Part 1: Overview of Social Science Research Methods

Chapter 1: Scientific Study of Social Phenomena 3
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Social Phenomena and Scientific Research 3
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The Meaning of Social Phenomena Research_3
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Causal Explanations in the Scientific Study of Social Phenomena_5
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Scientific knowledge and common sense knowledge_6
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Characteristics of Social Science Research Methods 9
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Methodological Monism and Dualism_9
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Core Elements of Social Science Research_11
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14 Different Classifications of Social Science Research Methods
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Case-based and law-establishing methods_14
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Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods_15
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Deductive and Inductive Methods_16
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Social Science Research Methods and Academic Writing 18

Chapter 2: What You Need to Know Before Doing Social Science Research 20
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Social Science and Causality 20
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Characteristics of Causal Explanations in the Social Sciences_20
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Criteria for Causality in Social Sciences_23
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The Importance of Control_26
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Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods 27
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General Classification of Research Methodologies_27
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Characteristics and Research Methods of Social Phenomena_27
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Progress in Social Science Research 29
4.
Study Design 32
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The Meaning and Content of Research Design_32
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Criteria for Choosing a Data Collection Method in Research Design_33
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Comparison of Data Collection Methods Based on Representativeness_34
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The Meaning and Importance of Quantification (Level of Measurement) in Research Design_35
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Overview of Various Data Collection Methods 37
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Survey_37
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Experimental Method_39
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Participant Observation and In-Depth Interviews_41

Chapter 3: Ethics to be Observed in Research 43
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Research and Ethics 43
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The Importance of Ethical Issues in Research_43
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The Meaning of Research Ethics_45
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Ethics Related to Research Subjects 46
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The issue of consent from research subjects_46
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Human Rights Protection Issues, Invasion of Research Subjects' Privacy_49
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Ensuring the Safety and Welfare of Research Subjects_51
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53 Research Ethics to Consider at Each Research Stage
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Research Ethics to Consider During Research Topic Selection_53
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Research Ethics to Consider During Data Collection_55
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Research Ethics to Consider During Data Analysis_56
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Research Ethics to Consider During the Results Presentation Stage_58
4. IRB and Research Ethics Approval 60
A. Understanding the IRB_60
B. Research Ethics Review Process at the IRB_60


Part 2: The Practice of Social Science Research

Chapter 4: Basic Knowledge for Social Science Research 70
1.
Concepts and Hypotheses 70
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Conceptualization and Concept_70
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The Reification of Concepts: Measuring What Actually Is_72
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Hypothesis 73
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Variable 74
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Meaning of Variables_74
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Types of Variables_75
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Relationships Between Variables: Correlation and Causality_77
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Measurement Levels and Statistical Techniques of Variables 80
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Variable Properties and Measurement_80
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Classification and Characteristics of Measurement_80
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Measurement Levels of Variables and Measurement Levels of Statistics_83
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Considerations Related to Research Subjects 83
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Unit of Analysis Problem_83
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The Problem of Representativeness: Population and Sample Selection_86

Chapter 5: Choosing a Research Topic 88
1.
Selection of research topic 88
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Difficulties in Selecting a Research Topic_88
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Research Topic Selection Process_89
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The Importance of Reading in Selecting a Research Topic 92
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Exploratory Reading_93
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Reading to Support the Researcher's New Claim_94
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Logic 96 for Finding New Research Topics
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Developing new research topics by supplementing the weaknesses of existing theories_96
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Expanding the Scope of Theory to Create New Research Topics_98
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Creating new research topics by narrowing the scope of theory application_100
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Creating a new research topic by combining explanatory factors from existing theories_102
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Applying new research methods or changing research subjects_102
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Re-examining existing research_103
4.
104 Practicalities of Setting a Research Topic
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Scope of Research Topic_104
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Expressing vague thoughts in writing_104
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Asking Various Questions_104
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Creating an Outline_105
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Maintaining Consistency in Research Topics_106
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After a long break, it's time to write your thesis again_106

Chapter 6: Review of Previous Research and Establishment of Research Model and Hypotheses 107
1.
Review of Previous Research 107
2.
Structure of the Research Model 111
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What is a research model?_111
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The Meaning of Research Models_111
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Contents and Structure of the Research Model_112
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The Significance of Research Models_117
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Hypothesis Setting 118
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Hypothesis_118
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Conditions for the Establishment of a Causal Hypothesis_118
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Hypothesis Evaluation Criteria_119
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Requirements for a Hypothesis_119

