by Cl. Avil Correa
NASHIK-MAHARASHTRA, MARCH 3, 2014: A seminar on Social Research Methodology was conducted at Divyadaan for the students of 
Second Year Bachelors of Philosophy on the 24th and 25th February, 2014. The facilitator for the same was Miss. Marina D’Costa who works at Don Bosco Research Centre, Matunga.
The first session began at 9:00 am at Fr. Vincent Vaz Hall in the Academic Block during which the concepts and the jargon typical to Social Research Methodology was explained lucidly with the help of various examples. This included the meaning of research, social research, its definition, types of research methods, data types, sampling and sampling methods, case study and its two basic types.
Apart from the basic explanation which was provided, the sessions were interactive because of the exchange of question and answers during the session, the facilitator helped the brothers prepare an interview schedule based on a particular theme. There were three groups made and each of them intended to know the health problems faced by the auto rickshaw drivers in Nashik, to know the saving mentality of vendors and the perception of education and employment of domestic workers respectively.
After lunch the three groups parted ways and conducted the research. They returned in about two hours and then evaluated their research by presenting a report. Thereafter, a session based on the importance of research from the Salesian point of view was conducted. This proved to be one of the most thought provoking sessions since the facilitator posed a challenge on making a research of the needs before carrying out a particular activity. In the evening an evaluation of each student was conducted by means of viva and a written report of the interview schedule was also submitted by the brothers.
The next day’s session consisted of a discussion of ethics in social research. Thereafter two models for specific research were also proposed. Apart from the seminar, on request Ms. Marina also shared her journey towards embarking on her vocation which she calls ‘Dialogue for change’. Based on this concept of a need for dialogue in order to live in a better world, she also shared her achievements in the philanthropic endeavour. This was a result of the application of research in her field of interest.
It was this her genuine sharing that challenged the students to live a more committed life by reflecting and applying what one has learnt in his/her own life. Thus this seminar was indeed a fruitful and a challenging event.
Second Year Bachelors of Philosophy on the 24th and 25th February, 2014. The facilitator for the same was Miss. Marina D’Costa who works at Don Bosco Research Centre, Matunga. The first session began at 9:00 am at Fr. Vincent Vaz Hall in the Academic Block during which the concepts and the jargon typical to Social Research Methodology was explained lucidly with the help of various examples. This included the meaning of research, social research, its definition, types of research methods, data types, sampling and sampling methods, case study and its two basic types.
Apart from the basic explanation which was provided, the sessions were interactive because of the exchange of question and answers during the session, the facilitator helped the brothers prepare an interview schedule based on a particular theme. There were three groups made and each of them intended to know the health problems faced by the auto rickshaw drivers in Nashik, to know the saving mentality of vendors and the perception of education and employment of domestic workers respectively.
After lunch the three groups parted ways and conducted the research. They returned in about two hours and then evaluated their research by presenting a report. Thereafter, a session based on the importance of research from the Salesian point of view was conducted. This proved to be one of the most thought provoking sessions since the facilitator posed a challenge on making a research of the needs before carrying out a particular activity. In the evening an evaluation of each student was conducted by means of viva and a written report of the interview schedule was also submitted by the brothers.
The next day’s session consisted of a discussion of ethics in social research. Thereafter two models for specific research were also proposed. Apart from the seminar, on request Ms. Marina also shared her journey towards embarking on her vocation which she calls ‘Dialogue for change’. Based on this concept of a need for dialogue in order to live in a better world, she also shared her achievements in the philanthropic endeavour. This was a result of the application of research in her field of interest.
It was this her genuine sharing that challenged the students to live a more committed life by reflecting and applying what one has learnt in his/her own life. Thus this seminar was indeed a fruitful and a challenging event.