require extensive reading beyond manageable limits.
• Vague topics with indefinite descriptors can lead to unclear research goals.

Sources for Research Topics

• Utilize mass media, including television and newspapers, as well as the internet for inspiration.
• Consider professional periodicals relevant to specific fields of study.
• Explore unexplored areas of interest for research opportunities.
• Ensure the research has practical implications for personal, educational, and community benefit.

Examples of Topic Narrowing

• General concept of early pregnancy can be specified to focus on senior high school students.
• Address preventative measures regarding early pregnancy among senior high school students.
• The broad topic of self-esteem can focus on introverts with specific remedies.
• Drug addiction may narrow to health hazards of vaping and subsequent interventions.
• Broader issues such as suicide can target suicidal teenagers in urban areas for detailed case studies.
• COVID-19 research may specify causes, prevention, and treatments relevant to the pandemic.

Formulating a Research Title

• A research title should capture the essence of the problem being explored concisely.
• It should encapsulate main thoughts and outline the variables involved in the study.
• Titles need to be informative yet succinct to effectively convey research objectives.

Explore various research methodologies for analyzing social problems, including cyberbullying and the effects of social media on youth. This quiz covers critical readings, replication research, and the impact of societal phenomena like COVID-19 vaccinations. Enhance your understanding of effective research strategies and topic refinement.