Chapter 7: The Quantification Process: Operationalization, Indices, and Scales 122
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Operationalization Process 123
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Hypothesis Stage 123
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Operational Definition and Segmentation_124
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Dimensions and Indicators_127
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Things to keep in mind in operational definitions_132
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Reliability and Validity of Measurement Tools 134
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Reliability_134
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Validity_136
3.
Index and Scale 138
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Meaning of Exponents and Scales_139
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Similarities and Differences Between Exponents and Scales_140
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Types of Scales_141

Chapter 8: Filling Out the Questionnaire 146
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Questionnaire Components 146
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Questionnaire Guide_147
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Question _150
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Question structure 152
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Points to note for clarifying the content of the question_152
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Question Type_157
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Recommendations Regarding Question Format_163
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Recommendations for Question Placement_167
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Using Existing Questionnaires in Questionnaire Creation 168
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Understanding the Existing Questionnaire_168
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Precautions when using existing questionnaires_169
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Complete the questionnaire by correcting errors 171
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Modifying the Questionnaire with Expert Advice_171
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Revising the Questionnaire Through Pilot Research _171

Chapter 9: Sampling and Sampling Methods 173
1.
Understanding Sampling 173
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Basic Concepts of Sampling Surveys_173
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The Meaning and Reason for Sampling_176
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Theoretical Basis of Sample Surveys: Principles of Inferential Statistics_178
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Sample representativeness problem 179
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The Meaning of Representation_179
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Why Representation Matters_179
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Understanding Sampling Methods 181
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Probability Sampling Methods_182
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Nonprobability Sampling Methods_186
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The Practices and Problems of Sampling in Research 188
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Sampling Procedures and Considerations_188
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Considering Sampling Error and Non-Sampling Error in the Sampling Process_190
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Considering the Difference Between Theory and Practice in Sampling_191

Chapter 10: Data Collection in Survey Research 194
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Meaning and Types of Data 194
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Meaning of Data_194
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Primary and Secondary Sources_195
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Cross-sectional and longitudinal study data_196
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How to Collect Data Yourself 203
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Self-administered survey method: Using mail_203
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Research Methods Using Interviewers_208
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Telephone Survey Method_211
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Internet Research Methods_213
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Data Collection Using Secondary Sources 214
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How to Obtain Data from Previous Research_215
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Pros and Cons of Using Secondary Sources_215
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Points to Consider When Using Secondary Sources_216
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Guide to Research Institutions Where Secondary Data Can Be Obtained_217

Chapter 11: Data Analysis and Interpretation 219
1.
Analysis of Quantitative Data 219
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What you need for data analysis_220
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Steps in General Data Analysis_221
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Things to keep in mind when analyzing data_227
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The Logic of Data Analysis: Principles of Hypothesis Testing 228
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Generalization and Interpretation of Research Results 229
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The Importance of Representativeness in Generalization_230
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The Need for Interpreting Research Results_231
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What to include in the interpretation of research results_232


Part 3: Writing Social Science Research Papers (Reports)

Chapter 12: Writing a Research Plan for a Survey Study 237
1.
The Meaning and Structure of a Research Plan 237
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The Meaning of a Research Plan_237
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Characteristics of a Research Plan_238
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Structure of a Research Plan_239
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Key Contents of the Research Plan 240
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Research Title and Table of Contents_240
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Expected Research Table of Contents_243
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Introduction: Problem Awareness and Research Topic_244
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Theoretical Background_247
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Research Methods: Research Subjects, Data Collection Methods, Analysis Methods_249
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Expected Research Results_250
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References and Appendix_250
3.
Dissertation Review and Dissertation Research Plan 251
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The Meaning of Paper Review_251
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Questions and Solutions About Writing a Research Proposal_252
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Progress of thesis review_254

Chapter 13: How to Write a Thesis and Final Report (Report) 260
1.
Basic Understanding of Papers 260
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What is a thesis?_260
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What should be emphasized in a thesis?_261
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Citing Other People's Works in Your Paper_263
2.
How to Structure and Write a Dissertation 266
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Thesis Structure_266
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How to Write a Dissertation_268
3.
How to Structure and Write a Research Report 270
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Considerations When Writing a Research Report_271
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Structure of a Research Report_271
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Tips for Writing a Specific Research Report_272
4.
How to Structure and Write a Report 273
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Things to keep in mind when selecting a topic_273
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Elements a Report Should Have_274
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How to Structure and Write a Report_275
Part 4 Experimental Methods

