Social Science Research Methods

Running head: SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS
Social Science Research Methods
Student’s name:
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1SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS
Table of Contents
A) Introduction................................................................................................................................2
i) Selection of topic......................................................................................................................2
ii) Theoretical and conceptual background of research...............................................................2
iii) Research objectives................................................................................................................4
iv) Research Questions................................................................................................................4
B) Qualitative Research Design.......................................................................................................5
i) Research sites and informants..................................................................................................5
ii) Data collection process and strategies.....................................................................................6
iv) Data analysis techniques........................................................................................................7
C) Quantitative Research Design.....................................................................................................7
Empirical research question.........................................................................................................7
Hypothesis...................................................................................................................................7
i) Research design........................................................................................................................8
ii) Sampling.................................................................................................................................9
iii) Measurement........................................................................................................................10
D) Concluding remarks..................................................................................................................11
i) Anticipated findings...............................................................................................................11
ii) Potential limitations..............................................................................................................12

2SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS
Reference List................................................................................................................................13

3SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS
A) Introduction
i) Selection of topic
In recent time, the number of birth per woman in Singapore has declined from 5.8 to 1.2.
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has been decreasing since 1988 and the last year was the lowest
point. The topic of this study has been selected as the explanatory factors behind the declining
TFR in order to formulate policies and programmes to raise Singapore's TFR.
ii) Theoretical and conceptual background of research
Causes of low fertility rate in Singapore:
It has been noticed that Singapore has been experiencing a lower rate of growth in
population mainly the reason behind this low birth rate. The causes of lower birth rate are
various:
In recent economic condition, the people are marrying in later life and they are having a
child in the later stage of their lives. The reasons behind this probably the women are now
focusing more on career and they are now receiving degrees. Women cannot have babies in the
later age of their lives as the biological issues. Moreover, in Singapore, people love to stay single
and there are fewer families. Hence, the birth rate has been falling, as a result of this, young
people in the Singapore population decreases. Women are no willing to settle down early in life
and they prefer more income and educational status. In recent time, the habit of smaller families
has been the preferences for the young couple and the reason behind this is the increasing
number of working women in Singapore. As stated by Cheung (2010), women find it difficult to
maintain the work-life balance, hence they choose fewer children.