A comprehensive book on for strengthening social science research by focusing on various dimensions of research methodology in social science covering key research concepts and tools like hypotheses in research, variables, measurement, inference, qualitative social science research methods sampling survey research design experimental and quasi-experimental research design scale and indexes data analysis and program evaluation and policy analysis. This books would like be of immensely useful for all those involved in social science research in Research institutes, Agricultural Univesities and other Development Organizations. Also this book would serve as ready reckoner for useful to the scientist’s policy makers student and other stakeholders engaged in social science research and rural development.
Letha Devi G, did her graduation in Agriculture from Kerala Agriculture University in 2001 and topped the university. She completed her Master’s in Dairy Extension from National Dairy Research Institute in 2004 and topped the university with Director’s Gold Medal. She completed her doctoral degree from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi in the discipline of Agricultural Extension in the year 2007. She is working as Senior Scientist under ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore. She did PG Diploma in Intellectual Property Right from IGNOU. New Delhi in 2013. She has published a number of research papers, and popular articles in various national and international journals of repute. She has published a number of book on various topics related to Agricultural and rural development.
P. Adhiguru, is presently serving as Principal Scientist (Agricultural Extension), Agricultural Extension Division, ICAR, PUSA, New Delhi-110012 India. His significant research project experience includes coordinating 39 ICAR-extramural research projects in Agricultural extension. He was visiting fellow in Iowa State University, USA and Centre for Biosafety Assessment, Technology and Sustainability (BATS), Switzerland. He is associated with International Collaborative programs with CGIAR Institutes and international Universities, including exchange programs. Also, involved providing inputs related to drafting MoUs for International organizations and for national and international agricultural policies. Also associated with projects like agricultural science and technology indicators (ASTI)” [ICAR-IFPRI], Sustainable rain fed agriculture –impact assessment of world bank sponsored watersheds [ICAR-IFPRI-ICRISAT-ODI-CRIDA-World Bank], also nodal officer for ICAR-CSISA collaborative project of CIMMYT on rice –wheat system productivity. The other projects include attracting and Retaining Youth in Agricultural dealing with agripreneurship, ICT mediated Agricultural Extension, Geometry of information flow in agriculture, Agricultural-based interventions for sustainable nutritional security, the upcoming of supermarkets in India: Implications for smallholders Perspectives of Agricultural Extension in India. He has also written policy papers research paper related to food security Nutritional security environmental sustainability Institutional innovation, ICT etc. he also represented ICAR in international Technical groups meetings of SAARC,ASEAN, etc. and also visited many countries in various capacities.
Niketha L, is presently working as Senior Research Fellow at national Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru under Farmer FIRST Project. Previously she worked at college of Agriculture Shimoga as Assistant Professor (Contract). She obtained B.Sc. (agri) from college of Agriculture Shimoga, M.Sc. (Agri. Extension education) from college of agriculture, Pune and Ph.D. for national Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. She was awarded with best paper presentation at college of Agriculture, Pune. She has published 14 research papers in National and International journals, a book, many article and a few book chapters.