INTRODUCTION

This module introduces different methodologies and methods used in population research. However, only some broad issues are covered; advanced techniques of research distinctively applied in population studies are beyond the scope of this module. At the end, an attempt is made to introduce various sources of data in India that are commonly used by demographers and sociologists working on population issues.

POSITIVISM AND PHENOMENOLOGY

Methodology refers to philosophy and logic of methods, methods to specific tools and techniques of research. Broadly speaking, there are two methodologies in sociology: positivist and phenomenological. Positivists assume that the social phenomena can be studied using tools and techniques of science. For them, objectivity and value neutrality are the hallmarks of science. Phenomenologists reject positivism and claim that human behaviour is not amenable to scientific treatment. In order to understand human behaviour sociologists must study subjective meanings and qualitative methodology is more suited for this.

In the past, social scientists working in the field of population studies in general and morbidity and mortality in particular, placed greater importance on quantitative methods such as survey and analytical methods. The shift in attention to AIDS epidemic, sexuality and empowerment has led to major changes in methodology. The reason is that researchers working on HIV/AIDS have to deal not only with estimation of incidence and prevalence rates but they also must explore the social representations of the virus, phenomenological issues in counselling, testing and care, effective intervention strategies and related policy issues.