This book is designed to introduce important methodologies, methods, and instruments of social investigation. Therefore, we explored some of the ideas and theoretical viewpoints surrounding the diverse ways of carrying out investigations (research), as well as offering practical and relevant examples and direction on how to plan, carry out, and execute research.

Social science researchers now embark on systematic and scientific gathering, investigation, and explanation of data for the purpose of providing solutions to many and varied problems of human society. This endeavor has resulted in the evolution of empirical (scientific) social science research when confronted with a more viable, vigorous and uncertain world. Therefore, knowledge of research techniques is vital since such skills assist people in the social world to comprehend, forecast, and manage internal and external environments. However, being a social investigator implies an investigator is academically competent in their field of endeavor. More so, classifying an area of investigation or research, collecting data or information, evaluating it and revealing the findings present the researcher with a series of problems that require solutions.

This book is, therefore, an attempt to present accurate methodological and procedural perspectives regarding how social science research can be handled. It is hoped that it will meet the needs of students (both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels) in our Faculty of Social Sciences and, also, members of the public in which empirical research plays an important role in their daily activities.