The Department of Sociology, Universitas Brawijaya (UB) held a Workshop on Research Design in The Social Sciences on Thursday (10/4/2025) in the Sociology Laboratory Room, 3rd Floor, Building B, FISIP UB.
This workshop presented UB Sociology Lecturer, Genta Mahardhika Rozalinna, S.Sos., M.A as a speaker. Genta discussed the steps in designing research and techniques for collecting field data through observation and in-depth interviews.
Opening the material presentation session, Genta said that designing research is not only about methods, but also concerns the depth of the researcher’s self-reflection on the topic being studied.
“The notes heard are beautiful, but the unheard are far more beautiful, therefore sing,” he said, quoting John Keats, an English poet, as a reminder that in social research, sensitivity to the unspoken is as important as the visible data.
In compiling a research design, according to him, a researcher needs to prepare two main things, namely substance and technique. In terms of substance, a deep understanding of the research topic is an absolute requirement before going into the field.
Researchers must be able to determine who they are discussing with, why the person is important, and how to access credible references. In fact, considerations such as whether the source can be accessed for free or for a fee are also part of the planning.
Genta also encouraged participants to break down research results into popular writings so that they can be accessed more widely, not just for personal or academic consumption.
From a technical perspective, planning research time and costs is an important component. Researchers are asked to be realistic in measuring whether research can continue or needs to be postponed.
“If your informant is hard to find, don’t chase them for months. Your time is limited, your resources are also limited. Evaluate and rearrange your plan,” he said, giving practical advice to students who are in the process of developing research.
Furthermore, Genta explained that observation and in-depth interviews are not only about technique, but also about reflective awareness. In social research, researchers are never completely neutral.
The social position, identity and values of the researcher can influence the research process, including the responses of the subjects being observed or interviewed. Therefore, it is important for researchers to continue to ask, “Who am I in this context?” and “Does my presence change the situation being observed?”
He also said that observation and interview skills will be further honed if researchers are accustomed to contemplating. Reflecting on one’s own experiences and comparing them with social objects consciously can help deepen perspective.
With a sociological way of thinking, research skills can become part of everyday life, not limited to those who choose to become professional researchers.
This workshop is a reflective learning space that brings together technical and ethical aspects in research. The enthusiasm of the participants shows that the need to understand research in depth is still very relevant, especially amidst the complexity of social phenomena that continue to develop. (Atho- FISIP PR/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