Chapter 14: Principles and Understanding of Experimental Design 279
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The Significance of Experimental Design 279
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Fundamentals of Experimental Methods_279
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Typical Experimental Design_280
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Evidence that experimental designs meet the criteria for causality_285
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Validity Issues in Experimental Research 286
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Internal Validity_286
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Factors that Undermine Internal Validity_286
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External Validity_291

Chapter 15: Experimental Methods in Practice 293
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Type 293 according to experimental situation
go.
Laboratory Experiment_293
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Field Experiment_294
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Natural Experiment_296
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Type 297 according to experimental design
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True Experimental Design_297
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Quasi-experimental design_297
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Pre-experimental design_298
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The Reality of True Experimental Design 299
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Pre- and Post-Test Control Group Design_299
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Post-test control group design_301
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Solomon's Four-Group Design_303
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Quasi-experimental design in practice 305
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Nonequivalent Control Group Design_305
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Simple Gap Time Series Design_306
5.
310 Reality of Pre-Experimental Design
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Single Session Single Case Study_310
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Non-exposed group comparison_311
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Single-Group Pre-Posttest Design_312


References / 314
Search / 316

The authors of this book have taught social science research methodology for a long time at their respective undergraduate and graduate schools, and have also supervised master's and doctoral theses, experiencing their own difficulties and regrets.
First of all, the biggest difficulty was finding suitable teaching materials that could be used while teaching students.
There are many research methodology books available both domestically and internationally, but some are too extensive and difficult to use as textbooks, and some have parts that do not match the content that students are trying to teach, making it difficult to find a suitable textbook.
In addition, in order to learn research methodology and apply it in actual research, it is necessary to acquire various experiences that can be used in research methods in addition to learning the principles and techniques that can be learned from books. However, I experienced that it is not easy to explain these things in detail through lectures or thesis guidance.
While overcoming these difficulties, we were thinking that it would be good to have a textbook that students could easily understand and learn while reading, and that would also allow them to learn the various experiences necessary for conducting actual research. By chance, we had an opportunity to discuss this together, and the authors agreed to write a book on social science research methodology together.

We wrote this book with the following points in mind:
First, I tried to write the content as simply as possible.
There are many books on social science research methodology on the market, but most of them are difficult to understand. People who know research methodology can understand the book by reading it, but students who are not familiar with the methodology often find it very difficult to understand the content even if they read the book.
Accordingly, I agreed with the need for a book that even students who are not familiar with research methodology can read and understand, and I wanted to write such a book.
Second, I wanted to structure the book according to the flow of research.
Existing methodology books cover too much content in a single book, encompassing a wide range of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, making it difficult to grasp the flow of the research while reading.
Accordingly, this book assumes that a study will be conducted after acquiring the basics of research, and each chapter is written according to that flow, allowing for a natural understanding of the research process.
Third, the writing focused on quantitative research methods, especially survey methods.
If we were to introduce all research methods, it would be difficult to achieve a consistent structure due to the differences in the characteristics of the research methods. Therefore, we focused on quantitative research methods, which are relatively widely used in social science research.
In particular, the focus was on survey methods and the description was tailored to the research flow, but the experimental methods were introduced with a focus on principles and types in the last two chapters.
Fourth, this book focuses on helping students understand the content and process of overall research methods.
In other words, the focus was on making it an introductory book to social science research methodology.
Therefore, we excluded any details that were deemed overly detailed and focused on helping readers understand and grasp the overall flow of the research.
Additionally, to aid understanding, we have created a hypothetical representative case and applied it to the representative case according to the description of each research stage as if conducting a hypothetical study, thereby making it easier to understand the contents explained in the book.

Fifth, the authors tried to include in the book the experiences they had while conducting actual research.
To learn research methods and put them into practice, you need to learn directly from people with diverse research experience, not just from books or lectures.
In this book, we have tried to include as much of this content as possible.

With this goal in mind, the authors met several times to develop the outline of the book, decided on the content of each chapter, and then each author wrote the part they would write. This book was born through a process of returning and revising the manuscript.
In particular, we put a lot of effort and care into overcoming the limitations that arose from having three people writing the entire manuscript separately and ensuring the consistency of the manuscript.
I sincerely hope that this book will be of great help as an introductory text to social science research methodology for both students and teachers.