Talk to sociologists or other social scientists to find leads that one can explore and to avoid duplication.

In a social research, one begins with a hunch or hypothesis. Hypothesis is a preposition or assumption stating what is to be resolved. Facts can proved to be true or false. Among the sources of hypothesis are common sense, ideas, folk knowledge, personal and social experiences, values, and even theory. Hypothesis refers to specific statements of relationship of two or more observable social phenomena. 3. Plan the research design Research design includes the subject of the study, the method of conducting the research, and the specific techniques for collecting data. The research design is a kind of strategy or blueprint for an efficient and effective way of carrying out of research. Methods of social research may be classified as qualitative and quantitative. The quantitative method makes use of statistics and mathematics in studying social life. The qualitative method refers to research techniques that are descriptive and enables one to secure a subjective understanding, interpretation and meaning of social behavior. 4. Gather the data In order to meet the fundamental aim of sociological inquiry, a more immediate goal is to simulate a model that can be shown to correspond to certain principles. The researcher also chooses the techniques to identify and record the data to be studied. Data gathering is an important part in the research process, it is time consuming but essential to gather information which forms the basis for the conclusion. 5. Analyze the data This involves testing the hypothesis or answering questions or assumptions using the data gathered. Reliability and validity are major issues. Sociologists have to ascertain that what is being measured is actually the phenomenon in which they are interested. Test of validity refers to the accuracy by which the research measures what is intended to measure. Reliability is the consistency in results yielding by a study or research instrument. 6. Formulate the conclusion After analyzing the data, the researcher formulates the conclusion. The hypothesis is either to accept, reject, or modified. The researcher may link their work to other bodies of knowledge and theories. A theory is formulated. A theory is a statement of the logical relationships between facts; it is a set of interconnected concepts and propositions presenting a systematic view of phenomena, and provides direction for research. The theory helps to explain and predict the social world in which we live in. 7. Check or verify the result Further verification of findings is necessary. Assess the result and make adjustments or correction, as needed. 8. Communicate the result to others The researcher results should not stay only with the researcher; they must be communicated to each other. The most common way to do this is to be published. The summarized results may also be published in the newspapers and magazines, or it may be published in book form. It may also be presented in sociology or social science conference or in school fora. METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN IN SOCIOLOGY 1. Experimental Method It is a method for studying the relation between