1. Introduction

The rapid advancement of technology in recent years has transformed various sectors of academia, especially research in social sciences. In recognition of the growing importance of digital tools and resources in conducting and managing research, the Department of Sociology and the Department of Economics at C.K.B. College, Teok, organized a One Day Interdepartmental Workshop on "Use of ICT in Social Research" on 9th September 2024.

The workshop was led by Pranab Kumar Saikia , Assistant  Professor of the Department of Sociology , C.K.B. College, Teok. The workshop aimed to familiarize students and faculty members with the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in social research, a crucial component for conducting efficient, reliable, and timely research in today’s digitized world.

2. Objectives of the Workshop

The primary objectives of the workshop were:

• To introduce participants to the concept and relevance of ICT in social research.
• To demonstrate the various ICT tools and techniques available for conducting research in social sciences.
• To highlight the ethical concerns and challenges in using ICT for research purposes.
• To provide a hands-on experience in the use of certain key digital tools for data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• To encourage interdisciplinary dialogue between the departments of Sociology and Economics on the application of ICT in social research.

3. Inaugural Session

The workshop began with an inaugural session in which the Head of the Department of Sociology  of C.K.B. College, Teok, delivered an inspiring speech. He highlighted the importance of digital literacy in the contemporary academic environment, especially in the social sciences. The welcome address was delivered by the Head of the Department of Economics , who emphasized the need for students and researchers to adopt modern techniques for conducting research in order to keep pace with the global shift toward data-driven studies.

Following the welcome address, Dr. Rajkhowa was introduced as the key resource person for the day. His expertise and previous contributions to the field of ICT in research were highlighted, setting the stage for an engaging and informative session ahead.

4. Keynote Address by Dr. Binoybrot Rajkhowa

In his keynote address, Dr. Rajkhowa outlined the importance of ICT in social research, tracing its development from the early use of statistical software to the present-day reliance on sophisticated digital tools for data collection, storage, analysis, and dissemination. His talk provided an overarching view of the current trends in ICT that are revolutionizing how social scientists conduct their research, with examples of how technology has enabled more accurate, efficient, and inclusive research practices.

He further discussed how ICT can bridge the gap between theory and empirical data, allowing researchers to more easily test hypotheses, analyze large datasets, and present findings in accessible and engaging formats.

5. Session 1: Introduction to ICT in Social Research

The first session of the workshop delved into the basics of ICT in the context of social research. Dr. Rajkhowa explained that ICT includes not only hardware and software but also various services and applications that facilitate research activities. He highlighted the growing importance of big data, data analytics, and data visualization in social research, as these tools provide deeper insights and allow researchers to observe patterns that were previously difficult to detect.

Subtopics covered in the session included:

• The role of ICT in modern research: Dr. Rajkhowa explained how ICT allows for faster data collection, storage, and retrieval.
• Digital research tools: He introduced commonly used tools such as SPSS, R, NVivo, and Google Forms for quantitative and qualitative research.
• ICT for literature review and citation management: Dr. Rajkhowa also touched upon the use of tools like Mendeley, Zotero, and EndNote to manage references and streamline the literature review process.

By the end of the session, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of how ICT underpins the research process from start to finish, making research more systematic, organized, and scalable.

6. Session 2: Data Collection Using ICT

The second session of the day focused specifically on data collection methods using ICT tools. Dr. Rajkhowa demonstrated how the traditional methods of surveys, interviews, and observations are increasingly being conducted using digital platforms and tools, making the process faster and more reliable.

He introduced various data collection methods such as:

• Online surveys: Using tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, and Qualtrics to collect data quickly and efficiently from large samples.
• Mobile-based data collection: The use of apps like ODK (Open Data Kit) and KoboToolbox to collect data in field settings, especially in remote areas.
• Social media and digital ethnography: Dr. Rajkhowa explained how social media platforms and other digital spaces have become rich sources of data for sociologists, economists, and other social scientists. He provided case studies where researchers used social media analytics to track public opinion, behavior patterns, and trends.

The session also touched upon ethical considerations such as data privacy, informed consent, and security challenges when using digital tools for data collection.

7. Session 3: Data Analysis Using ICT Tools

In the third session, Dr. Rajkhowa covered the application of ICT tools for data analysis. He provided an overview of the various software available for analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses.

Key tools discussed included:

• SPSS and R: Dr. Rajkhowa demonstrated the use of SPSS for statistical analysis and R for more complex data analysis tasks. He explained how these tools allow for rigorous testing of hypotheses, statistical modeling, and interpretation of data in social research.
• NVivo: A qualitative analysis software that helps researchers organize, code, and analyze qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Dr. Rajkhowa introduced the use of GIS technology for spatial data analysis, showing how it can be used in both sociology and economics for mapping social trends, economic development, and demographic changes.

The hands-on demonstrations enabled participants to visualize how data is transformed into meaningful insights through the use of ICT tools, making this session particularly engaging.

8. Hands-on Workshop: Practical Application of ICT Tools

A hands-on session was organized where participants had the opportunity to apply what they learned by working on a set of real-world data. Under the guidance of Dr. Rajkhowa, participants:

• Designed a simple online survey using Google Forms.
• Collected sample responses from peers.
• Imported the data into SPSS and performed a basic statistical analysis.
• Visualized the results using data visualization tools such as Tableau.

This interactive session allowed students and faculty to develop a practical understanding of the concepts discussed earlier in the day. It also provided them with the confidence to apply these tools in their own research projects.

9. Discussion on Ethical Issues in ICT-based Research

In a special session, Dr. Rajkhowa addressed the ethical dimensions of using ICT in social research. He emphasized the need to ensure that research participants' privacy and confidentiality are maintained. With the growing reliance on digital tools, there is also an increased risk of data breaches and misuse of sensitive information. To combat these challenges, Dr. Rajkhowa stressed the importance of:

• Informed consent and transparency in data collection.
• Data anonymization techniques to protect participant identities.
• Cybersecurity measures to safeguard research data from unauthorized access or hacking.

This session was particularly valuable for students planning to conduct primary research, as it highlighted the importance of ethical research practices in the digital age.

10. Participant Feedback

The workshop concluded with an open discussion where participants shared their reflections on the day’s events. Many students appreciated the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with ICT tools, while faculty members noted the importance of incorporating such tools into the curriculum to ensure that students are well-prepared for future research endeavors.

Some feedback from participants included:

• A sociology student: "The workshop opened my eyes to the various digital tools that can help make research more efficient. I especially found the session on online data collection very useful."
• An economics faculty member: "I’ve used SPSS before, but the introduction to R was new to me. I’m excited to explore its potential in future projects."

11. Conclusion and Vote of Thanks

The workshop ended with a formal vote of thanks from a faculty member of the Department of Economics. He thanked Dr. Rajkhowa for his insightful and interactive sessions, the organizing team for their hard work, and the participants for their enthusiastic participation. The success of the workshop underscored the importance of ICT in academic research and its potential to transform how social research is conducted in the 21st century.