Synopsis The book highlights the difference between methodology and methods. It examines Inductive, Deductive, Retroductive and Abductive research as mutually exclusive strategies and its implications in research. Major methods of data collection, sampling, basic statistics used for data analysis and report writing have been discussed in detail. Information Technology with specific reference to social informatics as an emerging trend has been explored. Social Impact Assessment for evaluating various development projects has also been discussed. This book may be useful for students for UGC tests and UPSC examinations, Teachers, NGOs and Civil Servants in pursuit of comprehension with nuances about the nature of social research and its planning, execution and evaluation may find it useful and handy in a single book.