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Category: Methods and Measures

Description: Online Readings in Research Methods (ORIM) ORIM is a peer reviewed, open access applied research methods text published under the auspices of the Division for Research Methods at the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA). The chapters in ORIM are conceptualised as a combination of theoretical and application chapters written by experts in various research methods. Application chapters incorporate original research to illustrate the use of research methods in novel contexts. The Online Readings in Research Methods (ORIM) is an open-source resource for all researchers, practitioners, educators, and students who have an interest in Social Science research methods, especially as they are adapted to Global South and/or African contexts. Author Guidelines and Submission Instructions Chapters can be theoretical or applied with the focus being on research or analytic methods to the extent that the chapter may be used as a teaching aid and/or be relevant to a research professional wanting to employ a specific technique. We also welcome chapters that focus primarily on the practical application of a particular method in developing contexts. As such, the chapter should focus on explaining the use of the method with regards to a particular research study or project. Theoretical chapter submissions need only cover description and critical interrogation of the research method. These are largely narrative accounts which describe a method or technique typical of those found in undergraduate textbooks but with the inclusion of some critical examination of the utility of the method in a South African, African and/or Global South context. Applied research chapters should present original research to illustrate and interrogate the use of the research method. All chapters should include discussion on ethical considerations within that specific context that would be relevant to people who might want to use the method. Chapters must be submitted via email to editor@socialsciencemethods.co.za. All submissions are peer reviewed by two experts in the field. ORIM employs a blind peer reviewing system. Chapter Structure Each chapter should begin with an introduction that provides the context to the method. This is to be followed by an outline of what the chapter will cover. Chapters should attempt to be a critical examination of the utility of the method in a South African, African and/or Global South context. Authors are requested to avoid limiting their information to sources from western, mainstream material and sources. It is possible that inconsistencies exist in terms of the method and its application across other contexts other than those mentioned above. These should also be discussed wherever applicable. It is important that each chapter consider ethical issues relating to the research and/or the method. Most importantly, the elements of the research that relate to ethics need to be clearly illustrated through references to collaborative partnership, social value, social justice, scientific validity, informed consent, fair selection, favourable risk-benefit ratio, independent ethical review, and ongoing respect for participants and study communities where appropriate. Each chapter is also required to have a concluding section that summarises the arguments made and provides some discussion on future developments for the method or technique, especially as these pertain to Global South and African issues. Authors are expected to write at a level understandable to end level undergraduate and postgraduate students and professionals with an interest in research methods. As with any multi-authored text, we expect the writing style to vary across chapters, and even within chapters. For this reason, we are reserving the right to edit the chapters for consistency in tone and style. Brief biographies (approximately 200 words) for each author on a chapter must be provided. Authors are also encouraged to provide their ORCiD identities, Researchgate and Google Scholar links to increase the visibility of their work. Each chapter is to be between 5000-8000 words (including notes and references, approx. 20 -25 pages). Chapters should use Times New Roman, size 12 font and 1.5 line spacing. Articles submitted to ORIM must make use of the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th Edition guidelines for in-text references and for reference lists. There are no page fees or publication costs. All accepted chapters will be published online and will be open access.