The Oxford in India Readings in Sociology and Social Anthropology comprise a set of volumes each on an important theme or sub-area within these disciplines. Along with authoritative introductions and sectional prefaces, each book brings together key essays that apprise readers of the current debates and developments within that area, with specific reference to India. The volumes act both as introductions to sociology and social anthropology and as essential reference works for students, teachers, and researchers. This comprehensive and cross disciplinary reader on research methodology looks at the character of social research, fieldwork, ethnography, and survey research as well as the ethical and ideological issues involved in conducting research. With contributions from well-known ethnographers and social scientists, the volume highlights the nature of social research and conceptualizes social reality and its dimensions. The essays emphasize the importance of both qualitative and q uantitative aspects of methodology and dwell on specific situations encountered while conducting fieldwork in India. This book, a prescribed text for B Sc Anthropology courses, will also be an indispensable read for students, teachers, and researchers across disciplines, particularly sociology, social anthropology, and other brances of social sciences.