Behavioral and Social Sciences, Essay Example

Conducting research in the social sciences provides an important contribution to the scientific community. Publication in scientific journals benefits other research scientist in the accumulation of knowledge and prevents conducting investigative research that has already been accomplished.  It is important however that such information is clearly communicated and deals with factual data that can be evidenced.  Most journal articles are based upon original publications that are aimed at making an original contribution to knowledge.

Empirical Research is essentially an extension of Qualitative Research based upon the testing of a certain hypothesis and is valuable in social sciences because it embraces personal observations, questionnaires, interviews and is a structured research process.   Other research techniques include the composition of Literature Reviews, Quantitative research often embracing theoretical and methodological research.  Other research may be of a scientific or experimental nature and may incorporate case study analysis.

Most of the writing style for Psychology and Social studies follows the APA writing style and governed by an appropriate ethical code of writing style.  This involves the importance of not breaching original author copyright and plagiarism.  Authors have the responsibility to ensure their work is fit for publication which includes proper format, English Grammar and accuracy of the information that is presented.  The author is often responsible for signing a written agreement or contract with the Publisher indemnifying the publisher against plagiarism, breach of copyright or the presentation of erroneous or misrepresentative information. Ethical compliance is an important part of all written research reports and findings.  Sophisticated software applications are now available to help both research students and academics in order to prevent deliberate acts of plagiarism.