Certificate Course in Methods and Applications in Social Science Research (CCMASSR)

Two weeks Certificate Course in Methods and Applications in Social Science Research (CCMASSR)

Organised by
Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC),
Dr. V.K.R.V. Rao Road, Nagarabhavi, Bengaluru – 560072, India.

02^nd  September 2024 to 13^th  September 2024

About ISEC

The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) is an All-India Institute for Interdisciplinary Research and Training in the Social Sciences, established in 1972 by the late Professor V K R V Rao. It is registered as a Society under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, to create a blend of field-oriented empirical research and advances in social science theories leading to better public policy formulation. For more information, please visit ISEC Website https://www.isec.ac.in/

About

Research is an integral part of the growth and expansion of social sciences. Its importance is enhanced much more in the modern, globalized society where development has attained additional dimensions. Social Science Research faces the challenge to thoroughly equip itself to meet the ever-growing needs of the society that is transforming at a rapid pace. Often, demarcations (into rural, urban etc) are blurred by the advancement in technology and changing socio-economic scenario. Societal problems are assuming wide-ranging complexities. Under these circumstances, it is necessary to approach research from a preliminary and systematic understanding of the methods in social science research. It is an essential part of social science research and over a period of time, the methods have expanded enormously in their scope and application.
The Course in Methods and Applications in Social Science Research offered at ISEC is outlined with an inter-disciplinary approach. It attempts to combine the on-going theoretical and conceptual debates and paradigms in various disciplines that contribute towards an understanding of issues relating to research methods in the context of development of the various methods adopted in social sciences. Over a period of time, the methods have also expanded enormously in their scope and application. The present course attempts to combine the on-going theoretical and conceptual debates and paradigms in various disciplines that contribute towards an understanding of issues relating to research methods in the context of development.

Targeted Participants

This course is expected to be useful to researchers, trainers, administrators, policy makers and others affiliated with:

• Academic and higher educational institutions engaged in social science research.
• PG and Ph.D. scholars in social sciences
• Government and public administration
• Civil society organisations
• Corporate sector and consultancy firms
• Banks and other financial institutions and
• Other agencies undertaking research for policy formulation.

Course Structure

The course is structured as a two-week residential program with classroom instruction, assignments, hands-on experiences and presentations at strategic intervals.

Themes

• Nature of knowledge and theory: theoretical approaches to social science research.
• The art of doing research: selection of a research problem: research design; formulating hypotheses and indicators; methods of sampling and inference.
• Statistics and econometrics with hands-on experiences.
• Qualitative and quantitative methods; Ethnographic studies; case study; New advances in methods of social science research.
• Ethical and gender issues in social science research; Action Research.
  Interpreting research.
• Consolidation of research findings, research report and dissemination.
  Exposure of statistical packages like SPSS, STATA etc.
• Training on handling large scale data sets like NSSO Unit level data using SPSS and STATA

Approach

The course aims to empower the participants to better understanding of the broader processes of change within a research framework and to make an informed choice in conducting research by providing an orientation in multi-disciplinary approaches to understand and apply research methods. The objective of the course is to develop the capabilities of the participants in regard to theoretical and empirical aspects of Social Science Research. It aims to equip them with skills to pursue a topic of research of one’s choice by familiarizing themselves with the state-of-the-art methodologies against a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Resource Persons

The course will be taught by a team of competent resource persons drawn from both the institute and outside.

Course Fee

The Course fee includes lodging, boarding and course material – INR 18,000/- (eighteen thousand only) (with accommodation) and INR 12,000/- (twelve thousand only) (without accommodation). Applicants shall pay the fee through bank transfer (via Gpay) and you should fill the registration form given below in the end of the brochure.
If an applicant is unable to attend due to an emergency or unavoidable circumstance, the registration fee will not be refunded.

No. of applicants/candidates to be selected: 30 (Thirty)

How to Apply

The application form can be filled through the registration link given below. Also, you must upload a detailed CV in the google form. You don’t need to send any hard copy to the ISEC.A certificate of participation will be awarded to participants who achieve a minimum attendance of 80% and submit feedback for all technical sessions.

Tentative topics to be covered.

