Social Science Research: Theories, Models, and Empirical Analysis

Abstract of the talk

This presentation covers the theoretical, methodological, and empirical aspects of social science research, especially from the perspective of young research scholars. It starts with a discussion on the nature, rationale, features, and types building blocks of social science theories. After an analytical description of three broad types of models, i.e., simple, interactive, and path-based models, the presentation provides concrete illustrations, particularly for the interactive and path-based models using a few empirical case studies. These illustrative case studies will show how to conceptualize, operationalize, and empirically evaluate the research problems in different contexts. The presentation, finally, concludes with the discussion on some of the additional methodological, practical, and data-related aspects of importance in social science research.

About the Speaker

Prof. Rathinasamy Maria Saleth is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor, Department of Economics, SLASS, SRMS-AP. His is regularly affiliated as an Honorary Professor, Madras School of Economics, Chennai.