Srinagar: A week-long workshop on research methodology in social sciences started at the University of Kashmir on Wednesday.
Dean Academic Affairs Prof Farooq A Masoodi was the chief guest at the inaugural session of the online workshop, organised by the varsity’s Department of Sociology to acquaint young research scholars with the importance of research methodology and its various aspects and tools.
In his presidential address, Prof Masoodi said it’s important to see each and every dimension of a research problem while formulating a research plan.
“Every research has a social dimension. It is important to see whether the problem that we choose for research has a social relevance or not. In this context, today’s workshop carries a lot of importance to help young scholars understand these critical aspects of research, especially the all-important methodology,” he said.
KU Registrar Dr Nisar A Mir, who was a guest of honour on the occasion, said the university is committed to boost its research by way of augmenting the infrastructure and putting in place all requisite facilities for its research scholars from different disciplines.
“We are aligning our research plans in line with the objectives envisaged in the new National Education Policy-2020. There will be a greater focus on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research for better research outcomes,” he said, congratulating the Department of Sociology for organising the workshop which will help young researchers to sharpen their research skills.
In his keynote address, renowned sociologist Prof Paramjit Judge said social science research is based on different conceptual premises, where all the concepts are essentially contested concepts.
“Research methodology is the science of methods which is employed to attain our objectives to produce knowledge through research. We must have data for that and that data we have to collect from different sources,” he said, asserting that apart from other aspects, the authenticity of data and review of literature are very important for research, to begin with.
In his message to young scholars, he said: “Pursue your research with passion, and never get let down by anything. Focus on authenticity and sincerity while undertaking your research.”
In her welcome address, Prof Anisa Shafi, Head, Department of Sociology, said that research methodology is important to have a clear focus on both the course of research as well as the final outcome.
“This workshop has been diligently planned to help develop foundational knowledge of young scholars about different aspects of research, including exploring different dimensions and paradigms of research and also provide them hands-on training on enhancing their ability to undertake independent research,” she said.
She said the participants would be taught on how to use different open source tools in accomplishing their targeted research outcomes by learning different guiding rules and procedures, collection of data and how to make careful and meaningful analysis.
Ms Shmeem Nazir conducted proceedings of the workshop while Dr Farah Qayoom presented a formal vote of thanks.