1. Nature of knowledge and theory: Theoretical approaches to social science research:
   • Lecture 1: Introduction to Epistemology and Ontology in Social Science Research
   • Lecture 2: Positivism vs. Interpretivism: Understanding Different Paradigms
   • Lecture 3: Structural Functionalism and Conflict Theory: Sociological Perspectives
   • Lecture 4: Feminist Theory and Critical Theory: Examining Power Dynamics
2. The art of doing research: Selection of a research problem, research design, formulating hypotheses and indicators, methods of sampling and inference:
   • Lecture 1: Identifying Research Gaps and Formulating Research Questions
   • Lecture 2: Research Designs: Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, and Non-Experimental
   • Lecture 3: Hypothesis Formulation and Operationalization of Variables
   • Lecture 4: Sampling Techniques and Principles of Inference in Social Science Research
3. E-Resources for Social Science Research:
   • Lecture 1: Introduction to E-Resources and Databases in Social Science Research
   • Lecture 2: Advanced Search Techniques on Platforms like JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost
   • Lecture 3: Utilizing Google Scholar and Social Science Research Network (SSRN) for Literature Review
   • Lecture 4: Accessing and Analyzing Data from CMIE, OECD iLibrary, and World Bank Open Knowledge Repository
4. Qualitative and quantitative methods; Ethnographic studies; case study; New advances in methods of social science research. Statistics and econometrics with hands-on experiences (using SPSS, STATA, RStudio, etc.):
   • Lecture 1: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods: Interviews and Focus Groups
   • Lecture 2: Ethnographic Studies: Participant Observation and Ethnographic Interviews
   • Lecture 3: Case Study Research: Design, Data Collection, and Analysis
   • Lecture 4: Introduction to Statistical Analysis: Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, and Econometric Models using Software Tools
5. Data visualization using Tableau, Power BI, Excel, etc.:
   • Lecture 1: Fundamentals of Data Visualization and Importance in Social Science Research
   • Lecture 2: Introduction to Tableau: Creating Interactive Dashboards
   • Lecture 3: Data Visualization in Excel: Advanced Techniques and Tips
   • Lecture 4: Power BI for Data Analytics and Visualization: Creating Reports and Visual Insights
6. Ethical and gender issues in social science research; Action Research:
   • Lecture 1: Ethical Considerations in Social Science Research: Informed Consent and Confidentiality
   • Lecture 2: Gender Bias and Inclusivity in Research: Addressing Bias and Stereotypes
   • Lecture 3: Introduction to Action Research: Principles and Applications in Social Science
   • Lecture 4: Empowering Marginalized Voices: Participatory Action Research Approaches
7. Interpreting research:
   • Lecture 1: Understanding Research Methodologies: Qualitative vs. Quantitative Approaches
   • Lecture 2: Critical Reading and Evaluation of Research Literature
   • Lecture 3: Analyzing Research Findings: Drawing Conclusions and Implications
   • Lecture 4: Communicating Research Results Effectively: Writing Research Reports and Presentations
8. Citation & Reference Management for Scholarly Writing:
   • Lecture 1: Importance of Citation and Referencing in Academic Writing
   • Lecture 2: Citation Styles: APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard
   • Lecture 3: Using Reference Management Software: EndNote/ Zotero/ Mendeley
   • Lecture 4: Avoiding Plagiarism: Proper Attribution and Citation Practices
9. Consolidation of research findings, research report, and dissemination:
   • Lecture 1: Synthesizing Research Findings: Data Analysis and Interpretation
   • Lecture 2: Structuring a Research Report: Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion
   • Lecture 3: Dissemination Strategies: Publishing in Journals, Presenting at Conferences, and Public Outreach
   • Lecture 4: Developing Effective Research Communication Skills: Writing for Different Audiences
10. Training on handling large-scale data sets like NSSO Unit level data like PLFS 2017 to 2022, Time Use Survey, 78th Round (Socio-Economic), IHDS, etc.:
    • Lecture 1: Introduction to Large-Scale Datasets in Social Science Research
    • Lecture 2: Data Preparation and Cleaning Techniques for Large Datasets
    • Lecture 3: Analyzing NSSO Unit Level Data: Techniques and Tools
    • Lecture 4: Interpreting and Visualizing Findings from Large Datasets: Case Studies and Applications
11. AI tools for writing your manuscripts:
    • Lecture 1: Introduction to AI in Academic Writing: Opportunities and Challenges
    • Lecture 2: Using AI for Literature Review and Summarization
    • Lecture 3: AI-Driven Writing Assistance Tools: Grammarly, ProWritingAid, etc.
    • Lecture 4: Harnessing AI for Data Analysis and Visualization: Hands-on Workshop with AI Tools

Mailing Address
Mailing Address (regarding any queries)

Dr. Thomas Felix K,
Assistant Professor, ADRTC, Room number 216,
Institute for Social and Economic Change,
Dr. VKRV Rao Road, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore 560072.
Email: ccmassr@isec.ac.in; Tel: 080-23215468

Chief Patron

Professor D Rajasekhar
Director
Institute for Social and Economic Change
Dr. VKRV Rao Road, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore 560072

Course Brochure (.pdf)

Registration link:

https://forms.gle/Ygh224DmtcwxQyN19
[Kindly do the registration on or before 15thJuly 2024, 5.30 p.m.]