University Research: Exploring Key Social Science Research Terms

This assignment provides definitions and explanations of several key terms used in social science research. It begins by defining 'theory' and its application. The assignment then moves on to explain 'methodology' and its role in scientific research. It also defines 'social position', illustrating its importance in research. The document further distinguishes between 'qualitative' and 'quantitative' methods, outlining their differences and applications. Various concepts are defined, including 'ontology', 'epistemology', and 'axiology', highlighting their roles in shaping research approaches. The assignment also covers ethical considerations in research, explaining 'ethical research' and 'nonmaleficence'. The assignment includes a reference list, providing sources for further study.

Running head: SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH TERMS
Social Science research terms
Name of the students:
Name of the university:
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SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH TERMS
Table of Contents
Theory..................................................................................................................................2
Methodology........................................................................................................................2
Social position.....................................................................................................................2
Qualitative............................................................................................................................2
Quantitative method.............................................................................................................3
Ontology..............................................................................................................................3
Epistemology.......................................................................................................................3
Axiology..............................................................................................................................4
Ethical research....................................................................................................................4
Nonmaleficence...................................................................................................................4
Reference List......................................................................................................................5

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SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH TERMS
Theory
Theory can be explained as a set of statements which are designed to explain certain facts
which are universally trusted and have been proved on a regular basis. With the help of the
implementation of a theory a certain fact can be easily stated. An example of a theory is: ‘If an
individual is born then they must die’. This is a universal truth and it applies to every individual
and it has been repeated and tested over the years (Haig 2018).
Methodology
Methodology can be defined as the term which can used to explain particular set of procedures
which are used by the researchers for applying in any kind of study or research. With the help of
methodology it becomes easy to conduct a research ion a particular topic (Nola & Sankey 2014).
The methodology section in science research explains the various process by the help of which
some research is conducted and the steps take. Some examples of methodology in a scientific
research are surveys and interviews.
Social position
With the help of social position in a research paper the position of a person in a society is
explained and the social hierarchy of an individual in a society is also explained. An example of
a social position in a research paper is: ‘13 percent of the population in the population sample
has been found to be paid a minimal wage which makes it hard for them to sustain their family’
(Kaplan 2017). Social position is very useful in a science research paper.
Qualitative
In a social science research, Qualitative research is the kind of research which helps in
collecting data and work with the data which are non-numerical. In general the qualitative

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SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH TERMS
research method is use to find meaning form the data which have been gathered. With the help of
this method the social states of the targeted population is understood inn a broad way (Ormston,
Spencer, Barnard & Snape 2014). An example of qualitative research: ‘Most of the people in the
sample data are corporate workers’.
Quantitative method
Quantitative method which is used in a science research method deals with the various
objectives measurements which include statistical, numerical analysis of the various data which
has been collected by making surveys, Questionnaires and various polls. With the help of
quantitative method a firsthand data is collected which makes the research paper more authentic
and appropriate (Bernard 2017).
Ontology
Ontology can be described as the process by the help of which a look at the various thing
so the collected data is taken and then they are used as the main basis of a research. If a proper
look is given to the data and a proper look is given to the process by the help of which these data
will be properly looked then good science research paper can be conducted. An example of
Ontology is: ‘A physicist breaks down the available data in different categories and looks where
those data fit’.
Epistemology
With the help of this process the possibility, limitation in knowledge, nature of the
various sources from which the data have been collected are assessed. With the help of this
process a researcher classifies the various process by the help of which they can divide the

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different data under different categories (Kitchin 2014). An example of epistemology is: ‘A lie
can be called as truth since the lie is considered to be factual’.
Axiology
Axiology mainly depends on the aim of the research paper and the various process by the
help of which axiology is conducted is by looking at the various data which have been collected
for the condition of the scientific research. Axiology can also be defined as the philosophical
values of certain values. An example of Axiology are: ‘Studying the various ethics and the
religions’.
Ethical research
The research ethics which are followed for the conduction of a scientifically research
paper is help in making the paper as per the regulations. By the help of research ethics the
various values, norms as well as the arrangements of the institutions are followed. Research
ethics can also be described as the code for following the practices of morality of science. Some
of the examples of research ethics are: respecting human dignity, protecting the privacy and the
autonomy of the people who took part in the research.
Nonmaleficence
Nonmaleficence aids in understanding the various facts by the help of which no harm will
be done to anyone for the completion of the scientific research. With the help of Nonmaleficence
a proper ethical value will be followed and steps will be taken for proper implementation of the
research work which have been conducted. An example of Nonmaleficence is that when certain
medications are stopped for a patient which are found to be harmful to them.

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Reference List
Bernard, H. R. (2017). Research methods in anthropology: Qualitative and quantitative
approaches. Rowman & Littlefield.
Haig, B. D. (2018). An abductive theory of scientific method. In Method Matters in Psychology
(pp. 35-64). Springer, Cham.
Kaplan, A. (2017). The conduct of inquiry: Methodology for behavioural science. Routledge.
Kitchin, R. (2014). Big Data, new epistemologies and paradigm shifts. Big data & society, 1(1),
2053951714528481.
Nola, R., & Sankey, H. (2014). Theories of scientific method: an introduction. Routledge.
Ormston, R., Spencer, L., Barnard, M., & Snape, D. (2014). The foundations of qualitative
research. Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and
researchers, 2, 52-55.