Section 1: Social Science Research Methods

Course Content :

Section 1: Social Science Research Methods

Unit 1: Introduction to social science research methods relevant for analysis of environmental concerns. Understanding the research strategies, philosophies and methods of quantitative and qualitative research.

Unit 2: Qualitative Research methods and techniques: field work and ethnography, case study, crosscomparative,participatory research methods, resource assessment and social mapping/planning/audit.

Unit 3: Literature Review: Understanding the relevance and application of the literature review, including effective organizing and writing of material. Also, learning how to research online sources.

Unit 4: Quantitative Research Methods: sampling, questioner, interviews, participant observation, focus group discussion etc.; management and analysis in social sciences research.

Unit 5: Designing Research: elements of research proposal; developing research proposal; formulating research problems and questions; relevant techniques for formulating; formulating hypothesis

Unit 6: Understanding research ethics and field challenges.

Reading List

•Asia Forest Network (2002),Participatory Rural Appraisal for Community Forest Management. Tools and Techniques. Santa Barbara, California USA :Asia Forest Network. Available at:

•Bailey, A. C. (2007).A Guide to Qualitative Field Research. Thousand Oaks. Calif.

•Bailey, C. A., (1996), A Guide to Field Research, Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Pine Forge Press.

•Brewer, R. and McCann, M.T. (1982) Laboratory and Field Manual of Ecology, Saunders College Publishing.

•Bryman, Alan. (2012).Social Research Methods. New Delhi: OUP.

•Calheiros,D.F.,SEIDL,A.F.andFerreira,C.J.A.(2000)."Participatoryresearch methods in environmental science: local and scientific knowledge of a limnological phenomenon in the Pantanal wetland of Brazil",Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol. 37, Issue 4, pp. 684-696.Available at:

•Franklin,Alex (2011).Researching Sustainability: A guide to Social Science Methods, Practice and Engagement. London: Earthscan.

•Hackney, J. K.andWarren, C. A. B.(2000).Gender issues in ethnography. Sage Publications.

•Kothari,C. (2004). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques(second edn), New Age International Publishers: India

•Krishnaswamy, A. (2004). "Participatory Research: Strategies and Tools",Practitioner: Newsletter of the National Network of Forest Practitioners22: 17-22. Accessed at:

•Lawrence, W.Newman (2008).Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. New Delhi: Primus Books.

• Michael, P. (1984) Ecological Methods for field and laboratory investigation. Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi.

•Misra, R. (1968) Ecology Work Book, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Calcutta.

• Moore, P.D. and Chapman, S.B. (1986) Methods in Plant Ecology. Blackwell Scientific Publications.

• Mueller-Dombois, D and Ellenberg, H. (1974) Aims and Methods of Vegetation Ecology. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

•Pretty, N. J.(1995)."Participatory learning for sustainable agriculture",World Development,Vol. 23, Issue 8, August 1995, pp. 1247-1263

•Reinharz, S. and Davidman, L. (1992).Feminist Methods in Social Research. New Yord: OUP.

•Robson, C. (2002), Real World Research: A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner- Researchers, 2nd ed, Oxford, UK: Blackwell.

•Rodrigues, Dawn, and Raymond J. Rodrigues, (2003) The Research Paper: A Guide to Library and Internet Research, 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

•Ruane, J. (2005), Essentials of Research Methods: A Guide to Social Science Research, Oxford: Blackwell.

Mode of assessment

End Semester Examination:70% weightage

Assignment : 30 % weightage