Researching the 'New Normal' Social World: Methodological Adaptations and Innovations Post-Pandemic

by R. Sooryamoorthy (Editor), Vivian Ojong (Editor)

Overview

This edited volume focuses on the changing research methodologies in social science research, prompted by the new social world'shaped by the pandemic. It explores adaptations and developments to meet the demands of transforming social circumstances and showcases innovative alternative approaches.

Featuring a range of international and interdisciplinary contributors who discuss the context of social science research in the "new normal", the book sets out the need to redesign research to address present-day challenges for the post-pandemic. Chapters share methodological innovations and demonstrate how applicable these new and adapted methodologies are to a world post-pandemic, discussing a wide range of innovative, digital-first research methods with practical analysis. The role of technology and its application in social science research during this transition is explored in particular, alongside new approaches to quantitative and qualitative research that feature innovations in ethnography, online data collection, and ethical protocols for research.

Ultimately offering a comprehensive exploration of adaptive and innovative social science research methodologies suited to the current social context, the book will be relevant to researchers, academics, and scholars in the fields of research methods, research technologies, and the sociology of education.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032478128
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/06/2025
Pages:	190
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

R. Sooryamoorthy is professor of sociology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal  and  is  a  research  fellow  at  the  DSI-NRF  Centre  of  Excellence  in  STI  Policy, Stellenbosch University.

Vivian Ojong is Professor and Dean of the School of Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Table of Contents

1. Researching the New Normal and Beyond: Methodological Adaptations and Innovations

2. Adapting Vintage Research Methods to New Realities: A Case Study from Ukraine

3. The New Normal of Online Survey Research: General Population Studies Are Going Online

4. Ethnographic Research: Developments and Challenges in the Post-Pandemic Era

5. The Adaptation of a Survey Research Regime to the COVID Period and Beyond

6. Remote Focus Groups as a New Normal: Reflections from the Pandemic

7. Design Thinking in Post-Pandemic Times: Methodologies to Understand Trustworthiness

8. Gathering Data Through Learning Analytics: Will This Methodological Adaptation for Understanding Student Engagement be a Panacea or a Panopticon?

9. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Research Ethics in Resource Poor Settings: Epistemic Injustice and Hermeneutical Exclusion

Afterword: The Way Ahead