A Review of Common Research Methodologies Used in Social Sciences
Keywords:
Interpretivism, Positivism, Pragmatism, Quantitative Research, Qualitative ResearchAbstract
This review will consider the research methodologies that are widely applied in the social sciences with a focus on their philosophical underpinnings, their use, their advantages, and their drawbacks. It addresses the issues of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research, and shows the role of each methodology in gaining the insight into the complex social phenomena. The review provides the description of the main data collection methods, such as the surveys, interviews, observations, and secondary data analysis, as well as the main ethical aspects of the research, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and safeguarding the vulnerable population. The latest developments in the form of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, digital ethnography, and open science practices are also discussed highlighting the necessity of growing flexibility of methods, rigor, and integration in modern social science studies.
References
[1] D. Stockemer, Quantitative Methods for the Social Sciences: A Practical Introduction with Examples in SPSS and Stata. 2019.
[2] R. Das, M. K. Tarafder, and N. Nahar, “Research Methods Persistent in Social Science Research,” Int. J. Innov. Sci. Eng. Technol., vol. 4, no. 10, 2017.
[3] W. De Klerk, M. C. Barnard, E. De Klerk, R. E. Toit, and J. Daniel-smit, “The Social Science Research Process: A New Model,” Open J. Soc. Sci., vol. 11, 2023, doi: 10.4236/jss.2023.1111010.
[4] P. Gangele and A. Kumar, “The Impact of Globalization on Business Strategies: A Systematic Review,” Int. J. Innov. Sci. Eng. Manag., vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 2775–2778, 2025, doi: 10.38124/ijisrt/ijisrt24may2044.
[5] Y. Fan, S. Lehmann, and A. Blok, “New methodologies for the digital age? How methods (re-)organize research using social media data,” Quant. Sci. Stud., vol. 4, no. 4, 2023.
[6] S. S. Babalola and C. L. Nwanzu, “The current phase of social sciences research: A thematic overview of the literature,” Cogent Soc. Sci., vol. 7, no. 1, 2021, doi: 10.1080/23311886.2021.1892263.
[7] D. K. Sethy, “Intersections of Philosophy and Social Science: Exploring their Inextricable Relationship,” Tattva – J. Philos., vol. 17, no. 1, 2025.
[8] S. Liu and J. Yan, “A typology of the interaction between research nature and analytical techniques: reflections on methodologies in social science research,” Int. J. Anthropol. Ethnol., vol. 9, no. 13, 2025.
[9] H. Mohajan, “Qualitative Research Methodology in Social Sciences and Related Subjects,” J. Econ. Dev. Environ. People, vol. 7, no. 1, 2018.
[10] M. M. H. Emon, “Research Approach: A Comparative Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies in Social Science Research,” Preprints.org, 2024, doi: 10.20944/preprints202412.1128.v1.
[11] D. C. Midamba, O. F. Ndolo, B. Chepkoech, J. A. Agbolosoo, F. O. Ouya, and A. Jjengo, “Data Collection Methods in Social Sciences: A Primer for Novice Researchers and Students,” South Asian J. Soc. Stud. Econ., vol. 22, no. 6, 2025.
[12] G. D. Miteu, “Ethics in scientific research: a lens into its importance, history, and future,” Ann. Med. Surg., 2024.
[13] H. K. Khan, “Ethical Considerations in Social Sciences: The Dilemmas of Informed Consent,” Res. J. Soc. Sci. Econ. Rev., vol. 2, no. 2, 2021.
[14] B. Mukherjee, “Perception of Ethical Considerations in Social and Humanistic Research: A Study with Scholars of Banaras Hindu University,” J. Libr. Inf. Technol., vol. 45, no. 3, 2025, doi: 10.14429/djlit.20459.
[15] D. R. Ussif, D. M. Ertuğrul, D. M. Coskun, and I. O. Baycan, “Research Methodologies: Qualitative Quantitative and Mixed Research Method in Social Sciences,” Int. J. Acad. Multidiscip. Res., vol. 4, no. 6, 2020.
[16] B. Bora, “Navigating New Horizons: Emerging Trends in Humanities & Social Sciences Research,” Poonam Shodh Rachna, vol. 3, no. Ii, 2024.
[17] L. S. Kumar, M. S. M, and M. A. S. M, “A Study on Emerging Trends in Social Sciences,” Int. J. Res. Publ. Rev., vol. 5, no. 6, 2024.
[18] C. Luitel, “Qualitative research in social sciences,” Econ. Rev. Nepal, vol. 8, no. 2, 2025.
[19] H. Cheong, A. Lyons, R. Houghton, and A. Majumdar, “Secondary Qualitative Research Methodology Using Online Data within the Context of Social Sciences,” Int. J. Qual. Methods, vol. 22, 2023, doi: 10.1177/16094069231180160.
[20] A. Ghanad, “An Overview of Quantitative Research Methods,” Int. J. Multidiscip. Res. Anal., vol. 06, no. 08, 2023, doi: 10.47191/ijmra/v6-i8-52.
[21] M. BOZKURT and F. ÖZTÜRK, “Qualitative Research in Social Sciences: A Research Profiling Study,” Educ. Policy Anal. Strateg. Res., 2022, doi: 10.29329/epasr.2022.248.13.
[22] A. Garad, I. N. Qamari, and A. Hartono, “Qualitative Research in Social Science Research: Paradigmatic, Methodological and Operational Debate,” Int. J. Creat. Res. Thoughts, vol. 8, no. 12, 2020.
[23] K. A. Sakyi, D. Musona, and D. G. Mweshi, “Research Methods and Methodology,” Adv. Soc. Sci. Res. J., vol. 7, no. 3, 2020.
[24] M. Patel and N. Patel, “Exploring Research Methodology: Review Article,” Int. J. Res. Rev., vol. 6, no. 3, 2019.
